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Faraway Nantucket

From $395/night • Score: 4.7★ (780 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Nantucket has long maintained a reputation as an bastion of understated, shingle-style tradition—a Nantucket Red and weathered-cedar sanctuary where time seemingly slows down to the rhythm of bicycle bells and rolling fog. Yet, step off the cobblestones of Centre and Federal Streets, and you will find a seismic aesthetic shift. Faraway Nantucket arrives not as an interloper, but as a brilliant, multifaceted reimagining of the island’s storied past. Spanning a vibrant, interconnected compound of six distinct historic buildings, the property commands a prime footprint in the walkable core of downtown, effortlessly merging centuries-old architecture with a boldly unapologetic, bohemian spirit.

The journey begins the moment you approach the exterior. Rather than presenting a monolithic hotel facade, Faraway unfolds like a secret residential enclave. The property cleverly knits together a collection of heritage structures—including historic sea captains' homes—unifying them through a brilliant urban design strategy: a central, beautifully landscaped courtyard terrace. This sun-dappled outdoor living room serves as the beating heart of the compound, fringed by lush plantings, flickering fire pits, and intimate seating clusters that invite lingering over a morning espresso or an afternoon spritz. It is a masterclass in spatial choreography, offering an immediate sense of arrival that feels simultaneously exclusive and deeply welcoming.

Crossing the threshold, the interior design narrative takes flight. Crafted by the visionary minds at Electric Bowery, the aesthetic is an intoxicating, highly curated collision of 1920s maritime heritage and 1970s counterculture cool. Forget nautical clichés of rope knots and navy blue stripes; here, you will find a sensory feast of rich brass accents, tactile velvet textiles, terracotta tiles, and bespoke vintage furnishings. The public spaces hum with a kinetic energy, underscored by meticulously curated vinyl music playlists that drift softly through the halls. It is glamorous yet unpretentious, theatrical yet grounded in the historic fabric of Nantucket. Faraway does not merely occupy history; it remixes it for a modern, design-literate traveler.

The Room Experience

With 77 guest rooms and suites distributed across the compound's six historic buildings, no two accommodations at Faraway are exactly alike. This structural diversity is part of the property’s immense charm, though it requires returning guests to choose their quarters carefully based on personal preference. Historic footprints mean that architectural quirks—slanted floors, cozy eaves, and winding staircases—are celebrated rather than erased, imbuing each room with an authentic sense of place and narrative depth.

My quarters, located in one of the primary heritage houses, proved to be a masterclass in moody, bohemian luxury. The color palette draws inspiration from the shifting tones of the Atlantic and the warmth of a vintage-soaked den: deep olive greens, burnt siennas, and rich mustards play against crisp, high-thread-count white linens. Custom cane headboards and rattan accents nod to island traditions, while brass reading lamps and geometric-patterned rugs inject a mid-century modern gravitas. It is a space designed to be felt as much as seen, heavily reliant on tactile layers—velvet throw pillows, textured plaster walls, and rich woolen blankets that make retreating to your room after a long day of cycling feel like sinking into a warm bath.

Modern comforts are seamlessly woven into the vintage tapestry. Bathrooms are sanctuaries of sleek luxury, featuring walk-in rainfall showers encased in Crittall-style glass, custom brass fixtures, and an array of locally sourced, organic bath products that smell faintly of coastal pine and sea salt. Thoughtful tech integrations—such as discreet Marshall Bluetooth speakers, smart lighting controls, and ample USB ports—ensure that modern conveniences never disrupt the nostalgic illusion. Furthermore, the acoustic insulation is surprisingly effective; despite the hotel’s central downtown location and vibrant social scene, the rooms offer a serene, whisper-quiet cocoon once the door is firmly closed. Turndown service is a subtle, charming affair, often accompanied by local sweet treats that reinforce the property’s commitment to regional hospitality.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

Faraway Nantucket operates less like a traditional hotel and more like an exclusive private club for the culturally curious. At $395 a night—a relative value proposition in an island market notorious for astronomical room rates and fading Victorian decor—the property over-delivers on atmospheric capital. The crown jewel of the non-room amenities is undoubtedly the aforementioned central courtyard. By day, it is a sun-washed sanctuary where guests lounge on striped daybeds, thumbing through oversized art books or catching up on emails. By dusk, it transforms into an effervescent social parlor, illuminated by the warm amber glow of string lights and lanterns.

The service culture mirrors the design: polished, intuitive, and refreshingly devoid of stiff formality. The concierge team possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the island, steering guests away from tourist traps and toward private beach excursions, hidden surf spots, and exclusive gallery openings. Bicycles are readily available for guest use—an essential amenity given Nantucket’s extensive network of paved bike paths leading out to Sconset and Madaket. While Faraway does not feature a traditional indoor spa or a sprawling resort pool, its wellness offerings are thoughtfully curated, including in-room massage partnerships and wellness kits.

What truly sets the atmosphere apart, however, is the soundtrack and the crowd. The ambient vinyl music policy creates an unmistakable vibe that ripples through every corner of the compound. You are likely to rub shoulders with a diverse mix of creative directors, fashion insiders, and generational islanders who have embraced the property as their new downtown living room. It is chic, highly photogenic, and undeniably alive—a welcome antidote to the sleepy, sometimes stuffy formality that characterizes much of legacy Nantucket hospitality.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Dining and drinking at Faraway center around Sister Ship, the property’s vibrant anchor restaurant and cocktail lounge. Named as a nod to Nantucket’s seafaring heritage, Sister Ship is much more than a standard hotel dining room; it has quickly established itself as one of the premier culinary and social destinations in downtown Nantucket, drawing locals and travelers alike.

Beyond Sister Ship, the hotel's location places you at the epicenter of Nantucket’s nightlife. You are footsteps away from some of the island’s most iconic watering holes, historic pubs, and late-night spots. Yet, returning to Faraway at the end of the evening feels like retreating to the velvet-drenched VIP room of the entire downtown ecosystem. The energy is vibrant without being disruptive, ensuring you can participate in the island's social pulse or escape it entirely with equal ease.

Who This Stay Is For

Faraway Nantucket is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that is precisely its greatest strength. It is a hyper-targeted hospitality experience tailored for a specific breed of modern traveler.

Conversely, families seeking sprawling resort lawns, traditional beachside sprawling properties, or absolute, church-whisper quietude might be better served further out on the island, such as in Sconset or near Cisco Beach. Faraway is urban, energetic, and unapologetically cool.

Practical Travel Notes

A seamless stay at Faraway requires a bit of tactical planning, given its unique historic footprint and downtown setting.