TL;DR

Classic seaside: Historic, elegant Martha’s Vineyard hotel with enduring luxury.
Location: Edge of Edgartown, close to the lighthouse and town amenities.
Open year-round: Enjoy seasonal charm even in winter.
Legacy: 130 years of tradition in top-class hospitality.
Check prices here

This super-classic seaside resort is a Martha’s Vineyard stalwart, set on the edge of Edgartown spitting distance from the lighthouse.

Sure, we’re suckers for a hidden gem or a homey boutique B&B, but sometimes you just want to stay somewhere that feels both intimate and solidly, unarguably luxurious.

Harbor View Hotel is one of those. The turn-of-the-century building sits imperiously on a corner, very clearly the hallmark of local accommodation.

It’s one of a few that stays open all year, which is a huge plus. If you’re willing to brave the chill, winter on a New England island is an incomparable kind of beauty.

A 130-year tradition of top-class hospitality doesn’t hurt either. You’ll be joining a legacy of satisfied (and sophisticated) guests.

To top it off, the building has been recently renovated, expertly reconciling the historical with the comfortable.

The resort won’t change your perspective on the meaning of hoteliery, but between the sea, sand and the luxurious sheets, you’re definitely going to enjoy yourself.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 114 options including historic rooms, Roxana building, Cottage Suites, and Presidential Sky Wing.
Variety: Patios, balconies, sofa beds, and soaking tubs available in select accommodations.
Amenities: Luxurious linens, Bluetooth speakers, TVs, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines in all rooms.
Bathrooms: Bright tile, white marble, plush robes, and Molton Brown bath amenities.
See each room in detail here

The room decor is sweet, but nothing too exciting. There’s a lot of white, occasional concentrations of beige that approach Goop-level, but they’re saved by small pops of refreshing blues and lively reds.

And that’s not even a rule. There are many options for accommodation, each with a slightly different style.

There are a set of historic rooms, all recently refurbished, and wonderfully roomy for any hotel, let along one in a historic building.

The Roxana building is more modern, usually the best for families and those with accessibility concerns.

Cottage Suites are the spot for privacy and kitchen facilities, while the Presidential Sky Wing occupies the 4th floor and offers fantastic views in almost every room.

With such variety, you can find many different amenities like patios, balconies, sofa beds, and soaking tubs.

All accommodation will offer luxurious linens, Bluetooth speakers, TVs, mini fridges, and Nespresso machines.

Bathrooms are straightforward but comfortable, with bright tile, white marble, plush robes and Molton Brown bath amenities.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

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

Complimentary breakfast: Morning tea and coffee available on the Veranda.
Dining options: Bettini Restaurant, Behind the View cocktail lounge, and Roxy Pool Bar.
Seasonal pool: Frozen sangria in cabanas recommended during pool hours.
Activities: Fitness center, lawn games, yoga classes, and hotel bicycles available.

Complimentary morning tea and coffee is available on the Veranda, where you can watch the sea and greet the sun.

There are three different options for dining, from the posh Bettini Restaurant with its Italian-esque gourmets, the casual yet chic Behind the View cocktail lounge, and the Roxy Pool Bar.

Behind the View is open all day, offering a nice, classic breakfast and a small but well-curated selection of ‘Bar Bites.’

The Roxy Pool Bar brings a version of Behind the View’s menu to the seasonal heated pool. We highly recommend a frozen sangria in one of the Cabanas.

Note: restaurants have limited hours during the winter, so either make sure to visit over the weekend or plan a culinary tour or Edgartown (both great options!)

The more active types will enjoy the fitness center and a selection of lawn games you can enjoy in the expansive grounds of the hotel. Yoga classes are offered seasonally at no extra charge.

You’ll also have access to the hotel bicycles, the perfect option for getting around town, or even around the island.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Island access: Ferries, buses, ride-shares, and car rentals make travel easy.
Local attractions: Upscale Edgartown shops, art galleries, historical landmarks, parks, and beaches.
Nearby towns: Oak Bluffs for nightlife, Vineyard Haven for a low-key vibe, Menemsha Public Beach for romantic sunsets.
Biking: Beach Road and around the island accessible via bike rentals.

Martha’s Vineyard is not huge, and fairly easy to get around. Even if you’re not a big cyclist, the public transportation is reliable and there are car rentals, and ride-share services as well.

Edgartown is one of the three biggest towns, essentially the posh older sister of the island. The small boutiques offer excellent shopping, Main Street a cluster of art galleries, and there are a number of top-notch restaurants and cafés throughout town.

You’ll find a few historical spots and parks, and a small stretch of beach.

Mainland access is a ferry to Falmouth; you’ll want to head to Oak Bluffs to get to Woods Hole, Hyannis and Nantucket, unless you’re sailing private, in which case Cape Cod is actually your oyster.

Oak Bluffs is a little younger and more laid-back, so a good choice for a night of revelry.

To take full advantage of the superb nature and impeccable views, you’ll want to trip around the entire Island.

There are plenty of beaches, rocky shores, and windy seasides to explore.

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

Some things guests liked:

“Delightful hotel. Excellent service from everyone at the property. Thoughtful touches for decor, great Food, staff made the whole stay effortless for us. Really well trained hospitality team….”

“The breakfast options were more than adequate to meet anyone’s preference and /or dietary needs. The staff was exceptional in their greeting, conversation and attention to detail. Ivan from Montenegro and Keely from Stowe, Vermont were kind, professional and engaging. Dinner staff the same as well as pool staff. The podium staff recognized us after the first day, calling us by name, each time we entered the dining room. July 4 was exceptional!….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Price was a bit high for off-season….”

”The disconnect with the bar staff not bring able to serve drinks outside on the outdoor porch , citing not having a liquor license?! The staff did not keep the porch free of empty glasses and trash….”

Read all the reviews right here