The Blue Iris
Eclectic Portugese-Mediterranean art collector's estate. Intimate and residential, closer to a high-design B&B than a resort. Pattern-heavy, colorful, and genuinely distinctive for Nantucket.
Request a room away from the staircase — multiple guests mention noise carrying through the walls in rooms near high-traffic corridors.
Why It Matters
One of the only properties on Nantucket that fully abandons the coastal-nautical aesthetic in favor of Portuguese and Mediterranean design. Owned by Blue Flag Partners (also behind Faraway Nantucket), operated by Life House, and curated by an HD Awards-winning brand team. The fictional backstory — a 19th-century art patroness who lived next door to the real Florence Rand Lang, founder of Nantucket's art colonies — is surprisingly well-researched and executed.
A 12-room Greek Revival sea captain's estate in Nantucket's historic district, but don't expect the usual maritime stripes and rope accents. Blue Iris leans hard into Portuguese design and Mediterranean color — tufted bed frames in blue and white, Azulejo-style tile work, a custom Murano glass chandelier in the lobby, and collected art throughout. Out back there's a walled garden patio with a tiled Mediterranean fountain that becomes the social center of the property in summer.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe Suite
From USD179 / nightLarger suite with extra living space and the full Blue Iris design treatment — layered patterned textiles, rustic Mediterranean accents, antique wood details, and collected artwork. Some units reportedly include a stone fireplace and sofa.
Deluxe Suite ADA
From USD179 / nightAccessible deluxe suite with ADA compliance throughout. Larger footprint than the standard rooms, with the same ornate Portuguese-influenced design. Some suites open directly onto the courtyard garden.
Standard King
From USD135 / nightKing-bed room with the property's signature layered textiles and antique wood details. Guests who've received upgrades here note it's spacious and well-appointed. Same luxury amenity package as the Standard Queen.
KingStandard Queen
From USD129 / nightEntry-level room with the same Portuguese pattern-play and collected artwork as the rest of the property. Compact but thoughtfully furnished, with Diptyque Paris bath products, Revival New York linens, rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, espresso maker, and free WiFi.
QueenTwo Queen Suite
From USD195 / nightThe most spacious option, with two queen beds. Good for sharing but note that cribs and extra rollaway beds are not available at this property. Same eclectic design aesthetic throughout, with the full luxury amenity package.
Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel keeps four bicycles available for guest use at no charge. Nantucket is flat and compact enough that biking is genuinely the best way to get around — especially for the beaches and historic sites.
The hotel curates a selection of island-specific experiences rooted in Nantucket's nautical and arts culture: guided bike rides through the historic district, landscape painting sessions, and hands-on flower bouquet-crafting with local flora. Bookable through the hotel.
Each evening from 5–7pm, Blue Iris hosts a complimentary cocktail hour for guests. Drinks include house cocktails like the Noman's Land (Massachusetts dark rum). A good way to meet fellow guests in the garden patio or lobby lounge.
The Blue Iris accepts private event bookings — weddings, corporate retreats, celebrations. Inquiry-based. The full estate including garden patio and lobby lounge can be configured for intimate gatherings.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Property has ADA-compliant main entrance, ADA-compliant restroom, and accessible parking near the entrance. The Deluxe Suite ADA offers an accessible guest room option.
Indoor living-room-style lounge with vintage furniture, hand-painted wall details, a custom Murano glass chandelier, and a fireplace. Plush couches and a few tables. A cozy alternative to the garden patio on cooler evenings.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property including the garden patio. Speeds noted at 50+ Mbps.
Light continental breakfast served 8–10am in the breakfast room. Includes coffee, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, and occasional croissants. Options are limited — not a full hot breakfast.
All 12 rooms include an espresso maker.
The standout outdoor space — a walled courtyard with a Mediterranean tiled fountain, the hotel's namesake blue iris flower, a fire pit with lounge seating, cafe tables under a shade canopy, and lush landscaping. WiFi extends out here. The summertime social heart of the property.
There is no swimming pool on the property.
Daily housekeeping service is provided.
Staff will store luggage before room readiness and after checkout, allowing guests extra time to explore the island unencumbered.
The property has no private parking lot. Street parking on Hussey Street is limited and time-restricted. Walking, cycling, or rideshare recommended.
BUILD YOUR THE BLUE IRIS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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