Martha’s Vineyard Hotels

From tiny bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts to private rental cottages, accommodations run the gamut on Martha’s Vineyard. Wherever you decide to stay during your Martha’s Vineyard travel, it’s a good idea to book well in advance, especially in the high season.

Things to take into consideration when choosing lodging on the island:

• Can you walk from the ferry, or do you need a car?
• How close to the beaches do you want to be?
• If you stay in town, will late-night crowds bother you?
• If you don’t have a car, does the property offer a shuttle that takes you to towns and attractions?

We’ve included some of the island’s most well-regarded and family-friendly properties. The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce lists many more of the best Martha’s Vineyard hotels, as well as rental agencies. For more information, visit their Web site at www.mvy.com or call 800-505-4815.

Edgartown

Colonial Inn

A great place to stay with kids is the Martha’s Vineyard Colonial Inn in Edgartown. This inn, built in 1911, is super kid-friendly, with a library and games available for use. Children under 16 stay free in the same room as parents. It’s located just a couple of minutes from the Edgartown Harbor, so you don’t need a car if you stay there.

 

• Relax on the patio at the Colonial Inn in Edgartown.

Courtesy of the Colonial Inn

Some rooms have kitchenettes, so you can save on eating out. A deluxe complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea is offered to guests. Some of its famous guests include Howard Hughes, Jackie and John F. Kennedy, and I.M. Pei. Views from the inn are spectacular, so make sure to request a harborside room.

Colonial Inn, 38 North Water St. Tel. 800-627-4701. Room rates in the summer (June 19 to Aug. 29) start at $250. www.colonialinnmvy.com 

Harborside Inn

Another Martha’s Vineyard hotel just steps from the Edgartown Harbor is the 90-room Harborside Inn, which is actually made up of seven buildings, some of which were 19th century whaling captain homes. Kids will love that there is a heated pool, plus a sauna and whirlpool.

Rooms facing Edgartown Harbor have private verandas. Refrigerators in the rooms are handy for snacks or leftovers. The location can’t be beat. You can walk to any number of restaurants and shops.

Harborside Inn, 3 South Water St. Tel. 800-627-4009. Room rates in the summer (June 25 to Sept. 6) start at $210 with a two-night minimum requirement. www.theharborsideinn.com 

 

• Children are always welcome at the family-friendly Winnetu Oceanside Resort.

Courtesy of Winnetu Oceanside Resort

Winnetu Oceanside Resort

If you’re willing to stay a bit farther from town, the Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a wonderful property located at South Beach. The accommodations are all suites, ranging from studios up to four bedrooms. They all have kitchenettes, private decks or patios. You can opt for ocean, dune or pool-view accommodations.

In the summer, a free children’s program is offered, where kids 3 to 12 spend the mornings doing anything from swimming to going on beach treasure hunts to playing water volleyball. There are two pools, tennis courts, free yoga classes, a life-size outdoor chess board and free fire truck rides, among many other activities. The resort offers complimentary shuttle service to Edgartown, as well as a sunset water taxi cruise. You can rent bicycles or cars on the property. The resort also rents private homes.

Winnetu Oceanside Resort, 31 Dunes Road. Tel. 866-335-1133. Room rates in the summer (May 22 to Sept. 6) start at $230. www.winnetu.com

Next: Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Menemsha hotels