Review: White Elephant Nantucket

Nantucket's hotel scene has grown up quite a bit over the past few years, with exciting new boutique offerings (Faraway, Life House) making waves and drawing younger, more trend-setting travelers to the brahmin island than ever before. But the most tried-and-true hotel here is one of the oldest: the harborside White Elephant, a historic inn-and-cottages resort that masters classic New England chic whilst keeping up with the times. Case in point, the resort just celebrated its 100th birthday with a complete top-to-bottom renovation of the 54-key hotel and 11 on-site cottages, including a new artist-in-residency program and airy interiors paying homage to the island's basket-weaving and seafaring heritage. Cerulean textiles, brass elephant-head door knockers, wood-and-leather armchairs, and marble accents compliment the ocean and white caps just beyond your window (or spacious seating area and balcony, if you spring for a suite). The serene great lawn and Brant Point Grill make up perhaps the most spacious stretch of waterfront dining on the island—perfect for a hearty lobster-leaning breakfast, or a perfectly balanced cocktail and raw-bar spread if you're just visiting to take in the bobbing sail boats and passing ferries. And it's all mere steps (or a complimentary bike pedal, all of about three minutes) from all the cobblestones, climbing roses, and summer crowds in town—something that, on this historic and well-loved island, you really can't beat.