TL;DR

Historic charm: Five connected buildings from 1800s–2010s.
Classic Nantucket: Shingles, clapboard, breezy porches everywhere.
Stylish interiors: Mix of antique details and modern chic.
Summer feel: Light, fun, and beautifully by the sea.
Check prices here

Variety is said to be the spice of life, and the collection of buildings that is the Faraway Hotel in Nantucket’s Downtown is another good example.

The hotel’s buildings hail from the 1800s to the 20-teens, and all are connected by a central courtyard. They have varying levels of historical prestige, and a pretty consistent charm.

The architectural flavor of New England is so strong on Nantucket, the five work together well. It’s clapboard, shingles, and breezy porches everywhere you look.

The interiors also do a fantastic job of melding the old and the new. Original historical touches sit near botanical wallpaper, antique lamps shed light on chic modern furniture.

One might expect a certain disjointed feel, but instead you find a feel of summer, a feel of fun, and an appreciation for ageless beauty that’s hard to argue with this close to the sea.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 58 rooms spread across historic houses.
Variety: Each room is different, sleeping two to six guests.
Cozy stays: Queen rooms are snug, some with shared bathrooms.
Suites & groups: Federal Suite, Quad Rooms, and family options.
Design: Bold prints, natural textiles, wooden accents.
Amenities: Bellino linens, bluetooth radios, TVs, curated mini-bars.
See each room in detail here

Rooms are spread throughout the property, with even more variety than the houses. As with any historical property, each one is just a little bit different.

They sleep anywhere from two to six, with Queen rooms that are pretty cozy and best for solo travelers. A couple have shared bathrooms, if that puts you off.

There are a variety of Suites that house two to four people, if you need a little extra space.

For groups, you’ll want to look to the whole-house Federal Suite, or the super-cute Quad Rooms, with deep turquoise bunks and brightly printed curtains that are both fun and somehow sophisticated.

There are a wide range of adorably elegant prints, soft natural textiles and rich wooden accents that make everything feel both inviting and meticulously arranged.

Indeed, all rooms walk the delicate line between twee and tasteful. You’ll find Bellino linens, bluetooth radios, TVs, and well-curated mini fridges and bars.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

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

Onsite dining: Sister Ship restaurant inside The Meeting House.
Cuisine: Mediterranean with Moroccan, Spanish, and Levantine flavors.
Seafood focus: Includes ceviche and Bahian-style fish stew.
Drinks: Spritz menu, craft beers, and extensive wine list.
Note: Restaurant closed Sundays and Mondays.

The Meeting House is home to the onsite restaurant, Sister Ship. It’s a chic Mediterranean spot with a truly lovely cocktail menu that’s simply made for sipping by the sea.

Food is heavy on the seafood, with flavors from Morocco, Spain, the Levant, and even a couple of inventive outliers like a Bahian-style fish stew and Peruvian Ceviche.

Drinks are subtle without being boring, with a section devoted to the Spritz, a selection of craft beers and an extensive wine list.

Note: the restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays, so if your travel falls at the beginning of the week, you’ll need to indulge in the Nantucket food scene – no great hardship, we assure you.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Central location: Right in downtown Nantucket, near ferry.
Plenty nearby: Surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.
Nightlife: Easy walk to lively spots after 11pm.
Nature & history: Walks to parks, beaches, and historic sites.
Getting around: Complimentary bikes and island shuttles.

Faraway is in the very center of Nantucket, a fifteen-minute walk from the Hyannis Ferry Terminal.

You’ll be surrounded by restaurant and cafés, all catering to people wanting to relax and enjoy the island’s extensive natural beauty. It’s also a great place for shopping at small boutiques and local galleries.

If you’re looking for nightlife, just walk off campus past 11pm and see what looks lively. If you want some relaxation, stay and enjoy the peace of the hotel.

There are plenty of activities in walking distance though, like a walk to Mill Hill Park, the Jethro Coffin House, or any of the beaches north and south of downtown.

If you have wheels (two or four – we recommend two, and the hotel has complimentary bikes), you can explore the island a bit. Even if you don’t, shuttles are accessible and easy to navigate.

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:

“Charming!! Fabulous boutique hotel in the heart of Nantucket….”

“There was no breakfast except delicious espresso/ lattes and amazing pastries for purchase in the lobby. ( off season) It’s very clean and very quality decor. Comfortable bed. Helpful staff and friendly. The restaurant with outdoor porch/courtyard seating is great summer scene. Adorable vibe. Super location in the heart of town. Walk from the ferry. Quintessential ACK charming and high end but small and cozy…..”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”We felt that some of midday staff could have been more client-forward….”

”The rooms are a little sparse. You must buy provisions in off-season as the restaurant isn’t open (at least on Sunday and Monday.) There is however a fridge in the room. Window AC and heat unit. Some rooms have shared bath. I opted for the fully private suite which was small but very clean and cute. (Waterworks bath fixtures and great textiles.)Super cute place but would love an in-room nespresso, charging for iPhone, and an extra blanket. Nice surprises of drinks in the little fridge though!….”

Read all the reviews right here