Where to Stay on Martha’s Vineyard: 15 Best Hotels & Rentals
Martha’s Vineyard isn’t like other travel destinations when it comes to hotels. You won’t find Marriotts or Hiltons anywhere on this small, east coast island – but you will find plenty of boutique hotels and unique stays. Without the household names you know, a Martha’s Vineyard hotel guide is essential to helping you plan an unforgettable trip.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Match
Below, we break down exactly where to stay on Martha’s Vineyard with a curated list of the top hotels and rentals – from two girls who have spent years living on the island!
Harborview Hotel, Edgartown
Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard
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Where to Stay on Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluffs Harbor
Edgartown Lighthouse
Edgartown and Oak Bluffs offer the most places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard, and these two towns are the busiest during the summer months. On the other hand, the towns of Chilmark, Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah, and West Tisbury offer quieter, but equally beautiful accommodation options.
When deciding which town to stay in, it’s best to ask yourself what type of trip appeals most to you. Do you want a quieter stay surrounded by nature, with rolling farmland and secluded beaches? If so, you’ll want to stay in Vineyard Haven, Chilmark, or West Tisbury.
Alternatively, would you prefer to be in the center of a bustling New England town; shopping, dining, and watching the array of boats in the harbor at all times? If this is your type, you’ll want to stay in Edgartown or Oak Bluffs.
The two most popular towns on Martha’s Vineyard could not be more different – but which is better depends entirely on your interests. Both offer harbor views, delicious restaurants, and rich island history.
Oak Bluffs
However, Oak Bluffs is more touristy than Edgartown. Because the ferry docks in Oak Bluffs, this town sees more day trippers and foot traffic. Oak Bluffs has rich Black History and a unique community of 318 Gingerbread Cottages. This town also has the busiest nightlife.
Edgartown
Edgartown can be described as quaint and classic. Here you’ll find more fine dining options – so this is the place to stay if you want to get dressed up and walk to dinner each night. Edgartown is for you if you like high-end shops and colonial architecture.
Both towns embody the island of Martha’s Vineyard in their own unique way.
In short, you should spend at least 3 to 5 days on Martha’s Vineyard. This time frame allows you to explore the island’s charming towns, beautiful beaches, and various attractions at a comfortable pace, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable experience.
If you can, we recommend spending a week or more on the island. This way, you get to explore and relax, allowing yourself time to enjoy all that the island has to offer.
The best months to visit Martha’s Vineyard are from May to September. During this time the weather is pleasant, and most attractions and activities are open, offering a vibrant and enjoyable island experience.
Best Sustainable Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard
Lamberts Cove Inn
Lambert’s Cove Inn & Resort stands out as Martha’s Vineyard’s premier sustainable hotel. With a dedicated commitment to the environment, they employ a range of eco-friendly practices. The inn has recycling initiatives, energy-efficient lighting, non-toxic cleaning products, and reusable dining ware. Plus, the hotel encourages guests to participate in water conservation efforts. Lamberts Cove Inn sets a new standard for responsible hospitality on the island.
Lambert's Cove Inn
Lambert's Cove Inn
Beachfront Hotels on Martha’s Vineyard
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort
This resort is just a short 5 minute walk to popular South Beach, with big waves and crowds during the summer months. Enjoy the resort style pool and family-friendly atmosphere at one of the nicest hotels on the island.
The Harbor View Hotel
This hotel offers the best view of the Edgartown Lighthouse, one of the most photographable spots on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. You can swim from the lighthouse or walk out for a beautiful sunset. Fuller Street Beach is also just a 5 minute walk from this hotel, and it’s a quiet and residential spot to sit and read your book in the sand.
The Harborview Hotel
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Bed and Breakfasts on Martha’s Vineyard
Inkwell Beach House
Locally owned and located in Oak Bluffs, this classic Victorian beach cottage has a longstanding tradition of welcoming guests to the island. Enjoy daily breakfast on the porch at this self proclaimed haven for restoration.
The Richard:
Located downtown Edgartown, you can enjoy breakfast from this hotel before heading to explore the shops and cafes in town.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Centrally Located Hotels
Faraway Martha’s Vineyard
This brand new boutique hotel in Edgartown has certainly caught our attention! It’s impossible to miss as it’s located in the center of the action, just steps from the harbor front and the best restaurants in town. Guests can enjoy the exclusive pool and jacuzzi. Sip drinks from the onsite Pelican Club before you head out for your dinner reservation.
Summer Camp Hotel
This “camp” themed hotel invites guests to feel like a kid again with life-sized games, bunk beds, and bright touches. It’s across the street from Oak Bluffs Harbor and just a 2 minute walk to the bustling Circuit Avenue, the central street for Oak Bluffs shopping and dining.
@baggagegirls Martha’s Vineyard deserves more [and so did Betty] but if all you have is ~the 1~ day to explore this east coast island — here’s a travel itinerary for you 💌 Follow this Martha’s Vineyard day trip itinerary to see two of the most popular towns and make the most of your time 🫶🏼🐚🌊⚓️ ••• #marthasvineyard #eastcoast #marthasvineyardtrip #baggagegirls #traveltips #oakbluffs #edgartown #newenglandtravel #placestovisit #islands #capecod #massachusetts #CapCut
♬ cardigan - Taylor Swift
Budget hotels on Martha’s Vineyard
The Island Inn
Ideally located in Oak Bluffs, The Island Inn is walking distance to popular State Beach. This hotel stands out as the premier budget-friendly option with comfortable accommodation.
Narragansett Inn
This is the sister inn to Inkwell Beach House, and we love this family’s commitment to keeping hotels on the island personal and locally owned.
The Hob Knob Hotel, Edgartown
Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rentals
If you’re traveling to the island with a group, your best option is to book a vacation rental. Here are six of the best Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals, hand selected by us for a combination of style, prime location, and modern amenity.
Edgartown: Enjoy 2 beach homes for the price of 1 – sleeps 15
Edgartown: Modern Farmhouse With Pool And Carriage House – sleeps 14
Edgartown: Enjoy a sprawling deck and 3 private acres – sleeps 12
Edgartown: Stay downtown Edgartown with a private pool – sleeps 8
Vineyard Haven: Beautiful stay in Vineyard Haven – sleeps 8
Edgartown: Affordable Rental Cottage – sleeps 4
Whether you’re escaping for a girls weekend or spending a week on the island with the whole family, these vacation homes offer something for everyone.
Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard
Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard
Wrap It Up
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant town streets or the tranquil island shores, we hope this curated selection of accommodations helps you decide where to stay on Martha’s Vineyard. To reiterate, we recommend you start by deciding which town you want to stay in on the island. Then, select one of the above hotels or rentals that meets your needs.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling for this east coast island, a place where every corner holds a new adventure and each stay becomes a cherished memory.
For more Martha’s Vineyard travel tips, check out our full 2023 Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Guide.
xoxo,
Baggage girls
