Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites

An entire century ago, Thomas Henry Chirgwin built a luxury hotel and called it The Colonial Inn. The inn had all the modern amenities guests at the time might have wanted -- like electricity and indoor plumbing. Since its opening, the inn has counted a number of celebrities among its guests, such as Howard Hughes, John F. Kennedy Jr., Jacqueline Kennedy, and I.M. Pei.

Since Chirgwin’s death in 1940, the inn has changed hands multiple times and undergone many renovations, which included adding meal services, gaining a liquor license, operating a 500-person night club, and building a salon, fitness center and the Edgartown Residence Club.

In 2009, the inn was sold yet again to Vineyard Colonial Inn, LLC and renamed the Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Thanks to another round of renovations, the hotel now has a “beach chic” feel with lots of whites, browns, and cool blues decorating guest rooms, which is appropriate given its location right in downtown Edgartown near the waterfront. Given the prime location of this historic building near Main Street, noise can be an issue for street-facing rooms during the summer, when the shops and restaurants are open later to accommodate the hordes of seasonal visitors who descend upon the islands.

Located close to Main Street in the middle of the quaint Martha's Vineyard town of Edgartown, guests have quick access to shops, galleries, and restaurants. Plus, the harbor is a short walk away.

Martha's Vineyard is an island off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Long known as a place where politicians, celebrities, and wealthy elite go to summer vacation, Martha's Vineyard also draws a heavy crowd of coastal-loving tourists. During the summer, the population more than quadruples with visitors, but the rest of the year it's a quiet and relaxing coastal hideaway. Edgartown is the island's largest town and is a popular destination because of the many shops, galleries, and restaurants on Main Street. The movie "Jaws" was also filmed here.

For beautiful sunrises, head over to nearby Lighthouse Beach; for sunsets, South Beach in Katama is a popular destination. Catch the ferry into Oak Bluffs, a town known for its adorable gingerbread cottages, or into Vineyard Haven. Both towns offer plenty of cute shops, galleries, and restaurants, and are good jumping-off points for visiting the rest of the island. Chappaquiddick Island is just across the way (most famous for Ted Kennedy's infamous car accident).

On the west side of the island (a bit more remote than on the east), Menemsha is known as the spot for unbelievable sunsets along the harbor. The Gay Head Cliffs, and Gay Head Lighthouse, are also local points of interest.

Getting to Martha's Vineyard can only be done by ferry or air. Ferries run out of Woods Hole, Falmouth, New Bedford, Hyannis (all MA locations), and Quonset Point, RI into Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. If you want to bring a car to the island, you have to depart from Woods Hole, as the Steamship Authority is the only ferry that transports cars. Cape Air, US Airways and Jet Blue offer service into Martha's Vineyard Airport for those choosing to fly.

If you are staying in town or don't intend to do much traveling around the island, a car isn't necessary. The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority operates efficient buses that travel the island year round. And given the extreme lack of parking in town, a car can be a huge headache in the summer. Biking is another popular mode of transportation.

• 11-minute drive to Martha's Vineyard Airport
• 2-minute walk to Main Street with plenty of restaurants, shops, and galleries
• 7-minute walk to Lighthouse Beach
• 45-minute ferry ride to Woods Hole, Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven
• 30-minute drive to Menemsha Beach
• 20-minute drive to Vineyard Haven
• 15-minute drive to Oak Bluffs

Decorated in a modern coastal style with lots of whites, blues, and browns, the guest rooms and suites at Vineyard Square Hotel are comfortable with soft beds and modern bathrooms (although some tubs could use some minor refinishing). The more affordable rooms are on the small side, but as you go up in price, so does the square footage and luxury. For the ultimate in luxury, the pricey suites in the Edgartown Residence Club Wing (also available for “fractional ownership”), are hard to beat.

• Free Wi-Fi
• Flat-screen TVs
• Oliva bath products
• Air-conditioning
• iPod docks in most rooms
• Some rooms kitchenette, fireplace, and/or private balcony with harbor views
• Some suites are dog-friendly

• Sea Spa Salon, offering hair, nail, facial, waxing, and massage services
• The Eisenhauer Gallery is a renowned art gallery on-site, featuring work from artists around the world.
• Large fitness center with cardio and weight equipment (though it's not up-to-date)
• Beach cruisers and iPads available for guest use
• Afternoon tea and cookies available daily
• Dogs welcome (in specific suites)
• Free Wi-Fi
• View Full List of Amenities

Chesca’s is located just off the lobby and serves upscale comfort food, specializing in Italian and local island fare. Guests can dine here nightly in season (mid-April through Columbus Day weekend). There is also a full bar.

• Free basic continental buffet served daily in season