White Elephant Nantucket — Hotel in Nantucket

Booked a 3-night stay at the White Elephant July 28-31st 2024 for a belated birthday getaway for my husband. We stayed in the Harborside Hotel in a Harborview Room with King Bed Deck or Patio for $2195/night (not inclusive of additional taxes). The rate was offensive given the room size, amenities and service. Check-in felt like being processed, no warm smiles or inquiries about what brings us to Nantucket. We were able to access the room around 1p Sunday and found it sparsely appointed and lacking the amenities of a luxury hotel. There were two cans of still water in the mini fridge, no fresh fruit or treats to be found, dated stereo (not Bose or Bang & Olufsen bluetooth), nary a throw blanket to be found in the room, tiny bathroom i.e. the bathroom door and shower cannot open simultaneously or they knock each other, L'Occitane toiletries are installed in the shower wall for refills instead of the usual travel size bottles you'd expect at high end resorts. On the upside the pillows, mattress and sheets were quality. ||Sunday morning we dined at Brant Point Grill which offered a $75 per person open brunch menu (a la carte not being offered for brunch). The omelette station had someone standing next to a plugged in wok with bowls of all pre-cooked veggies and sides: pre-sauteed spinach, pre-sauteed onions, pre-cooked red peppers, etc so nothing added to the omelette besides the eggs and cheese was freshly cooked which was reflected in the taste. ||Sunday night we had a reservation at Straight Wharf. It was pouring when we left the hotel and there were no umbrellas to be found in our room. When we arrived the lobby no one opened the front door or offered an umbrella to get us to the car. We were told "the car is waiting outside" so we let ourselves out in to the pouring rain went to and from the car in the rain and arrived dinner soaking wet. As an aside, dinner at Straight Wharf was phenomenal and the highlight of our stay.||There is complimentary early risers coffee and breakfast snacks offered at Brant Point Grill from 7-10a daily and the coffee was hit or miss (my husband wakes early and would go at 7a and then again later for a refresh). Excellent morning coffee should be an essential staple at a luxury hotel. Sometimes it was ok other times we dumped it and walked to town for a fresh cup.||The fireplace in our room was in need of repair. It operated on a timer and it would shut off mid-timer and could not be relit. Monday night we asked someone to repair it and the tech who came to the room let us know the igniter needed to be replaced which would involve him taking the fireplace out of the wall something we decided to hold off on until the next day. The next morning we called and asked about the fireplace repair repeating what the technician told us that the ignitor needed to be replaced. We were told no problem it could be handled while we were out. We came back after 2 hours and turned the fireplace on and it again went out 15 minutes after turning it on and couldn't be turned on again. Clearly the report from the serviceman from Monday night didn't make it to whoever was in charge Tuesday morning and my stating that the ingnitor needed to be replaced fell on deaf ears.||We used the hotel bikes one day to bike to Downeyflake. The bike attendant appeared bothered that we needed assistance to get the bikes. My husband was given a bike with a deflated tire and when we asked for a new one the attendant was clearly off-put.||The vast majority of employees lacked the genial demeanor and competence (ex. providing an umbrella in a rain storm) expected at a resort with these prices. Katie at the concierge desk was lovely. She was the only employee I came across that provided assistance with a smile and seemed eager to provide service and give knowledgeable answers to any questions I had about beaches, biking, town etc. ||Overall service and amenities were far too lacking to justify the cost of our stay. The hotel needs a refresher course on hospitality. A fruit bowl and comfy throw blanket in the rooms wouldn't...

Our wedding celebration culminated in an unforgettable post-wedding brunch yacht cruise from Boston to Nantucket, where our guests indulged in an enchanting experience with the help of The White Elephant. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our exceptional wedding planner demonstrated unwavering expertise, deftly orchestrating a truly unforgettable experience in collaboration with the esteemed staff of The White Elephant. Through meticulous negotiation, she secured preferential rates and terms with remarkable expediency, solidifying the arrangements within a mere 12-hour window – a testament to her professionalism and The White Elephant's flexibility.

