Brass Lantern Inn

Built in 1847, right after the 1846 fire that decimated the wooden buildings along this cobblestone street, the Brass Lantern Inn has been a guest house since the early 20th century. It comprises two buildings -- with the Main Inn housing rooms named for whaling ships that once set sail from Nantucket harbor, and a Garden Wing annex, whose rooms are named after the flowers blooming outside. From the front door, past an open white-painted staircase, the house opens into a cozy living room lounge with cushioned benches nestled into a window turret. Galleries by different photographers add even more local character to the common areas and hallways. Though most popular with couples, the inn allows kids (unlike some of its competitors), and pets are welcome in most rooms. 

Located on North Water Street in Nantucket's historic district, the Brass Lantern Inn is within walking distance of all the downtown area's shops, dining, nightlife, and local beaches. Driving is notoriously prohibitive on the crowded island, making this central location extremely convenient. The inn also has its own lot with free parking for those who plan on braving traffic on the narrow cobblestone streets. It's an 11-minute drive across the island to both Madaket or Cisco Beach, and a 12-minute drive to Nantucket Memorial Airport. Sankaty Head Lighthouse is 22 minutes away on the east end of the island. Expect a two-hour-and-15-minute ferry ride to Hyannis, Massachusetts on the Nantucket Ferry (the ferry terminal is a five-minute walk from the hotel).

The inn has 18 rooms split between the main building and a garden annex. Rooms in the Main Inn are individually decorated with a mix of antiques and exotic carpets, while Garden Wing rooms are done in a bright New England style with white wood furniture and dreamy blue accents. All have oval nameplates on their doors, handmade by a local scrimshaw artist. A few of the rooms are tiny, with just a small sitting area beside a four-poster bed and small flat-screen TV. Upgraded rooms add larger sitting areas with couches or sofa beds, while third-floor suites in the main building have vaulted ceilings with skylights. The private bathrooms vary in size, with either tile walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. 

The free continental breakfast is a cut above the average hotel offering, with locally made scones, muffins, and yogurt made by the inn. Coffee from a local roaster is available all day and there's an espresso machine. Afternoon tea comes with cookies baked on-site. Guests can take breakfast in an indoor dining room, or outside in the garden which has tables on a brick patio as well as wooden benches and loungers in a grassy yard. Free parking is a considerable perk, with street parking hard to come by during the peak summer season. The lot also has plenty of space for bikes. Wi-Fi is free throughout.