The Veranda House Hotel Collection

Originally built in 1684 as the home for William Gayer, the first Nantucket representative in the General Court, the building that now houses The Veranda House has a rich history. In 1881, the Chapman family purchased the home, and over the years added the verandas to the property and opened it to friends and visitors, deeming it “The Veranda House.”

These days, The Veranda House retains the historic architecture of days gone, but the inside has been completely renovated in a modern style. The indoor lobby is decked out with plush furnishings and hip lighting. The dining area has fun patterned wallpaper and bistro-style furnishings -- plus outdoor seating. There is nothing remotely twee or stuffy about this historic inn -- a refreshing break from the majority of Nantucket hotels.

Located on a side street in downtown Nantucket, The Veranda House is walking distance to everything in the area -- shops, dining, nightlife, and local beaches -- which is good, because there isn't much parking to be had downtown, especially during the busy summer months.

Nantucket is an island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, next to Martha's Vineyard. While the Vineyard boasts some lovely homes, Nantucket's real estate puts it to shame. This is where the rich come to vacation, and the prices around town reflect that. Don't expect to run into the Hollywood crowd -- here it's more CEOs, politicians, and billionaire businessmen who have their second homes on the island. The atmosphere is relaxed, but polished at the same time.

Nantucket is about history and natural beauty. It features some of the highest concentration of Pre-Civil war structures and oldest operating windmill in U.S. You’ll find cobblestoned streets downtown (always fun to drive over), plenty of historic mansions converted into bed-and-breakfasts, and boutiques shilling expensive brand names. While the shopping and dining is fantastic, the beautiful beaches are probably the main allure. The southside beaches are key for surfers (Cisco is a local favorite), Madaket has phenomenal sunsets, Jetties is close to town and great for families, and Great Point Beach is accessible only by four-wheel drive.

There are a number of ferries to get to and from the island, but The Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis is the only way to bring a car across the water, although travelers are strongly discouraged from bringing their cars. During the summer, when the population swells from 10,000 to 50,000 people, finding parking can be next to impossible. It's easier to rent a car once you're on the island (plus, the ferry fee for cars can range from $120-$200 each way depending on the season).

• 14-minute drive to Nantucket Memorial Airport
• 5-minute walk to downtown
• 15-minute drive to Madaket
• 15-minute drive to Cisco Beach
• 20-minute drive to Sankaty Head Lighthouse (Siasconset, or 'Sconset, as it's known by the locals)
• 1-hour fast ferry ride to Hyannis, MA on Hy-Line ferry from downtown
• 2-hour and 15-minute ferry ride to Hyannis, MA on Steamship Authority ferry (the only one to carry cars to the island) from downtown

The building may be historic, but the rooms are definitely modern and chic. With Frette linens, rainfall showerheads, and hardwood floors, the decor at The Veranda House is that of a trendy boutique hotel. It’s different from what you will find in most Nantucket hotels, which tend to favor classic New England decor and Victorian style. The color scheme is clean, with combinations of blues and tans, or white with black and red. Because of the historic architecture, however, don’t be surprised by creaky floors and thin walls. Some rooms have their own patios, while others have access to the veranda -- which is not private.

• Free Wi-Fi
• Lather toiletries
• Frette linens
• Flat-screen TVs with DVD player
• Rainfall showerheads; claw-foot soaking tubs in some rooms, modern walk-in showers in others
• Air conditioning
• Some rooms have harbor views.
• Some rooms have private verandas; others access the shared veranda.

• Free continental breakfast served daily in the breakfast room or on the back patio during warmer months
• Beach concierge service available to arrange for transportation, towels, tote, sun umbrella, and picnic lunch
• Free Wi-Fi
• View Full List of Amenities