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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

New England, USA

Accommodation Types

Martha's Vineyard provides diverse lodging to fit different budgets and preferences. Options range from high-end resorts to budget-friendly motels and campgrounds.

Unique local accommodation types include many B&Bs set in beautifully preserved historic homes, offering a distinct local flavor and a glimpse into the island's past. While the iconic Gingerbread Cottages in Oak Bluffs are mostly private residences, some are available as vacation rentals.

Lodging Options Overview

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts: High-end amenities like pools, spas, and fine dining.
  • Boutique Hotels/Inns: Smaller, often historic properties with personalized service.
  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs): Intimate settings, often historic homes with breakfast included.
  • Motels: More budget-friendly, simpler amenities, often with parking.

Vacation Rentals

Homes, cottages, and apartments are available for weekly or longer stays. Good for families and groups. Book via VRBO, Airbnb, or local agencies like Sandpiper Realty.

Camping

Martha's Vineyard Family Campground in Oak Bluffs is the island's only campground. Offers tent and RV sites seasonally, a budget-friendly option.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Some properties focus on sustainability. Inquire about eco-friendly practices if this is a priority for your stay.

Neighborhood Guide

Down-Island Towns
  • Oak Bluffs: Energetic, good for families and nightlife, easily walkable, many restaurants. Can be crowded/noisy in summer.
  • Edgartown: Picturesque, sophisticated dining/shopping, access to South Beach. Higher prices.
  • Vineyard Haven: Main year-round port, local feel, convenient for ferry arrivals, quieter evenings.
Up-Island Towns
  • West Tisbury, Chilmark, Aquinnah: Rural, scenic, much quieter. Ideal for relaxation and nature exploration.
  • Requires a car or long bike rides to access. Limited public transport, few dining/shopping options.
  • Safety: All areas are generally very safe. Up-island areas are more remote, with spotty cellular service.

Booking Strategies

High Season

Book 6-12 months in advance for prime accommodation. Vehicle ferry reservations sell out 3-6 months ahead.

Shoulder Season

Book 3-6 months in advance for popular properties. Good options are reserved early.

Low Season

Book 1-3 months in advance. More flexibility and better rates. Some properties close for winter.

Booking Platforms

Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com for hotels. VRBO, Airbnb, local real estate agencies for rentals.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommended places to stay, categorized by budget and traveler type. Negotiation is not common for established properties; booking in advance is generally better.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Martha's Vineyard Family Campground (Oak Bluffs): Ideal for camping enthusiasts.
  • Attleboro House (Oak Bluffs): A basic, no-frills motel for simple stays.
  • Dockside Inn (Oak Bluffs): Another basic motel option, often conveniently located.
  • Vacation Rentals: Can be budget-friendly for groups in off-peak seasons.

Mid-Range Choices

  • Pequot Hotel (Oak Bluffs): A charming, historic inn with a good location near town and beaches.
  • Harbor House Inn (Edgartown): Comfortable rooms, a short walk from Edgartown center.
  • Mansion House Inn (Vineyard Haven): Reputable inn with comfortable rooms and amenities, near the ferry.
  • Many B&Bs fall into this range, offering personalized service.

Luxury & Family-Friendly

  • Harbor View Hotel (Edgartown): Iconic, upscale hotel with harbor views and full amenities.
  • The Charlotte Inn (Edgartown): Exquisite, refined inn offering a high-end, classic experience.
  • The Winnetu Oceanside Resort (Edgartown): Popular family-friendly resort near South Beach with pools.
  • Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Offers a Kids' Club, multiple pools, and shuttle service, catering to families.
  • Vacation Rentals: More space, separate bedrooms, and kitchen facilities, suitable for families.
  • Martha's Vineyard Family Campground: A budget-friendly camping option for families.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

Solo Traveler

Bed & Breakfasts: Often social, with shared breakfast areas for meeting others.

Long-Stay

Vacation rentals are ideal for stays longer than a week. Some inns or hotels may offer weekly rates in off-season.

