Favorite Martha’s Vineyard Hotels

Over the past several decades, Martha’s Vineyard has become a summer playground for politicians (the Obamas and Clintons) and celebrities (is that Larry David?). But it also continues to be a destination for the rest of us. Ready for an island getaway and wondering where to find the best places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard? Read on for a selection of our favorite Martha’s Vineyard hotels, inns, and B&Bs.

Martha’s Vineyard Hotels: Edgartown

Harbor View Hotel

A sunrise over busy Edgartown Harbor and its charming lighthouse is quite a sight to be seen from the Harbor View Hotel’s large wraparound porch. The hotel occupies almost an entire block with its huge main building, dining areas, luxury cottages, and amenities such as the heated outdoor pool and gym. The Harbor View Hotel is just a short walk from the main streets of Edgartown, where you’ll find restaurants, galleries, and shops galore.

The Charlotte Inn

No detail is overlooked in this, Edgartown’s enclave of Edwardian stateliness. Framed with gardens, fountains, and sculpture, the inn’s interior is pure English country fantasy. Understated luxury pervades, from the library’s leather club chairs and pastoral oil paintings to the suites’ Frette linens and impeccable period furniture. If you ever manage to leave your room, the inn’s restaurant serves beautiful food (local lobster with saffron sherry sauce, for one) that’s as magical as the rest of the place.

Martha’s Vineyard Hotels: Vineyard Haven

Mansion House

Mansion House is conveniently located right at the end of Vineyard Haven’s lively Main Street, where restaurants and boutiques abound. Fantastic eateries and shops are just minutes away, as is the Vineyard Haven ferry. The inn’s rooms are clean and colorful, and some of them even feature balconies and fireplaces. Mansion House also boasts a spa and health club, making the decision to escape to the Vineyard for a weekend even easier.

Nobnocket Boutique Inn

Longtime Vineyard visitors will know that this hotel was formerly called the Doctor’s House B&B. But in January 2016, veteran inn owners Annabelle and Simon Hunton bought the property, and four months later they reopened the renovated the 108-year-old building under a new name, Nobnocket Boutique Inn. The new look includes a fresh palette of Vineyard-specific colors (blues, tans, and whites) and soaking tubs, while many of the old B&B charms (guest room fireplaces and delicious breakfasts) remain.

Vineyard Harbor Motel

Walk out of the courtyard of this 40-room motel and you’ll find yourself on a private beach. Every simply decorated room has a refrigerator, and several feature full kitchens. The Steamship Authority ferry dock is a 10-minute walk away, even if you’re rolling a suitcase. Plus, this was named a 2015 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Harborfront Motel.”

Martha’s Vineyard Hotels: Oak Bluffs

Summercamp

This longtime Vineyard favorite has been in continuous operation since 1879. Purchased by the Lark Hotel group in late 2015 and opened the following spring under its current name, this 95-room, five-story establishment has a beautiful boutique feel, with a palette of summery colors like yellow, teal, mint, and blue. Complimentary iPads are offered, and the game room is a must-visit for families.

Inkwell Beach House

Formerly known as Isabelle’s Beach House, Inkwell is now owned by Inkwell Haven Hospitality, a group that also owns the Narragansett House and Dunmere By the Sea. An easy walk from the ferry terminal, Isabelle’s sits across the street from Inkwell Beach. The rooms are cozy and the sunrise ocean view is unforgettable.

Dockside Inn

Pleasantly renovated in bright and airy Vineyard style, the Dockside’s 21 rooms are steps from the harbor and close to the gingerbread cottages of the camp meeting grounds.

Martha’s Vineyard Hotels: Aquinnah

Outermost Inn

Its location atop the beautiful Aquinnah cliffs gives the Outermost Inn unrivaled and uninterrupted views of the Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands. The rooms are spacious and — thanks to large windows and a colorful palette — bright and welcoming. The inn’s intimate restaurant gets rave reviews and, unsurprisingly, requires reservations made well in advance. In the summer, enjoy a breathtaking sunset while relaxing in an Adirondack chair on the inn’s private lawn.

Martha’s Vineyard Hotels: Menemsha

The Beach Plum Inn

What draws so many to this gorgeous little inn with just 11 rooms overlooking Menemsha Harbor on Martha’s Vineyard is what it doesn’t have. That would be cell service. Other highlights: private patios, cozy hammocks, country-French decor and a stunning destination restaurant.

Which Martha’s Vineyard hotels, inns, and B&Bs are your favorites?

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.

SEE MORE:
Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard | Coastal Weekend Getaways
Favorite Things to Do in Oak Bluffs
Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard Lighthouses | Photos

Ian Aldrich

Ian Aldrich is the executive editor at Yankee, where he has worked for more for two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

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