Upon arrival on Nantucket's picturesque shores, our guests were whisked away to Jetties Beach via luxury golf carts, courtesy of The White Elephant's impeccable staff. Soft sand, gentle waves, and refined amenities converged to create a serene haven. Under bright blue skies and perfect temperatures, our beachside retreat unfolded with elegance. Picnic-style setups, adorned with exquisite white orchids and handmade Nantucket baskets, were thoughtfully appointed with gourmet snacks crafted by The White Elephant's culinary team, personalized, monogrammed water bottles bearing our distinguished initials, plush pillows, cream colored umbrellas, and sumptuous blankets inviting relaxation. Softly scented SPF 30 coconut sunscreen was also provided. A private beach-side sound bath experience, led by renowned local Reiki expert Wendy Murrell, further enhanced the ambiance of refined tranquility. This hour-long, immersive journey promoted profound relaxation and balance. Following our guests' departure via private plane from Nantucket Memorial Airport, my husband and I savored an intimate sunset couples' photography session on picturesque Coskata Beach. Renowned photographer Mario Testino, secured through our wedding planner's expert connections, captured the essence of our newlywed bliss against Nantucket's breathtaking backdrop. Although Annie Leibovitz was initially unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, our wedding planner's expertise ensured a seamless transition. Mario's lens immortalized the magic of our newlywed moment. The White Elephant's staff demonstrated unwavering graciousness, earning accolades from Mario and our guests alike. Their hospitality and accommodation made our post-wedding celebration truly unforgettable. To this day, our wedding remains etched in the memories of our guests as a singularly special experience. We cherish the memories forged on that unforgettable day and extend our deepest gratitude to The White Elephant's exceptional staff. We eagerly anticipate our return for a private getaway, where we look forward to rekindling familiar connections and creating new ones. The White Elephant's dedication to excellence and attention to detail has left an indelible mark on our hearts. Their commitment to providing an extraordinary experience has set a new standard for luxury hospitality. As we reflect on our post-wedding celebration, we are reminded of the transformative power of love, family, and friendship. The White Elephant played a pivotal role in making our special day after truly unforgettable. We look forward to revisiting this enchanting haven, where every moment is a testament to the beauty of love, luxury, and unforgettable memories. Forever grateful,...

My family and I recently stayed at the White Elephant in Nantucket, and overall, it was a truly special experience. This hotel is absolutely beautiful, and it strikes a perfect balance between luxury and that classic, relaxed New England charm. It’s also very family-friendly, which was a huge plus for us traveling with kids. The rooms are gorgeous — spacious, clean, and decorated in a light, coastal style that makes you feel like you’re really on vacation. We stayed in one of the three-bedroom cottages for part of our trip, and it was honestly perfect. It felt like a private retreat with all the comfort of a full home, which is ideal when you’re traveling as a family. The food at the hotel was also excellent. Whether we were eating breakfast on the patio or grabbing something quick during the day, everything was fresh and thoughtfully prepared. One of the standout features is how easy the White Elephant makes it to enjoy the island. You can rent bikes and beach chairs directly from the property, which makes it super convenient to explore town, head to the beach, or just ride along the harbor. It really adds to the experience and makes you feel like you’re getting the full Nantucket lifestyle. The only downside — and the reason I’m not giving a fully perfect rating — is that the hotel wasn’t able to accommodate us in the same room for all four nights. So we had to move from a three-bedroom cottage to a much smaller one-bedroom cottage, which was a little tough with a family of four. The transition was smooth thanks to the staff, but it did take away from the relaxation and ease we were hoping for on a family trip. That said, the service was top-notch, and the staff truly went out of their way to be helpful and welcoming. They made everything else about our stay feel stress-free and enjoyable, and I can’t say enough about how kind and attentive everyone was. Even with the room switch, I would absolutely recommend the White Elephant to anyone visiting Nantucket — especially families. It’s a beautiful place to stay, with all the amenities you could want and a location that can’t be beat. Just try to confirm your room situation ahead of time if you’re planning a...