Summary
The White Elephant Nantucket is one of the island’s most iconic hotels, and it just got a gorgeous renovation.
A “white elephant” is a treasure that the treasure-keeper is reluctant to give up. After staying at the White Elephant Nantucket, a classic waterfront resort on one of New England’s most beloved islands, it’s easy to understand how the property’s name came into being.
I visited over a rainy summer weekend, and even though the sun only occasionally peeked out, my beach escape didn’t feel spoiled at all. If anything, the gray skies helped me appreciate the hotel’s luxuries — proximity to town, delicious food and drinks, and rooms that feel like home.
White Elephant Nantucket
- The hotel is just blocks from the best bars, restaurants, and shops on Nantucket.
- It is also close to several beaches, has its own pool, and features an expansive lawn for lounging with a cocktail in the sun.
- The design is New England-chic, with lots of white linen, along with dozens of original artworks throughout the property.
- A can’t-miss experience: taking a boat from the White Elephant to its sibling property, The Wauwinet, for a decadent sunset dinner.
The idea for the hotel was dreamed up in the early 1920s by Nantucket socialite Elizabeth T. Ludwig, who wanted to create one of the island’s best places to stay. Over the years, as new buildings were added to the original rustic cottages, the property became known as “Mrs. Ludwig’s white elephant.” The modern incarnation took flight in the 1960s, and today, the White Elephant is the flagship property in a portfolio that includes two other Nantucket hotels — the Jared Coffin House, an elegant three-story mansion downtown, and The Wauwinet, a resort on the island’s northeastern shore.
This May, to celebrate the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort debuted a renovation of the 54-room and suite hotel and adjacent cottages, led by the Boston firm Elkus Manfredi Architects. New original art was installed throughout the rooms and hallways from the property’s artist-in-residency program, which launched in August 2022. The artists explored the island for two weeks and created works inspired by those experiences.
One of my favorite pieces is the specially commissioned large-scale painting by Orit Fuchs that hangs in the lobby, showing a woman in a rowboat, wearing nautical stripes, a straw hat, and the Nantucket red shorts for which the island is famous.
For the renovation, White Elephant also partnered with Arhaus, the home decor company, to refresh the property’s outdoor furniture and public spaces. Furthermore, much of the new decor is shoppable; the brands created embroidered throw blankets, available online and in the hotel’s shop, allowing guests to purchase White Elephant’s assortment of Arhaus furniture.
The Rooms
It’s all about choice at the White Elephant, which has multiple accommodations spread throughout the property. I stayed in the Inn, which has 20 rooms and suites (including a Penthouse Suite) and is close to the pool. My Harborview Suite featured a king-size bed, a separate living room with a fireplace, and an outdoor patio with a postcard-perfect view of the lawn and the harbor.
I appreciated the beachy decor (white linen, subtle stripes) that was both vibrant and inviting. Noteworthy pieces included a lobster claw painting over the couch and graphic buoy designs in the corridor. Additionally, thoughtful touches included a cozy Arhaus blanket, enhancing the room’s ambiance. Since the weather was not ideal for beach-going, I enjoyed reading in the spacious room and popping out during the breaks in the rain for quick strolls for ice cream or coffee.
The main hotel has 54 rooms and suites overlooking the harbor. Families might consider the 11 Garden Cottages, which range from one to three bedrooms and are tucked amid lush hydrangea gardens with shaded sitting areas.
Larger groups might want to opt for one of the 25 one-, two-, or three-bedroom Residences, functioning like private beach homes with full kitchens and washers/dryers. For those seeking to stay in downtown’s hub, one can check into one of the three-bedroom lofts at the Loft at 32 Main.
All accommodations are conveniently located within a few blocks of each other, along with the restaurant, pool, and beach.
Food and Drink
You’ve come to Nantucket, so indulging in seafood is an absolute must. In town, savor a lobster roll from Walter’s Deli or enjoy a cup of clam chowder.
For dinner, the White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill offers New England classics such as pan-seared halibut with little neck clams, white bean stew, and fried leeks, or opt for a seafood tower which features shrimp cocktail, oysters, king crab Louie, lobster tail, tuna poke, and smoked fish rillette (including a caviar service add-on).
