The Nantucket Hotel & Resort History

Our grand Nantucket Hotel has over 100 years of intriguing history behind it that we’d love to share with you.

Late in 1890, work began on “The Nantucket Hotel & Resort,” then called the “Point Breeze,” a new hotel close to the Nantucket Sound beaches. Among the islanders who watched the building rise from its foundation that fall were men and women who remembered the great Nantucket whaling industry days.

Just 50 years previously, Nantucket whaleboats had set out across the oceans returning, oftentimes after years at sea, laden with oil that helped light a pre-industrial world. However, by the mid-1800s, a cheaper, more abundant way of powering America’s homes and factories was discovered and Nantucket found that half its population had fled and, for the first time, that its warehouses and wharves had fallen silent.

However, Nantucket possessed a spirit and beauty unlike any other and it wasn’t long before summer visitors began disembarking from the steamers that now linked the Island to New England’s coastal towns. They came every year to admire her mansion-lined streets, historical sites, and pristine beaches. After decades of decline, Nantucket had discovered a new kind of business…tourism.

The Nantucket Hotel & Resort (The Nantucket) opened its doors in the summer of 1891 and, today, still embodies the spirit of that age. Early advertisements boasted of the hotel’s running water, gaslights, billiard halls, croquet lawns, sea views, and orchestra. Guests danced across the Hotel ballroom’s polished, wooden floors or reclined in rocking chairs on the verandah. The more adventurous guests even allowed themselves, in the words of a newspaper from that period, “the invigorating and delightful indulgence of sea bathing.”

Today, visitors are still drawn to Nantucket. They come to experience the Island’s charming streets, and to take in her seascapes and shifting Atlantic Ocean light. And, The Nantucket still stands…the last of the grand, old Nantucket hotels from the Island’s age of elegance.

In the summer of 2012, The Nantucket, re-opened its doors after the most extensive refurbishment in its history. The Hotel retains the authentic feel of its historic exterior – while inside – it embodies a completely new, casual-style atmosphere and 21st-century, family-friendly comforts. The Hotel’s new name pays tribute to the Point Breeze’s predecessor and neighbor, “The Nantucket,” which was the first grand hotel built on Nantucket in 1885.

With its two outdoor heated swimming pools, The Nantucket Club, Breeze restaurant, and Grand Ballroom, The Nantucket offers the all-suites’ accommodations and amenities that guests expect from a world-class hotel that is within close proximity to the beach and heart of Nantucket’s historic, old town. Welcome to “The Nantucket!”

The Nantucket on Instagram

𝗪𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠

What’s your favorite scoop shop on the island?
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𝗪𝗘’𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞

Breeze is back open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁: Daily, 7:30AM - 10AM
𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵: Thurs-Sat, 11:30AM - 2PM
𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿: Thurs-Sat, 5PM - 9PM
𝗕𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵: Sunday, 11:30AM - 2PM
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𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗜𝗡-𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡

Meet Hugh. He’s a part of our welcoming party at the front desk, but he’s also one of the best sidewalk historians on Nantucket. Ask him about his walking tours of historic downtown Nantucket.
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𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘’𝗦 𝗡𝗢 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧

If you’re feeling stir crazy with Breeze closed, we’re happy to share that we’ll be back open on March 10th (and looking better than ever…)
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𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗡𝗘

If you’re a regular, you might already know him. He’s been a familiar face at Breeze for more than 10 years.

Breeze is back open on March 10th. We’ll see you then.
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𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗣

We don’t show preference when it comes to guests checking in, except for our Pup & Play guests. They get an extra treat.

Tap the link in our bio to learn about our dog-friendly accommodation package..
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𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘…

Our pool will be open for April School Vacation.

Make your plans today and make a family getaway to the island this spring break.
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𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡

Maybe you’ve already met him. He’s our General Manager’s faithful pal, and a regular fixture of our lobby. Here he is soaking up some Caribbean sun at our sister resort in St. John, @lovangoresort.
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𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗩𝗬

We’re closed for the month of February, but @thenantucket.club is open so members can keep their fitness groove on.
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𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗬 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯

Looking forward to all the brides and grooms we get to celebrate with this year. Check out @thenantucketweddings for a look at how we like to get down!

📸: @lanecarolinephotography
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𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗜𝗥

Our Nantucket Romance package is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for any Nantucket-loving couple.
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𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗗, 𝗕𝗢𝗟𝗗 & 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗨𝗟

Nantucket always looks good. Even in the winter.

PC: @washashore_photography
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𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Make winter a little less dreary. Book a spring getaway to Nantucket and put sunny visions in your head, all winter long.
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𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗗𝗢𝗡’𝗧 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪, 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗗𝗢

We’re closed until March 10th to give the hotel a refresh and to catch up some projects and updates we’ve been planning. Breeze will be closed, but The Nantucket Club will remain open to members throughout the month.

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing #newenglandresort #igersnewengland
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𝗬𝗢𝗚𝗔-𝗡𝗔-𝗗𝗢 𝗜𝗧

New Year’s resolutions come and go, but The Nantucket Club is here to Nama-Stay!

2023 Winter Memberships are available now.

#ack #nantucket #newengland #nantucketing #resort #igersnewengland
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Join us in congratulating Carlos Castrello as he takes the helm as General Manager of The Nantucket Hotel!

Carlos, his wife Fulya, and their dog Easton have been familiar faces at the hotel and around the island for many years. With us from the very beginning, we’re excited for Carlos to start his next chapter with the hotel as we move into our second decade.

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing #newengland #newenglandresort #nantuckethotel
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𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦

From all of us to you.

PC: @nantucket30milesatsea

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing
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𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘

Plush robes and luxurious bedding awaits.

#ack #nantucketing #nantucket
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𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘…

…the most wonderful time of the year.

PC: @saltairenantucket

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing
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𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗭𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗬

Breeze bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast: daily 7:30 - 10:00 am
Brunch: Sunday 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Lunch: Wed. - Sat. 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner: Wed. - Sat. 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

#ack #nantucketing #nantucket
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𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧

Finish the year on the right foot. Sign up for a winter membership at The Nantucket Club.

#ack #nantucketing #nantucket
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𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗬…

The best weekend of the year is coming right up. #nantucketstroll

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing
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𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗡

The holidays are finally here. Tap the link in our bio to learn how we’re celebrating the season at The Nantucket Hotel this year.

📸: @nypicsdaily

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing #newengland #igersnewengland
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𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡

It’s still looking pretty golden

PC: @acklimate_info

#ack #nantucket #nantucketing #newengland #igersnewengland #newenglandresort
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𝗜𝗬𝗞𝗬𝗞

Our antique school bus is the most stylish way to get around town. #ifyouknowyouknow

#ack #nantucketing #nantucket #newengland #igersnewengland #resorts #newenglandresorts #littlegemresorts
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Welcome to The Nantucket!

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