Summercamp Hotel
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Key Highlights
- ✓Summercamp boasts an "absolutely perfect" and highly desirable location in the heart of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.
Expert Review: Summercamp Hotel
Summercamp Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, offers a playful and nostalgic retreat designed to evoke the joy of childhood summers. Its vibrant decor, excellent location, and range of amenities consistently earn high praise from guests.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Summercamp Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "wonderful," "charming," and having a "fun vibe." It holds strong ratings, including a "Wonderful" 9.2 out of 10 based on 1,000 reviews on Expedia, and an "Excellent" 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com. Tablet Hotels also reports a verified guest feedback score of 17.6 out of 20. The hotel successfully delivers on its concept of a modern, grown-up summer camp experience.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently love Summercamp's lively atmosphere and prime location. The design, crafted by Rachel Reider, is celebrated for its bright colors, graphic patterns, mid-century touches, and playful, nostalgic spirit, creating an "Instagram-friendly" environment.
Major highlights include:
- Location: Directly facing the harbor in Oak Bluffs, offering oceanfront views and immediate access to the beach, ferry terminal, and downtown attractions.
- Design & Vibe: The hotel successfully captures a "laid-back feel" with its whimsical, retro, and rustic decor. The spacious and inviting lobby, with cozy seating, coastal books, and swinging chairs, is a particular favorite for relaxing and people-watching.
- Amenities: A popular game room features ping pong and Twister, while expansive verandas with rocking chairs provide a perfect spot to enjoy harbor views. Guests also appreciate the "Camp Canteen" for snacks and beverages, and the availability of free WiFi and iPads loaded with local information. The hotel also offers chair and umbrella rentals for the beach.
- Pet-Friendly: Summercamp welcomes dogs in designated rooms, making it a good option for travelers with four-legged companions (with specific policies regarding public indoor spaces).
3. Room Quality
The 95 guest rooms and suites at Summercamp are described as modern, bright, clean, and stylishly decorated with a fun, nautical theme.
Key features across various room types (including Queen, King, Deluxe, and Suites):
- Comfort: Plush beds with super-soft linens are frequently praised for their comfort.
- Technology: Rooms are equipped with smart TVs (40" or 43" LED) with Apple TV and Netflix, Tivoli Bluetooth radios, and convenient USB charging outlets.
- Amenities: Standard amenities include climate control (individually-controlled AC and heat), mini-fridges (in some rooms), bathrobes, hair dryers, and Lather bath products. Suites and cottage suites also provide coffee makers.
- Design: The decor incorporates nautical-inspired elements and retro details, with some unique options like bunk beds or rope-suspended beds in certain suites.
While generally positive, some guests have noted that bathrooms in some rooms can be small, and some rooms may lack traditional closets, offering hanging racks instead.
4. Dining Experience
Summercamp Hotel does not feature a formal full-service restaurant. Instead, it offers the Camp Canteen located near reception, which provides round-the-clock light bites and snacks.
Offerings at the Camp Canteen include:
- Breakfast items: Bagels, muffins, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, and donuts.
- Snacks: Classic "camp" treats like Cracker Jacks and Dreamsicles.
- Beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, water stations (often complimentary), and sodas.
Guests appreciate the convenience of the Canteen for quick refreshments and breakfast, and many opt to explore the numerous fine and casual dining options available within walking distance in Oak Bluffs.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Summercamp Hotel consistently receive high marks from guests. Feedback frequently highlights the team's friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. The hotel maintains a 24-hour front desk and offers personalized concierge services, ensuring guests feel well-cared for and assisted with island activities and transfers. Staff are also on hand to assist with luggage, particularly in areas without elevators.
6. Location & Accessibility
Summercamp boasts an "absolutely perfect" and highly desirable location in the heart of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.
- Waterfront & Beach Access: It's located directly across from the harbor, offering oceanfront views, and is just steps away from the beach.
- Proximity to Attractions: Guests can easily walk to the Oak Bluffs Ferry Terminal (a 5-minute walk), Cottage Museum, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs Town Beach, Inkwell Beach, the iconic Gingerbread Cottages, various restaurants, and the vibrant downtown area.
- Transport: Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) is about a 15-minute drive away, and staff can arrange private transfers. The hotel encourages guests to leave their cars behind, as Oak Bluffs is easily explored by foot, bike, or the efficient public bus system.
- Accessibility Concerns: A significant point to note is that the main building of the hotel does not have an elevator, meaning most rooms are accessed by stairs. However, accessible rooms (including King Suites and Water View King Rooms) are available in the separate Overlook building, which has an elevator, and communal areas are wheelchair-adapted.
7. Value & Pricing
Pricing at Summercamp Hotel varies significantly by season and availability, with room rates generally ranging from $149 to $509 per night. While specific pricing for the Michelin Key selection isn't detailed, the hotel is seen as offering good value for its unique experience and prime location on Martha's Vineyard. Limited onsite parking is available for a fee of $50 per night, which some guests may find costly.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:
- No Elevator in Main Building: The lack of an elevator in the main hotel building can be an inconvenience for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Guests requiring an elevator are advised to specifically request a room in the Overlook building.
- Limited and Costly Parking: Onsite parking is scarce and comes with a significant daily fee of $50, leading to recommendations for guests to forgo bringing a car to the island.
- Small Bathrooms/Lack of Closets: Some guest reviews mention compact bathrooms and the absence of traditional closets in certain rooms, with hanging racks provided instead.
- No Formal Restaurant/Bar: While the Camp Canteen serves snacks, the absence of a full-service restaurant or bar on-site may be a minor drawback for some guests, though numerous dining options are nearby.
- Seasonal Operation: The hotel operates seasonally, typically opening from mid-May to October, which limits year-round access.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:
