Cliffside Beach Club

This charming beachfront hotel is quiet and romantic, a place where couples can relax, recharge, and celebrate special occasions like anniversaries. Children are welcome, and some larger accommodations even have bunk beds, but it’s geared more toward adults, and children have restricted pool hours. The lobby, like the rest of the complex, has a casual elegance and upscale rustic appeal. The hardwood ceiling is supported by large beams with several interesting chandeliers made of steel ovals and glass orbs. Mostly white furniture sits atop woven rugs and fine hardwood floors. Whimsical decorations and planters adorn the airy space. The front desk is made of distinctive dusty rose tile with wood arches above it. A brick fireplace is on the far side. Gray weathered wood and natural stone walls make up the exterior of the property giving it a classic Nantucket look. 

The Cliffside Beach Club is located on a private beach on the North Shore of Nantucket, a relaxed but ritzy island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. The hotel has a quiet and secluded setting, but the adjacent restaurant is the only nearby dining option -- it's about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Nantucket’s charming Downtown Historic District is a 15-minute walk away. Several ferries transport visitors to and from the island. The Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis is the only way to bring a car across the water, but portage fees are so high that it can be less expensive to rent a car on the island.

• 15-minute walk to downtown area (five-minute drive) 
• 11-minute drive to Madaket
• 15-minute drive to Nantucket Memorial Airport
• 15-minute drive to Cisco Beach
• 25-minute drive to Sankaty Head Lighthouse
• One-hour fast-ferry ride to Hyannis, on Hy-Line ferry from downtown
• Two-hour and 15-minute ferry ride to Hyannis, on Steamship Authority ferry (the only one that transports cars to the island) from downtown

Decor in the Cliffside's 27 rooms can vary, but all reflect a chic beach motif that's refined but not opulent. The Beach Club Room (Ocean View) we saw when we visited was renovated in 2015. It’s airy and bright with white walls, a sofa, and bedding that contrast nicely with the heated, dark gray soapstone floors. Arched ceilings with a light, natural finish, simple woven beige rugs, and a large dresser made of wood with a weathered gray finish add a rustic feel. Rich blue doors and fuchsia throw pillows add color. The bathroom is bright and mostly white as well, with a luxury-quality walk-in shower framed by clear glass doors and walls of natural stone and mortar. Its weathered-wood vanity has a black granite top and raised, white ceramic basin-style sink. Floors are made of the same soapstone used in the bedroom area. The bathroom is adequately sized but not large. 

Beach Club Rooms, which range from 275 to 350 square feet, have front and back entrances and private decks. The various multi-room Suites, Cottages, Residences, and the Cliffside's one Apartment range from 700 to 2,500 square feet and offer elegant touches such as marble vanities and spacious, marble-framed walk-in showers. They also come with fully equipped kitchens, and the Residences, which opened in 2013, have washers and dryers. Shades of white and gray are also used prominently in the decor. Standard amenities in all rooms include mini-fridges, electronic safes, robes, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. L’Occitane toiletries are provided as well. Many rooms overlook and are directly on the beach, but some have angled views or are positioned in more secluded spots away from the beach. 

The beautiful private beach, impressive fitness center, and pool area are the star features here. Guests get access to the Cliffside's private beach, where towels, umbrellas, and chairs are provided for no extra fee. Valet service and beach club showers are also provided at the beach, which local residents with club memberships can use as well. The pool area consists of a spacious main pool, a separate lap pool, and a large whirlpool. Daily adult-only hours are enforced at the fenced-in complex that has a travertine marble deck, lots of loungers and tables, and lush landscaping. The spa-like fitness center spans more than 3,000 square feet to include a wide range of cardio- and weight-training equipment, steam and sauna rooms, showers, and a yoga/Pilates studio, which local residents with club memberships can also use. Personal training and massage services can be arranged. A free continental breakfast is served daily, and Bob’s Bar serves cocktails and casual lunch and dinner from late June through Labor Day. Next door is the independently operated Galley Beach Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh local seafood paired with produce from its organic garden. It’s pricey but it gets rave reviews. Parking is free, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.