The Wauwinet Nantucket

Wauwinet impresses with pristine rooms, friendly staff, and tranquil beachfront location. Complimentary shuttle services and comfortable beds enhance the luxurious stay near Nantucket's bustling downtown.

My wife and I were eagerly looking forward to our stay at this luxury resort, but our excitement quickly turned to disappointment. We had booked what was advertised as a "superior room with a view" for $800 a night, only to find ourselves charged $1,200. This was not peak season, in fact the summer beach activities like Kayaks were no longer available for the season. But we were charged for peak season. As we made our way to the room, we were greeted by outdated furnishings, mismatched artwork, and a musty smell that the staff seemed to be attempting to mask with a ceiling fan running at full speed. The room was not only small but also decorated in a style that reminded me of my grandmother’s old cottage, complete with hand-me-down, hand-painted furniture. To add to the confusion, there was a "happy birthday" cupcake waiting for us. When we mentioned it wasn’t our birthday, we were told that our original room had been given to someone else who requested a change, leaving us with this cramped space. There was barely enough room to unpack our bags, and entering the bathroom required fully opening the door. The television was poorly mounted, with exposed wires, and its odd placement made it impossible to watch from the bed. The carpet had noticeable stains, and the bathroom mirror was hanging off the wall, desperately in need of caulking. The "superior view" consisted of two small windows that barely offered a glimpse of the dunes. When we inquired about a better room for the price we were charged, we were told the hotel was fully booked. On a positive note, the resort provided a nice car for us to use to explore the town, though it was a 20-minute drive, necessitating their shuttle service for trips back and forth. There are certainly better places to stay in town that offer more convenience. We also dined at Toppers, which is touted as one of the best restaurants on the island. Unfortunately, the décor felt stuffy and dated. The three-course meal started at $125 per person, but the portions were small and lacking in flavor. When my wife asked for a specific dressing on her salad, the rude waiter replied, "You should order something else," making for an uncomfortable dining experience. Fortunately, breakfast was enjoyable, and the servers were professional and courteous. We reached out to the manager, Shaun, to discuss our concerns about the room quality and the high charge. He indicated he would consider adjusting the bill but never followed up. What was supposed to be a special first-time vacation turned into a disappointing experience marked by poor customer service and unmet expectations. Just because you are paying a premium does not mean you will get it here, Beware.

My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on the island and stayed at the Wauwinet. First of all, the staff was amazing, so helpful and friendly they really made our stay that much more special. I can't say enough about how professional warm and accommodating the staff is. And a special thank you to Venosha for her exceptional care and assistance. We stayed in a cottage that was very nice and private, the hotel is very beautiful, with many interesting antique pieces throughout. We dined at "Toppers" and enjoyed a delicious gourmet meal. I would definitely recommend a stay at the Wauwinet and we would love to return to such a magical place.