1/5

White Elephant Nantucket

Nantucket • Nantucket Waterfront • OVER THE TOP

avg. $2,341 / night

Includes $123 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Right on Nantucket Harbor's edge, where Easton Street meets the working waterfront, a collection of grey-shingled buildings arranged around a croquet lawn has served as the island's most coveted address since 1946. The White Elephant earned its name from the eccentric confidence of its original owner, Hettie Anderson, who gambled that a proper resort hotel could survive on an island then known mainly for summer fishing camps. That wager proved correct, and the property — now comprising around 54 rooms and suites across its main building and a cluster of harbor-facing cottages — remains the standard against which Nantucket hospitality measures itself. The interiors carry the atmosphere of a well-inherited summer house rather than a managed resort: cream walls trimmed with egg-and-dart borders, leather headboards with nailhead detailing, gas fireplaces framed by white-painted wood mantels, and framed black-and-white sailing photography that situates the rooms firmly in their nautical context. French doors open directly onto private balconies where wicker chairs face the marina, the water close enough that you can hear the rigging. The dining room, updated with Sputnik pendants in blackened steel and woven grass clerestory shades, introduces a lighter contemporary register without abandoning the coastal vernacular that the shingled massing outside establishes so completely. Teak chaise longues on the harbor lawn complete a picture that Nantucket's preservation codes have, fortunately, made almost impossible to alter.

Travel notes

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About

An island landmark, the iconic White Elephant, has been named among the finest luxury hotels on Nantucket Island for decades. Steeped in island charm, surrounded by the natural beauty of Nantucket's timeless surroundings, our waterfront resort has grown to include chic rooms with abundant natural light, spacious suites many with balconies and magnificent harbor views, garden cottages, luxurious residences and downtown lofts. Edging the harbor, White Elephant is steps from Children's Beach, the Brant Point Lighthouse, and Nantucket Town. Relax by the outdoor heated pool in a private cabana or hop on a bike and explore the area. Enjoy steaks and seafood, sip cocktails on the Harborside Lawn, or rejuvenate in our spa. Take in the sights of Nantucket Harbor and experience the beauty, serenity, and romantic nature of Nantucket Island.

Amenities

Free Parking

Restaurant

Internet

Room service

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Business center

Suites

Fitness center

White Elephant Nantucket Reviews

585 reviews

"We booked a last minute trip to Nantucket, and I cannot recommend this hotel enough! The location is perfect - walking distance from all the local shops and restaurants. The room was spacious and clean with a gorgeous view. Every single staff member was incredibly gracious and friendly. They have a local shuttle which takes you into town that was super helpful too - we loved our driver, Keneil! We had drinks at Brant Point Grill which was fantastic as well. I cannot wait to come back again!!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Sep 02, 2025

"We loved our stay at the White Elephant. The pre-arrival concierge was very helpful in answering our questions. The concierge at the hotel was very accommodating, providing transportation to our dinner reservations as needed and scheduling a taxi to the airport. We took the shuttle to Topper's one night and loved it. I would suggest making your own reservations beforehand. Most all things are walkable from the hotel. We stayed in a One Bedroom Residence and appreciated the extra space. The hotel's location, service, and amenities are the things that would bring us back to the White Elephant!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 28, 2025

"I was excited and very much looking forward to my stay at The White Elephant. For the rate I was paying, I most definitely expected for my vacation to be a treat. Upon arrival, I quickly learned that The White Elephant was anything but a treat. At check in, I encountered a very rude front desk staff. I had an issue with my nightly rate and instead of offering options I was told " I am not going to go back and forth with you.". My option was to stay and take it or leave and not be refunded by money. The majority of the staff I encountered were rude and unaccommodating.My interactions were short and but mostly not sweet. I was not asked what brought me to the island, if I had plans or if I needed recommendations. The unpleasant attitudes from the majority of the staff, kept me from even approaching the breakfast restaurant to avoid more sour moments. There was no customer service, the front desk staff saw me standing at the concierge desk waiting to be helped for about 15 minutes and could not be bothered to tell me that the concierge had left at 5pm. The housekeeper walked in while I was changing and instead of apologizing she said " JESUS" and asked if I was still going to need turn down service. From what I gather, there is a clique of Jamaican staff that are on the island for the season. I stayed in a garden cottage and was not impressed by the accommodations. The bathroom is tiny, the bedroom is overtaken by the large bed and the living room couch is uncomfortable. There were no drinks in the mini fridge. It is truly a shame that such a wonderful and beautiful island be tainted by such poor treatment of its guests. It is important to note that my stay was The second weekend in October, I cannot imagine the treatment during peak season while the island is packed. The silver lining is that my horrible experience at the White Elephant incentivized me to get out and see more of the island. The free shuttle drivers were the only pleasant members of the staff. Thank you, Clive for showing interest in my stay. I will definitely return to beautiful and charming Nantucket but will not return and will not recommend The White Elephant."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Oct 08, 2024

"Catching the tail end of summer, two friends of mine and I spent a couple of nights at White Elephant and could easily see why it’s been named a premier place to stay on Nantucket. We arrived midday before the guaranteed check in so we left our belongings with the friendly bell staff, made ourselves coffee at the convenient and complimentary barista stand in the lobby, and browsed through the colorful gift shop. Next we relaxed on the plush lounge chairs on the lawn along the waterfront, which was spectacular. When our harbor view room was ready, we were blown away by how bright and spacious it was and with a balcony to boot. All of the elephant touches are adorable from the privacy sign to the door knockers to the elephant pillow on the bed. The location is perfect with town easily accessed on foot or with one of the hotel’s cruiser bikes. Dinner at Topper's at the Wauwinet, White Elephant's sister hotel, is also a must for the sunset, the Grand Award-winning wine list, delicious menu, and the service. I wish I had more time to spend though two nights made for a memorable trip at the most perfect property. (And the pillows and mattresses and turndown treats will always lure us back!)"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Sep 18, 2024

"It's Nantucket so this hotel is PRICEY - so I suppose I was a bit put off by the laissez faire attitude of the staff. Reception is like that of a Hampton Inn, both figuratively and literally ( here's the key - coffee is over by the kiosk - check out is 11 a.m. ). So if you want to plan any experiences on Nantucket, just google it and get it in the books before you get there. The concierge, once found, was luke-warm and seemed to have mentally checked out for the summer. This being said, our accommodations were lovely, clean and well appointed, though the exterior courtyard could benefit from some TLC. Housekeeping was efficient and timely and the doormen super helpful when needed. Location is great - near town but a few blocks removed from the heavily touristed area."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Sep 07, 2024

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