Martha’s Vineyard is a magical little island off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Martha’s Vineyard hotels range from the simple quiet of the Beach Plum Inn to the famous gingerbread cottages like that of the Attleboro House to the luxe accommodations available at the Harbor View Hotel. If you have never had the pleasure of traveling to Martha’s Vineyard, you may be familiar with the island without realizing it. The movie Jaws was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard in the early 1970’s. Things have obviously changed since then, but that same seaside village feel is still what draws people to the island year after year.
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Know Before You Go
Martha’s Vineyard is made up of six towns: Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Tisbury, West Tisbury, Aquinnah, and Chilmark. Within each town are little villages. So, for instance, when you take a ferry into the town of Tisbury, you dock in the village of Vineyard Haven. The locals separate the towns into two categories – Up Island and Down Island. Down Island refers to the busier, tourist-destination port towns of Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. Up Island refers to the western, more rural towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah.
Martha’s Vineyard can only be accessed by boat or plane, both of which run year-round. Flights are available from Boston’s Logan Airport daily, with seasonal service from a number of smaller airports in both Massachusetts and New York. Ferries run year-round from Woods Hole on Cape Cod. However, from May to October, ferries also depart from a few other ports in Massachusetts, as well as from a few ports in Rhode Island, New York, and Northern New Jersey.
Martha’s Vineyard Hotels
Although not an exhaustive list of accommodations on the island, here are some of the amazing Martha’s Vineyard Hotels perfect for a getaway to Martha’s Vineyard.
Tisbury
Mansion House
Originally established in 1791, The Mansion House is a hotel, spa and health club just a short walk from the ferry in Vineyard Haven. Watch sailboats and ferries from the cupola that offers a beautiful view of the harbor, or relax with a massage or facial in the full-service spa. Guests of the hotel have free use of the hotel’s health club that includes a gym, weight room, aquatic center, sauna, steam room, and classes like yoga and Pilates. Enjoy Martha’s Vineyard year-round from this beautiful island hotel.
Vineyard Harbor Motel
Within walking distance to the Vineyard Haven ferry, the Vineyard Harbor Motel offers a private beach and a great location from which to explore Martha’s Vineyard. The motel offers 40 guest rooms, apartments, and suites, with a number of rooms featuring full kitchens. The Vineyard Harbor Motel has affordable options for travelers both in and out of season.
Oak Bluffs
Summercamp Hotel
A longtime favorite among Martha’s Vineyard hotels, Summercamp is the largest ocean-front hotel on the island. Summercamp offers guests the chance to relive the glorious days of childhood summers with a nod to Oak Bluffs’ history as a summer camp destination for the Methodist Church. The hotel offers modern rooms and suites with expansive porches and balconies complete with rocking chairs that provide beautiful harbor views.
In true summer camp fashion, the Summercamp Hotel has a game room with ping pong, and a number of vintage games like Twister, a Camp Canteen that sells classic snacks like Cracker Jacks, Dreamsicles, and sodas. Guests can also check out complimentary iPads, on a first come, first served basis, fully loaded with a number of fun games and apps.
Martha’s Vineyard Resort
With only five guest rooms, Martha’s Vineyard Resort may feel more like a bed and breakfast than a resort. Continental Breakfast is served daily in the lobby. Guests enjoy complimentary use of the tennis courts and access to equipment. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the front porch or playing a friendly game of pool on the pool table in the lobby.
Pequot Hotel
Nestled among the historic gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, the Pequot Hotel has a cozy cottage feel to it. The hotel is one block from the beach, four blocks from the ferry, and an easy walk to the main street in town. Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, as well as iced tea, lemonade, and fresh baked cookies in the afternoons. On Sunday mornings, help yourself to a complimentary mimosa and enjoy it in while taking in the scenery in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch.
Dockside Inn
The Dockside Inn is a boutique hotel located along Oak Bluffs Harbor. The harbor-side location makes the inn a great place from which to explore Martha’s Vineyard. Guests can enjoy the hot tub, outdoor shower, and the beautiful harbor view from a lounge chair on the sun deck, or take advantage of the complimentary beach gear. Amenities include complimentary coffee and a snack bar complete with complimentary ice cream treats and fresh baked cookies each afternoon.
Madison Inn
The Madison Inn is a 16-room boutique hotel right across the street from the beautiful water of the Nantucket Sound. The inn is within walking distance from the Oak Bluffs Harbor and convenient to must-see Martha’s Vineyard sites such as the gingerbread-style cottages, the Flying Horses Carousel, and the East Chop Lighthouse.
Attleboro House
Originally built in 1874 and directly on Oak Bluffs Harbor, the Attleboro House is a quaint historic inn located among the famous gingerbread cottages of Martha’s Vineyard. This is one of the Martha’s Vineyard hotels that will submerge you in the historic, local feel of the island. Relax on the wraparound porch to enjoy the harbor and views of Nantucket Sound, or explore the local shops and restaurants that are only a short walk away.
Edgartown
The Harborside Inn
Located on the harbor in the heart of Edgartown, The Harborside Inn is a historic waterfront resort property comprised of seven buildings, many of which were originally 19th Century Whaling Captains’ homes. The inn offers 90 guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities including a heated waterfront pool and private docks. It also boasts a full-service salon and spa on site.
Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa
The Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa is a classic Gothic Revival inn that has been hosting visitors for nearly 100 years.The hotel prides itself in providing eco-friendly resort accommodations. Explore the island on one of Hob Knob’s exclusive excursions, treat yourself to a massage in the hotel’s spa, or simply relax on the covered porch and enjoy the sights.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Ranked #1 in best Martha’s Vineyard Hotels in U.S. News & World Report’s Best of 2019 Awards, Winnetu Oceanside Resort is the quintessential Martha’s Vineyard property. Open from April to October and located just 250 yards from the ocean, the resort offers a range of accommodations including studio rooms, one to four bedroom suites, cottages, townhouses, duplexes, and some private homes. The resort also boasts a complimentary children’s day program, two outdoor heated swimming pools, a tennis club, outdoor yoga classes, a fitness center, resort activities such as foosball and ping pong, and a shuttle service to downtown Edgartown. With so much to do, Winnetu is perfect for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic couples getaway.
The Sydney
The Sydney is a petite, chic boutique hotel located in the heart of Edgartown. It is comprised of two buildings – one the 19th Century home of a whale captain, and the other Edgartown’s newest hotel building. The original Captain’s House features eight rooms and the new building offers an additional 14 accommodations. Edgartown Harbor is one block away, and a short walk brings guests to Lighthouse Beach, which is home to one of five historic lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. The Sydney is also home to l’etoile, a fine dining restaurant that offers an inventive, seasonally-driven menu.
Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites
With comfortable, upscale hotel rooms and luxury suites Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites is located in the center of downtown Edgartown. Guests can enjoy amenities including a fitness center, a salon and day spa, a renowned art gallery, a coastal boutique, homemade continental breakfast available in season, afternoon treats, and complimentary bike use. Also on offer are beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as games and DVDs to keep you entertained at the hotel. Relaxed courtyard spaces, a rooftop area, and front porches are the perfect place to enjoy the sights of Edgartown.
The Charlotte Inn
The Charlotte Inn is tucked away on a quiet street in Edgartown, but still only a short walk to shops, restaurants, and the harbor. The Charlotte Inn’s sitting rooms, decorated with English antiques and fresh flowers, and private gardens makes the inn reminiscent of an English manor house. The library features leather club chairs and pastoral oil paintings. The inn’s four period buildings house 17 guest rooms and two spacious suites with working fireplaces. Each room is appointed with antique furnishings, oil paintings, and elegant turn-of-the-last-century accessories.
In addition, The Terrace restaurant at The Charlotte Inn offers fine dining with an innovative approach to classic American cuisine, highlighting regionally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The Charlotte Inn can be found on many of the favorites lists when it comes to Martha’s Vineyard hotels.
The Christopher
A unique place to stay, The Christopher is a boutique hotel with 15 bright, modern rooms that blend the casual chic of the French Caribbean with the New England charm of Martha’s Vineyard. Relax in the outdoor courtyard complete with fire pit, sit in the stylish guest lounge, and enjoy complimentary breakfast and afternoon treats. Guests receive a complimentary iPad at check in for use during their stay. A BYOB evening mixer bar livens up the spring, summer and fall evenings. One of the more unique options when it comes to Martha’s Vineyard hotels, The Christopher is fun and modern, yet has the island charm guests are seeking.
Kelley House
Kelley House offers guests a comfortable, relaxed seaside vibe. Open since 1742, Kelley House is one of the oldest hotels in America. Guests enjoy amenities such as morning coffee and house-made muffins, afternoon iced tea and snacks, and fresh-baked cookies with milk in the evenings.
Sit outside in the bistro patio atmosphere of Wave Bar. Enjoy New England clam chowder, a lobster roll, or the famous fish and chips next door at The Newes from America, named by Travel + Leisure as one of the best places to eat on Martha’s Vineyard. Stop in at the Myx Market for healthy options like cauliflower crusted pizza, mochi, salads, and smoothies. While you are there, this epicurean market also features fun and unique sundries in its eco-conscious convenience store.
Harbor View Hotel
A premiere hotel, the Harbor View Hotel’s accommodations consist of four distinctive designs: guest rooms, suites, cottages, and a brand new fourth-floor penthouse, the Presidential Skyhouse. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and daily hotel events. Enjoy the view of the harbor and its lighthouse from the Harbor View’s large wraparound porch. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Bettini, feature’s fresh seasonal offerings from local farms, fishing boats, foragers and markets. Enjoy the lively night scene at Harbor View’s Roxana Bar with small plates and craft cocktails.
Chilmark
Menemsha Inn and Cottages
The Menemsha Inn and Cottages features ocean and garden views in all of its 16 guest rooms, three separate cottage rentals, and six vacation rental homes. The 30-acre property is by the ocean and offers easy access to beaches, dining, and a variety of Martha’s Vineyard activities. Amenities include a fully-equipped fitness center, ping pong table, basketball court, horseshoes, morning yoga classes, and freshly-baked cookies and lemonade served daily in the lobby.
Beach Plum Inn
Another favorite among Martha’s Vineyard hotels, Beach Plum Inn is perched atop the Vineyard Sound and provides guests with a quiet respite. The inn’s 13 rooms offer simple accommodations with private patios, cozy hammocks, ND country-French decor. Menemsha Beach is within walking distance down a path winding past the inn’s chickens. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, tennis courts, a fitness center, kayaks, bike rentals, and help gather eggs from the chickens.
Aquinnah
Outermost Inn
The Outermost Inn offers beautiful views of the Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands from its location on the Gay Head cliffs of Aquinnah. The inn is surrounded by views of the ocean and some 20 acres of meadow and undeveloped landscape. The inn’s restaurant is a favorite and requires reservations well in advance. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a beautiful sunset from one of the Adirondack chairs spread out on the inn’s expansive lawn. The Outermost Inn may offer the best views of all the Martha’s Vineyard hotels.
Whether you are looking for a week long vacation or a quick romantic getaway for the weekend, Martha’s Vineyard has something for each type of traveler. Enjoy the serene and tranquil scenery while finding inviting and relaxing accommodations at one of these many available locations.
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