The Wauwinet

The Wauwinet has an impeccable reputation but we were unfortunately quite underwhelmed with our experience. We stayed Oct 24-26 on the final weekend of the season, with the property closing down for the winter on our checkout day. While the property is lovely and so tranquil, we found the service to be greatly lacking and nowhere near 5 Star hospitality. Dining We dined at Topper’s for dinner on our first night, they had a limited menu given the “end of season” and we were so disappointed in the lobster roll and mushroom risotto. The lobster roll was truly sub-par, a handful claw meat without much flavor and the mushroom risotto tasted like a glorified Mac and cheese. We’ve had significantly better meals in Boston for half the price. We enjoyed breakfast at Topper’s both mornings and appreciated the coffee service and fresh croissants served for the early risers. Accommodations We were in a Bay View Queen and it was a lovely view, we enjoyed taking in the sunsets over the bay from our window. The bed was luxurious, comfortable mattress with divine Italian linens. Any hallway noise was easily heard which made the room less relaxing. Staff / Hospitality The front desk staff was not very welcoming and the one time I asked for something - a reusable water bottle replacement since housekeeping removed ours - they didn’t even deliver. We tried to order the complimentary popcorn and all of the service lines (front desk, concierge, room service) were busy on multiple occasions. While the 4-5pm complimentary port & cheese in the library was a nice touch, we couldn’t believe the staff didn’t refresh the cheese platter and it was nearly empty at 4:25 and stayed empty the entire hour. The final straw was the housekeeping staff loudly clanging and speaking outside our room at 7am on the final day. It really felt like our presence was an inconvenience and that they couldn’t wait for the guests to leave so they could close down the resort. A bright spot was the friendly, punctual and kind shuttle drivers. We enjoyed that amenity greatly and felt those drivers embodied the hospitality we would expect from a resort of this caliber. We do understand that it was nearly the offseason but that isn’t an excuse to phone it in when there are still paying guests enjoying the property, I would have expected more from a 5-star property with a five-diamond rated restaurant.

We read a previous review that stated that the Wauwinet was like staying at a wealthy friend's summer home. This is entirely accurate. My husband and I spent a few days here with another couple, and the entire experience was relaxing and fun. The inn and the grounds are lovely, the location away from the bustle of the village, and the staff attentive and cordial. The atmosphere is understated and casually elegant, no ostentation to be found here. The room was bright with natural light and well appointed, with thoughtful New England decor. My only small complaint was that the bathroom was tiny compared to the size of the room---however this was to be somewhat expected in this style of hotel. The food was excellent, and there were additional sweet and welcome touches such as hot apple cider at mid-day. port with cheese in the late afternoon, and complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries in the early morning. I have to give special compliments to the manager, who was present every day amongst the guests and was very hands on, friendly, and helpful. This time of year is a bit difficult on Nantucket( as we discovered on this trip), with many of the shops and restaurants already closed for the season---however even though the week we stayed at the Wauwinet was its last, there was not a bit of laxity in any of the amenities or attitudes of any of the employees of the inn. For this they are owed credit, as I imagine it to be very difficult to maintain top notch service when everything is winding down. All this being said, it was wonderful to be on the island with cool fall weather and no big crowds! We recommend it, as too do we highly recommend these accommodations!

Looking for a relaxing getaway to recharge without the hustle and bustle of downtown. The Wauwinet fit the mark perfectly and even more so. Picked up at the ferry and whisked about 25 minutes away to a secluded charming resort. Check in was a breeze, our luggage whisked away without worry. Our room was not yet ready so we changed into our bathing suits and relaxed in the most comfortable chaise lounges overlooking the bay. Ordered lunch and just chilled out, all our cares washed away immediately. Our room 101, was ground floor with an outdoor deck which overlooks the bay, unfortunately when sitting in the chaise lounges on the deck the hedges block the view but give tremendous privacy. Standing the bay is in full splendor. Would not change this. We also had access to the lawn right from our deck, thinking the best room for privacy. The bathroom was a bit tight but we managed. The bed was a dream, slept like a baby all night long. Only issue was the bed lights have this orange button that does not shut off, so if you need total darkness this could be an issue. We did bring it up on departure and they are aware not sure what can be done but certainly not a deal breaker for us. Cleanliness was top notch!!!!! Since it was our 40th anniversary, we were treated with chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne and lovely card, a great surprise!!!! The whole resort is fabulous from the complimentary bikes (next time we'll give it a go), the shuttle to town (frequent service so never a worry about catching it), the Wauwinet Lady boat to the White Elephant resort (great ride and lots of info from the captain), the boxed lunch for the beach, Topper's (high end restaurant on the island), complimentary use of the Mercedes (most definitely next time!!!!) and the best part having the bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side (in our opinion the best beach on Nantucket, secluded, gorgeous sand, walk for miles and hardly any people). As you can tell we had a fabulous time and are going to make it an annual tradition. 3 nights was just perfect to relax and recharge!!!! If you crave seclusion but still want to be able to enjoy downtown this is it.

Amazing. Favorite part was laying on the chairs Room wasn’t A++ but the views and serenity totally make up for it Would recommend

We had a great time at the Wauwinet! The rooms were spacious and beds were comfortable. The location was amazing. We enjoyed lounging in the chairs outside, enjoying the views and walking around the grounds. We took advantage of the shuttle into town and enjoyed some great meals at Toppers. Above all, the staff at the hotel make the experience. Everyone went above and beyond and made our stay wonderful. We did not want to leave! Highly recommend to anyone to get out of the downtown and experience a quieter side of the island.