The Wauwinet
Old-money New England coastal. Classic 19th-century architecture with white clapboard, wicker chaise lounges on the bay lawn, and nautical accents throughout. Unhurried and genuinely quiet — this is not a party hotel. Caters to guests 12 and over.
Book direct for the best rates — the Hot Dates deal offers up to 15% off in spring and fall
Why It Matters
Nantucket's only Relais & Châteaux property, operating continuously since 1875. TOPPER'S restaurant is the island's sole AAA 5-Diamond dining experience and has held a Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1996. Named to the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and ranked #1 Best Nantucket Hotel by U.S. News. The setting — bay on one side, Atlantic on the other, wildlife refuge at the doorstep — is genuinely hard to replicate.
Open since 1875, The Wauwinet sits on a narrow strip of land at the northeastern end of Nantucket, with Nantucket Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It's the only Relais & Châteaux property on the island — 32 rooms, four named cottages, and the standalone Anchorage House, all spread across quietly manicured grounds about 10 miles from downtown. The whole place runs on deliberate slow time: private beaches, a library with a crackling fire, evening port and cheese, and TOPPER'S, which holds a Wine Spectator Grand Award and the island's only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant designation.
Where You'll Stay
13 room types available
Anchorage House
A standalone three-bedroom, three-bathroom private house across from the main inn on a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Sleek wood floors, Serena & Lily decor, a fireplace in the open living area, a full kitchen with cookware and raised eat-in bar, furnished deck, and shaded patio table on the lawn. All bedrooms and the living room have flat-screen TVs. Named to Elite Traveler's 2024 list of The World's Finest Suites. Comes with a private BMW for guests.
Multiple (3 bedrooms)
Bayview Room, Queen Bed
Second and third floor rooms with views of Nantucket Bay. The step up from garden-view rooms — you're paying for that water view and the sunsets that come with it.
QueenBayview Room, Queen Bed — ADA Accessible
Hand-stenciled finishes, 400-thread-count Italian linens, bay views, and a fully accessible bathroom with roll-in shower and grab bars. Lowered thermostat controls and light switches are built in.
QueenBeachplum — Cottage Suite
One-bedroom cottage set in a garden area across from the main inn. King bed, small living room, two shower-only bathrooms, and a furnished sundeck. The two-bathroom setup is an unusual and welcome quirk.
King
Coatue Suite
The best room in the main inn. First-floor suite with a sitting area, king bed, and French doors that open onto a private furnished sundeck facing Nantucket Bay. Ground-level access means no stairs — a real plus in a building without an elevator.
KingDeluxe Bayview Bedrooms
On the second floor with sprawling Nantucket Bay views. King beds, island-inspired decor. These are the premium main-inn rooms — worth it for the sunset show you get from the bay side.
KingGuest Bedroom, Queen Bed
Located on the second and third floors of the main Inn, these rooms overlook the garden at the front entrance. Furnished with custom pieces and 400-thread-count Italian linens. Good entry-level option — just know main inn rooms run on the snug side.
QueenGuest Bedroom, Two Twin Beds
Cozy rooms with two twin beds and Nantucket nautical-themed decor. Large window overlooks the inn's garden. Ideal for friends traveling together.
Two twinsHaulover — Cottage Suite
One-bedroom cottage with king bed, small living room with a full-size sofa bed, two shower-only bathrooms, and a furnished sundeck. The sofa bed makes this one of the more flexible options for a small group or family with one older kid.
KingIdlewild — Cottage Suite
The most popular of the cottages. A gas fireplace in the living room, separate king bedroom, spacious bathroom, and a porch or patio with outdoor seating. Great for a cozy, self-contained stay — and the fireplace is legitimately lovely on a cool Nantucket evening.
KingSuperior Bedrooms
First and second floor rooms with garden views, a king bed, and a dedicated sitting area. The extra space over standard rooms is noticeable — a solid choice if you plan on spending time in the room.
KingSuperior Two Queens
Second floor rooms with two queen beds and a sitting area — the go-to for families with older teens or friends sharing a room who both want a real bed.
Two queensWillet — Cottage Room
Located across from the main inn in a shared cottage. King bed, shower-only bathroom, and outdoor seating overlooking a landscaped courtyard. These are cottage rooms, not suites — no separate living area. But outside is a proper quiet patio.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site clay tennis courts available to guests.
Free bikes available to all guests for exploring the island's 30+ miles of paved bike trails. A guided ride to Siasconset ('Sconset) is a classic — about 5 miles each way with great scenery.
Seasonal cooking demonstration with TOPPER'S head chef Kyle Zachary. Available through the concierge.
Open-air 4x4 vehicle tour of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, run by The Trustees of the Reservations. Covers the barrier island dunes, maritime forest, and access to Great Point Lighthouse. Approximately 2–3 hours. Available via the hotel concierge.
Available seasonally (May–June and September–October). Ocean kayaks and paddleboards for use on the bay.
Croquet and bocce ball on the oceanfront lawn.
Seasonal lobstering cruise aboard the Wauwinet Lady with Captain Rob McMullen. Available in spring and fall (May–June and mid-September–October). Approximately 2 hours. One of the most popular activities on the property — books up fast.
Two private beaches on the property — one on Nantucket Bay, one on the Atlantic Ocean. Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas provided. The Atlantic-side beach in particular is long, largely uncrowded, and very walkable.
Summer evening s'mores on the beach. Available July and August.
A ride to the charming village of Siasconset in the hotel's vintage 1946 Ford Woody station wagon, led by Captain Rob McMullen. Seasonal — available in spring and fall only. About 2 hours.
Guided surfcasting fishing excursions to Great Point. Available in spring and fall. Approximately 3 hours.
20-passenger boat connecting The Wauwinet with White Elephant hotel in town. Runs late June through Labor Day, with commentary from Captain Rob McMullen. Can be taken for transport, sightseeing, or as part of a dining trip to TOPPER'S.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Provided complimentary at both private beaches.
A welcoming library with built-in bookshelves, comfortable sofas, and a fireplace. Early risers get complimentary coffee, tea, and baked goods in the morning. Evenings bring complimentary port and cheese — one of the most-mentioned touches by returning guests.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout rooms and common areas.
Complimentary movie rentals from the hotel library, served with hot buttered popcorn.
On-site fitness equipment available to guests.
In-room safe in all accommodations.
Member of the Amex FHR program. Relais & Châteaux Club 5C members can also earn and redeem points.
The Wauwinet explicitly charges no resort fees — a genuine rarity at this price point.
Full daily housekeeping service plus evening turndown in all rooms and cottages.
Pre-arrival concierge team contacts guests before arrival to arrange restaurant reservations, spa bookings, bicycle rentals, island excursions, and all other logistics.
Vehicle parking available on property.
Complimentary jitney shuttle runs hourly between the hotel and downtown Nantucket (approx. 10 miles / 20-minute ride), and to the Hy-Line ferry landing. Available from 9am to 11pm.
BUILD YOUR THE WAUWINET PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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