Historical Significance

The Charlotte Inn and many B&Bs in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are in beautifully preserved historic buildings.

Accommodation Table Overview

This table summarizes various accommodation types with their pros, cons, and estimated peak season price ranges per night.

Hotels & B&Bs

  • Luxury Hotel/Resort: Full amenities, high service, prime locations. ($600 - $1500+)
  • Boutique Hotel/Inn: Charm, personalized service, good locations. ($350 - $700)
  • Bed & Breakfast (B&B): Local charm, homemade breakfast, intimate. ($250 - $550)
  • Motel: More budget-friendly, often includes parking, simple. ($150 - $300)

Rentals & Camping

  • Vacation Rental: Space, kitchen, privacy, good for groups/families, pet-friendly options. ($300 - $3000+ per night avg. For weekly rental)
  • Camping: Most budget-friendly, connection to nature. Only one option on the island. ($50 - $100)
  • Vacation Rentals often need minimum stays (often weekly in summer) and have cleaning fees.
  • Camping is weather-dependent due to open-air nature.

Booking Advice

Advance Booking

Prices are significantly higher in July and August. They moderate in shoulder seasons and are lowest in off-season.

Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season.

Trusted Platforms

Use Booking.com, Expedia for hotels, VRBO/Airbnb for rentals. Check local real estate agencies for higher-end options.

Direct booking sometimes offers better rates.

Policies

High season bookings often need significant non-refundable deposits and have strict cancellation policies.

Review policies carefully; travel insurance is recommended.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Season July-August
  • Highest prices for accommodation due to high demand.
  • Advance booking is critical to secure preferred properties.
  • All businesses are fully open and events are in full swing.
Off-Peak Seasons
  • Shoulder Seasons (May, June, Sept, Oct): Moderate prices, fewer crowds.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): Lowest prices, quietest time on the island.
  • Significant savings by traveling outside of summer months.

Important Booking Considerations

Deposits and Cancellations
  • Expect significant non-refundable deposits for high season bookings.
  • Strict cancellation policies are common (e.g., non-refundable within 60-90 days).
  • Always review the policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Avoid Last-Minute
  • Last-minute bookings are not a reliable strategy for finding good deals.
  • Properties, especially popular ones, are likely to be fully booked.
  • Prices will be at their highest for any remaining availability.

Traveler Type Considerations

Family Travel

  • Resorts with kid-friendly amenities like pools and activity clubs are ideal.
  • Vacation rentals offer space, separate bedrooms, and kitchen access for family convenience.
  • Proximity to VTA bus routes helps with family transport.
  • Easy access to bike paths and public beaches is a plus.

Solo Adventures

  • Bed & Breakfasts can offer a social atmosphere with shared breakfast areas.
  • Inns in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven provide easy access to public transport, shops, and activities.
  • Consider up-island stays for quiet reflection and nature exploration.
  • Look for properties with concierge services for local recommendations.

Romantic Getaways

Edgartown's luxury hotels and boutique inns offer elegant, sophisticated settings for couples.

Art & Culture Enthusiasts

Stay in Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs for easy access to galleries, theaters, and cultural events.

Nature Lovers

Up-island towns (West Tisbury, Chilmark, Aquinnah) provide tranquil access to farms, trails, and cliffs.

Long-Stay Considerations

Vacation Rentals
  • Ideal for stays longer than a week, offering a home-like environment.
  • Includes full kitchens and living areas, good for self-catering.
  • Some inns or hotels may offer weekly or monthly rates in the off-season.
Cost Savings & Integration
  • Longer stays often lead to better nightly rates, especially outside peak season.
  • A long stay allows for integration into the local community.
  • Consider renting a car for longer periods to fully explore the island at your own pace.

Helpful Tip for Booking

For the widest selection and best rates, book your accommodation for peak season at least 6-12 months in advance.

This early planning secures your preferred lodging amidst high demand.