| NLA Polices
The nearly 1,200 rooms available on Nantucket vary widely in style and price. Most of our rooms are in B&Bs and guest houses that are converted homes--many of them antique with period furnishings. They range in size from one or two rooms to as many as twenty and offer both private and shared baths. Full-service hotels offer restaurants serving three times daily; some hotels and inns offer only breakfast and dinner, or lunch and dinner, or only dinner. Only those establishments with licensed restaurants may serve full meals. B&Bs serve continental breakfasts, most with home-baked specialties. The properties described at this site are members of the Nantucket Lodging Association, all of which are licensed lodging establishments. Following the NLA entries are listings of additional lodging establishments as well as apartments, cottages, houses, rental agencies, and reservation services. Those listed in boldface are members of both the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce and the Nantucket Lodging Association. As such, they are licensed by the state of Massachusetts, and subject to state regulations and regular health inspections. RESERVATIONS: Early advance reservations will ensure confirmed accommodations, especially in the summer season. However, the island is almost never "sold out," and the unavailability of a car reservation should not be a deterrent to making either advance or last-minute room reservations. Always ascertain cancellation and refund policies when making a reservation. They are not subject to regulatory authority. RATES: Any double-occupancy, peak-season room rates of the lodging establishments at this site are subject to change. The rates listed are, for the most part, the peak-season, double-occupancy tariffs. Many lodging establishments offer off-season and mid-season package rates. Be sure to inquire about the rates as well as deposit and refund policies when you make your reservations. Note: Some listed rates include the off-season range. NOTE: Lodging establishments renting more than three rooms must be licensed by the Town of Nantucket, and must collect state (5.7%) and local (4%) room occupancy taxes, which total 9.7%. REMINDER: Camping is prohibited on Nantucket. A fine of not more than $200 will be levied against persons pitching a tent for the purpose of sleeping, or sleeping in the open or in any vehicle. DAILY VACANCIES: The Visitor Services and Information Bureau at 25 Federal Street (508/228-0925) maintains a list of rooms available each day, and walk-in visitors can usually be accommodated. It is not an advance-reservation service. Nantucket Visitor Services maintains a list of nightly availabilities posted outside after business hours. MINIMUM STAY: Many establishments have minimum-stay requirements, particularly for weekends and in the peak season, but some houses will accept one-night reservations in advance. Apartment, cottages, and houses may be available for a shorter term, but usually rent by the week or longer, depending on the season. DEPOSITS: Because of Nantucket's unique location 30 miles at sea, visitors usually make precise travel plan and reserve well in advance. Most of our wonderful inns, bed & breakfasts, and guest houses are intimate in size, with business that is highly seasonal. If a confirmed reservation is canceled, particularly on short notice, innkeepers cannot depend on drop-in business to book the room. Therefore (most) innkeepers must adhere to a formal cancellation policy. * For 3 nights or less, full pre-payment may be required at the time of booking. * For three nights or more, a 50% deposit may be required at the time of booking, balance on arrival. * Deposit (less 10% service) will usually be refunded if notice of cancellation is received at least 15 days before expected arrival. * On shorter notice, deposit (less 10% service fee) may be refunded if the room is rebooked for the entire cancellation period. NLA GROUP RESERVATION POLICY: Nantucket's lodging establishments often receive requests for weddings, reunions, anniversary celebrations, and groups traveling together. Since multiple rooms are being requested, often several months in advance, and are therefore, "off the market" for sale to other visitors, the NLA subscribes to a common practice of guaranteed, pre-paid, advance group reservations. This policy assures that rooms will not be left vacant or unpaid after other inquiries have been refused. To assure the advance group booking to both parties: * Full payment is required, with 30-day notice and a 10% cancellation fee to shorten or cancel reservation. * If cancellation is less than 30 days, the advance prepayment may be non-refundable. Check with the lodging establishment for its specific policy, which may vary depending on the date and ability to re-rent. * Group reservations may be subject to a service charge. * Always inquire about specific deposit/cancellation policies, fees, and taxes when booking a reservation. WEBSITES OF INTEREST: Nantucket Wine Festival -- May 17-20, 2001 |