Checking Into Nantucket's Breeziest Hotel
Cozy and cute in Nantucket. All photos courtesy of 76 Main.
76 Main
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Preppy 'n' cute; Affordable in low season, expensive in high season
The dreamiest way to visit preppy American beach towns is to stay with friends in their rambling, well-lived in, totally cozy old house. But let's say you don't have those preppy friends with empty guest rooms. The next best option on Nantucket is to check into 76 Main. The sweet, 20-room hotel is located (as you would guess from the name) amid the cobblestones on Main Street, convenient to downtown's shops and restaurants and museums. The hotel was designed to be as homey as possible, with overstuffed sofas, armchairs just waiting to be napped in, and bookshelves filled with Nantucket objects and nautical accents. The decor — a foundation in shades of white — is accented by a nautical palette of blue, white, and green stripes, florals, and geometric prints in the accent pillows, wallpapers, curtains, and carpets. The hotel lack many amenities (no gym or in-house restaurant), but can be very affordable if you can snag one of the low rates. If you're as easy-going as a summer breeze, you've found your hotel.
Book It
At a Glance
The Vibe: You've walked into a preppy catalog of a breezy, beachy good life.
Standout Detail: A toss-up between the lobby's facing sofas and the outdoor firepit, both inviting areas for making new friends.
This Place Is Perfect For: Low-maintenance travelers who want central and inexpensive access to Nantucket.
Rooms: The hotel's 20 rooms have recently been renovated and come in different sizes: deluxe kings, kings, queens, petite queens, junior and designer suites, and ADA rooms. Note that the main house is an historic building and does not have an elevator. As you can see in the photos, the decor is contemporary classic, heavy on the blues. If you really want to lean into the Nantucket prep vibe, book the vineyard vines suite, which includes touches from the local clothing label's founders.
On Site: The hotel doesn't have traditional amenities like a gym or a business center. Again, staying here is like staying in a home. That means bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. You'll go out for the rest.
Food + Drink: Breakfast — homemade sweet and savory baked goods, is complimentary, and snacks are served in the afternoon. The hotel does not have a restaurant, and drinks in the outdoor courtyard are BYOB, though they provide the mixers.
What to Do Nearby
76 Main's website has a great list of local attractions. Highlights include short or long walks around nearby farms and bluffs, trusty bike rentals, live music at The Chicken Box, takeout from Sayle's Seafood, and even a link to Fathom's guide to the best beaches on the island (hey, thanks!). For a deep dive into Nantucket history, stop by Whaling Museum and the Shipwreck Museum. The hotel can arrange experiences like a sunset cruise, an oyster farm tour, a farmer's market tour, and a portrait photography session (nice backdrop for a holiday photo).