White Elephant
Nantucket, Massachusetts
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About the Hotel
On Nantucket, an island known for its casual elegance and understated luxury, sits the eclectic mix of cottages that make up the White Elephant. A landmark since the 1920â€(TM)s, the White Elephant commands views of Nantucketâ€(TM)s magnificent harbor and offers 53 light-filled guest rooms and suites, most with working fireplaces, and 11 garden cottages. Chic furniture adds the final touch, creating a homelike environment that represents graceful island living at its best.
Location
White Elephant
Easton St. (Box 359)
Nantucket, Massachusetts
02554
Nearest Airport: MVY
Features and Amenities
Reviews for White Elephant
Couldn't pay me to comeback
I was excited and very much looking forward to my stay at The White Elephant. For the rate I was paying, I most definitely expected for my vacation to be a treat. Upon arrival, I quickly learned that The White Elephant was anything but a treat. At check in, I encountered a very rude front desk staff. I had an issue with my nightly rate and instead of offering options I was told " I am not going to go back and forth with you.". My option was to stay and take it or leave and not be refunded by money. The majority of the staff I encountered were rude and unaccommodating.My interactions were short and but mostly not sweet. I was not asked what brought me to the island, if I had plans or if I needed recommendations. The unpleasant attitudes from the majority of the staff, kept me from even approaching the breakfast restaurant to avoid more sour moments. There was no customer service, the front desk staff saw me standing at the concierge desk waiting to be helped for about 15 minutes and could not be bothered to tell me that the concierge had left at 5pm. The housekeeper walked in while I was changing and instead of apologizing she said " JESUS" and asked if I was still going to need turn down service. From what I gather, there is a clique of Jamaican staff that are on the island for the season. I stayed in a garden cottage and was not impressed by the accommodations. The bathroom is tiny, the bedroom is overtaken by the large bed and the living room couch is uncomfortable. There were no drinks in the mini fridge. It is truly a shame that such a wonderful and beautiful island be tainted by such poor treatment of its guests. It is important to note that my stay was The second weekend in October, I cannot imagine the treatment during peak season while the island is packed. The silver lining is that my horrible experience at the White Elephant incentivized me to get out and see more of the island. The free shuttle drivers were the only pleasant members of the staff. Thank you, Clive for showing interest in my stay. I will definitely return to beautiful and charming Nantucket but will not return and will not recommend The White Elephant.
adrianasN975EF
An end of summer stay - perfection!
Catching the tail end of summer, two friends of mine and I spent a couple of nights at White Elephant and could easily see why it’s been named a premier place to stay on Nantucket. We arrived midday before the guaranteed check in so we left our belongings with the friendly bell staff, made ourselves coffee at the convenient and complimentary barista stand in the lobby, and browsed through the colorful gift shop. Next we relaxed on the plush lounge chairs on the lawn along the waterfront, which was spectacular. When our harbor view room was ready, we were blown away by how bright and spacious it was and with a balcony to boot. All of the elephant touches are adorable from the privacy sign to the door knockers to the elephant pillow on the bed. The location is perfect with town easily accessed on foot or with one of the hotel’s cruiser bikes. Dinner at Topper's at the Wauwinet, White Elephant's sister hotel, is also a must for the sunset, the Grand Award-winning wine list, delicious menu, and the service. I wish I had more time to spend though two nights made for a memorable trip at the most perfect property. (And the pillows and mattresses and turndown treats will always lure us back!)
madamoiselle_may - Aspen, Colorado
It's all about Expectations
It's Nantucket so this hotel is PRICEY - so I suppose I was a bit put off by the laissez faire attitude of the staff. Reception is like that of a Hampton Inn, both figuratively and literally ( here's the key - coffee is over by the kiosk - check out is 11 a.m. ). So if you want to plan any experiences on Nantucket, just google it and get it in the books before you get there. The concierge, once found, was luke-warm and seemed to have mentally checked out for the summer. This being said, our accommodations were lovely, clean and well appointed, though the exterior courtyard could benefit from some TLC. Housekeeping was efficient and timely and the doormen super helpful when needed. Location is great - near town but a few blocks removed from the heavily touristed area.
Melissa P - Lawrence, Kansas
Wonderful location and well appointed
Nicely renovated with attention to detail in a beautiful location. Some rooms with Harbor view are small but certainly adequate. We visited on LD weekend so it was predictably pricey. Restaurant has a gorgeous location and food was plentiful and good. Special mention goes to the front desk manager Mitchell Wade who was both efficient and friendly. Suggestion for improvement would be a proper spa with steam room and sauna.
Michael H - New York City, New York
Not worth the premium pricing
During my recent stay at the White Elephant, I couldn't help but reflect on my expectations. Despite the hotel's exceptional location, I found that the level of cleanliness, maintenance, and service did not align with the premium pricing. Furthermore, I overheard a few incidents of misplaced luggage and encountered guests expressing surprise at the high cost compared to other luxurious destinations. While I cherish Nantucket, I must admit that I may not be inclined to revisit this particular establishment.
Sprezzaturafl - NYC
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