TL;DR

Classic cottages: 1920s New England cottages transformed into luxury stays.
Historic charm: Weathered shingles meet modern upscale furnishings.
Iconic setting: Harbor-facing horseshoe design, carefully curated for decades.
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Based on a group of classic New England cottages built in the 1920s, White Elephant is now one of the oldest hotels on Nantucket, having been transformed into luxury accommodation back in 1960.

Perfectly weathered shingles add just a touch of historical charm to modern upscale furnishings, in a (no surprise there) blue and white color scheme that might be derivative if it wasn’t so classic.

From the matching deck chairs to the views towards the boatyard, every inch of this property has been carefully designed for decades.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 66 (hotel & cottages), 112 total
Accommodation variety: Harbor Hotel & Cottages, Downtown Lofts, Inn with Residences.
Guest comfort: Plush linens, Nespresso machines, climate control, TVs.
Bathrooms: Plush towels, cotton bathrobes, L’Occitane toiletries.
Extra space: Cottages with patios/decks; Residences and Lofts with kitchens and fireplaces.
See each room in detail here.

When you think of White Elephant, you’re likely thinking of the Harbor Hotel and its Cottages. They comprise the iconic shingled horseshoe looking towards the harbor.

There is other accommodation available, including Downtown Lofts closer to the city center, and an Inn with Residences nearby.

With such variety, it’s almost impossible not to find something that fits your needs. We’re partial to the main hotel, which is iconic, recently renovated and primed for a comfortable stay.

In the hotel there are Guestrooms and Suites, usually with one King bed, two Twins, and sofa beds in some Suites.

All include luscious linens, Nespresso machines, individual climate control, and TVs.

Bathrooms have plush towels and cotton bathrobes, with L’Occitane toiletries that look and feel luxurious.

Cottages do well for those who want some more space; most rooms have patios and/or decks for some outdoor leisure. The larger options have kitchen amenities as well.

If a kitchen is a necessity, the Residences or Downtown Lofts are well-equipped, many with the added luxury of fireplaces and an abundance of space.

In all accommodation, the decidedly nautical decor of the common areas is bypassed in favor of something more elegant.

Each residence offers a variation on white, cream and luxury accents like rich golds and deep reds.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Dining: Brant Point Grill, with terrace reopening in 2025 season.
Kid-friendly: Beach toys, board games, wagons, scavenger hunts.
Leisure: Seasonal pool with cabanas, cocktails, ice cream.
Wellness: Spa lobby, massages, facials, special treatments.
Exploration: Complimentary bikes and BMWs for island touring.

We know you likely came to see the island, and there’s plenty to keep entire families occupied in and around the hotel.

Dining takes the form of the Brant Point Grill, which will reopen its Terrace at the beginning of the 2025 season.

Even on the off season it is the place for all-day explorations into seafood, salmon-y breakfasts, and other New England classics.

Other amenities include a host of perks for kids like beach toys, board games, wagons, and even a scavenger hunt.

There’s a seasonal pool with cabanas, cocktails and ice cream offerings available poolside.

For ultimate relaxation, take to the sunny spa lobby, enjoying garden views and flavored water as you wait for top-notch treatments. Massages, facials and special treatments will allow you to truly enjoy your holiday.

Complimentary beach cruisers and courtesy bikes and BMWs allow you to explore the town and the island.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Central location: Overlooks Children’s Beach and Ferry Terminal.
Town access: Walk or complimentary drive to boutiques, galleries, cafés.
Nearby sights: Jethro Coffin House, beaches, local parks.
Exploration: Free parking, complimentary vehicles, ‘Sconset Bluff Walk.

White Elephant looks out on Children’s Beach and Nantucket’s Ferry Terminal, just a ten-minute walk away.

A short, complimentary drive or a relaxed walk will take you to the center, where you can check out small, local boutiques and numerous art galleries.

When you’re ready to sit down, there are plenty of excellent cafés and restaurants to enjoy. Nightlife is also easily accessible.

Within walking distance you’ll find parks, the historical Jethro Coffin House, and a number of beaches.

Enjoy free parking or complimentary vehicles to explore a little further out. There are scenic beaches on every side of Nantucket, and some lovely walks around ‘Sconset Bluff Walk in Siasconset.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“We absolutely loved the hotel. The room was spacious and decorated beautifully. The staff were all so friendly and helpful! We stayed at the Residences and loved being able to walk to town, to the Brandt Point Bar and beaches. We also loved having access to the bikes ….”

“The location was wonderful as were the details of service. The raffle for the BMW X7 was terrific. We won four hours and drove everywhere. The rooms were a real surprise. It feels more like a home than a hotel. The half bath along with a full bath was great for my wife to get ready…..”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Pool was too noisy with lots of kids… for such a pricey hotel they should have had an adult only pool…”

”Only challenge was on our first day there was group with many,many young children-made for noisy, somewhat hectic environment. Second day much better….”

Read all the reviews right here