I started with a refreshing White Elephant cocktail, blended with tequila, pineapple, coconut, lime, and Thai chili pepper. After a delicious burrata panzanella salad, I indulged in the lobster risotto.
At the pool, there is a casual menu offering smoothies, salads, paninis, and cocktails like frozen daiquiris. In-room dining options are also available for those who prefer dining in privacy.
One of the island’s best dining experiences is at The Wauwinet, located on the island’s northeastern side. At the White Elephant Nantucket, you can hop aboard the Wauwinet Lady, a 26-foot boat, for a scenic 45-minute ride over to Topper’s, The Wauwinet’s elegant restaurant.
On my last night on Nantucket, as the sun finally emerged, I headed to Topper’s for a memorable meal. I started with oysters, freshly harvested from the water right in front of the resort, followed by a lobster-and-crab gemelli with bottarga and citrus butter. After dinner, I enjoyed a glass of J. de Villebois Sancerre while lounging on the lawn chairs, witnessing the island’s stunning sunset.
Experiences and Amenities
At White Elephant, relaxation is at the forefront. The resort features a pool with cabanas, along with complimentary bikes for exploring the island. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available; however, if you arrive without a car, the property has partnered with BMW to offer complimentary rides within one mile.
The Spa provides massages, facials, and body treatments such as salt scrubs, algae wraps, and reflexology, and guests can also explore a boutique offering unique Nantucket souvenirs.
For a standout experience, the staff can arrange a yacht cruise with the island’s Barton & Gray Mariners Club.
Accessibility and Sustainability
The hotel employs eco-friendly practices, utilizing bamboo to-go packaging in the restaurants while avoiding single-use plastics in guest rooms. Moreover, White Elephant participates in a sustainable project that’s vital to the local community — Nantucket’s oyster shell recycling program. Due to climate change and decades of landfill disposal, shells have become a limited resource, crucial for baby oysters to complete their life cycle.
In 2014, the Nantucket Natural Resources Department established a shell recycling program, encouraging restaurants, bars, and events to save their empty oyster and clam shells for replacement in the water. Both Brant Point Grill and Topper’s participate in this initiative, as well as the Tap Room at the Jared Coffin House.
White Elephant hosts seven ADA-compliant guest rooms, featuring thoughtful inclusions such as room placards with alternative text, and 20 accessible parking spots. All entrances and doorways are designed for accessibility, and the property is equipped with fire alarms for guests with audio and visual impairments.
Family-friendly Offerings
Parents can breathe a sigh of relief: the White Elephant is within eyesight of a shallow beach with lifeguards. Additionally, it is one of the few in-town resorts with a pool, perfect for those who prefer not to venture into the ocean. Families can take advantage of complimentary beach toys, boogie boards, and Radio Flyer wagons for beach outings, with cribs and pack n’ plays available upon request. For unique experiences, the staff can arrange scavenger hunts around the island.
An essential Nantucket experience is the Whaling Museum, which educates visitors about the island’s historic industry. Kids will be fascinated by the 46-foot sperm whale skeleton — a true showstopper.
If young ones wish to take home a keepsake, the hotel’s shop offers children’s pajamas featuring a custom print of an ice cream cone and pairs of Murray’s Nantucket red shorts.
The Location
Recognized as one of the best hotels on the island of Nantucket, the White Elephant is located 30 miles off the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Many visitors arrive via ferry from the mainland, but the hotel is also a short 20-minute drive from Nantucket Memorial Airport, which offers seasonal flights from various airlines including American, Delta, JetBlue, United, and Tradewind Aviation from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), as well as Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), among others. Cape Air provides year-round service.
The White Elephant is conveniently located just a few blocks from downtown shops, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect choice for those wanting to explore without a car. Many nearby beaches are worth visiting: the closest is Children’s Beach, only a two-minute walk away, while Jettie’s Beach lies a few blocks north. Madaket Beach is renowned for its gorgeous sunsets, yet for a full day of sandy fun, venture further east to Sconset Beach, known for its uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean views.
Finding the Best Value
While summer is the most popular time to visit Nantucket, the months of September and October also present delightful beach weather. Winter, on the other hand, offers a cozy, less crowded experience on the island. During the low season, rates start at $375 for a guest room, $675 for a suite, $775 for a one-bedroom cottage, and $1,275 for two- and three-bedroom cottages.
