4 Martha's Vineyard Hotels

Harbor View Hotel

The Harbor View Hotel, established in 1891, is the staple Martha’s Vineyard Hotel. With its high-end clientele and old-world charm, The Harbor View Hotel is located in the heart of Edgartown and lends itself to great views, beaches, shopping, galleries and restaurants. The property has three main bespoke buildings that cater to one’s individual preferences and give a cozy but spacious feeling all at the same time. The Historic Building, with its more of a mahogany and brass décor, provides a warm glamorous feeling. The Roxanna (named after the owner, Bernard Chiu’s daughter) is the modern, sleek version of this property with its pops of color combined with glass and muted tones of blue and beige. And of course…. no visit would be complete without a stay in the Presidential Skyhouse wing. The Skyhouse building boasts three types of suite classifications with all the amenities and views that your imagination can muster. The Harbor View Hotel also has small cottages that are equipped with kitchens and living space above and beyond the standard hotel room. The property has an outdoor seasonal pool with cabanas, a Mercedes Drive Program, electric car charging stations, complimentary bicycles and a parking garage (one of not many on the island). During the summer months, there are on-going activities, a small fitness room and an active concierge who helps with all kinds of unique experiences. This Martha’s Vineyard hotel is well suited for couples, families and solo travelers looking to be in the center of all things Vineyard.

The Winnetu Oceanside Resort

As we continue along the Edgartown area, moving south to Katama Bay, we come to The Winnetu Oceanside Resort, a Little Gem Resort property. This Martha’s Vineyard Hotel is a blend of classic Cape Cod charm and contemporary luxury, hailing more of a beach club than a standard upscale hotel. It has complimentary wi-fi, private beach access and a complimentary shuttle, either car service or water taxi (highly recommended) to downtown Edgartown. The Winnetu is not in the downtown area; however, the activities that are provided (like Clambakes in the Summer! And trips to the neighboring island of Nantucket!) will be sure to keep you occupied during your stay. The property does have a Kids Club which runs from May to August. There is an outdoor pool, a fitness center, yoga classes and tennis courts. The accommodation is a combination of hotel rooms, cottages and private homes - if you are looking for a more exclusive and intimate feel. The accommodations are studios or 1-4-bedroom suites, which can comfortably manage a family. There is one restaurant on the property, The Dune, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a quintessential island retreat that is great for families large and small, a girls’ weekend or a group event like a family reunion.

The Charlotte Inn

As with many small islands, a centralized town is common. Here in the center of Edgartown lies another example of Cape Cod and the Islands luxury - The Charlotte Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property; steeped in timeless elegance, its meticulous attention to detail, antique furnishings, and lush gardens create an atmosphere of refined opulence. This Martha’s Vineyard hotel was restored to its full potential giving way to an old world, Edwardian style vibe where gold and mahogany rein. The Inn is within walking distance to shops, and restaurants. It has been recognized highly with many distinctions and awards, and was even on the list of “1000 things to do before you die”! The Inn has nine rooms; the accommodations come in Queen and King only, and has two suites, both with fireplaces and private entrances. The Terrace Restaurant is fine dining at its best and the world-renowned chef creates masterpieces that include locally sourced foods. There is complimentary wi-fi, newspapers and magazines, turndown service and concierge services. This Martha’s Vineyard hotel (or shall I say Inn) is best for couples or individual travelers who appreciate an elevated and intimate ambiance and are looking for that touch of class that only this property can provide.

The Nobnocket Inn

As we head just North of the Island to Vineyard Haven, The Nobnocket Inn is a Conde Nast Reader’s Choice 2022 Award winner and for good reason. This Martha’s Vineyard hotel is a Bed & Breakfast with contemporary, modern design and curated elements by some pretty famous designers. The Inn sits on 1.8 acres of quiet woodlands for wandering and contemplation. The exterior looks like a simple pristine farm house – the owners live on property which makes it feel like you are at someone’s treasured personal home; inviting, loving, and shared. The rooms come in four categories with Queen and King options only. The suites have full bathrooms and fireplaces. A stay at the Inn includes a complimentary breakfast served in the sunroom, in room or on the patio. This Martha’s Vineyard hotel has complimentary bikes, beach chairs and towels, wi-fi, complimentary airport pick up and drop off for solo travelers, yoga classes (in summer only) and in room massage services (booked in advance) that guests can take advantage of during their stay. The staff is always available to provide whatever your heart desires....including eco-tours and private fishing expeditions. The Nobnocket Inn, is a true Bed & Breakfast at the luxury level and would be best suited for couples and individuals wanting a peaceful Vineyard stay to rest, relax and recharge.

Martha’s Vineyard is absent of big box and brand name hotel properties, which gives way to myriad cute and cozy bed & breakfasts and small-town hotels— many with the luxury and pristine service one comes to expect on the Island itself. Martha’s Vineyard allows for a traveler to be as busy or as laid back as they want to be. The Vineyard is easy to get to; fly or ferry and offers a great day trip from the mainland, a weekend getaway or more! A car is typically not needed as the roads are narrow, there is limited parking and well… a lot of people mingling about. (especially during the Summer months.) Pro tip: Go after September, when Cape Cod and Islands' second summer sets in and the tourists have gone home.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New England, Massachusetts. In need of further inspiration? Check out Erica Charles' guide, The Perfect New England Getaway: 1 Week in Martha's Vineyard.