The Blue Iris
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Hotel Details
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The Blue Iris · Nantucket, United States
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Expert Review: The Blue Iris
The Blue Iris, a Michelin Key Selected property in Nantucket, United States, offers a unique and intimate boutique hotel experience, distinguished by its distinctive design, prime location, and highly praised service.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for The Blue Iris is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful" and "excellent." It consistently receives high scores for cleanliness (9.4-9.6), comfort (9.7), and location (9.5), indicating a very satisfying guest experience. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further underscores its reputation for quality and a memorable stay.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud The Blue Iris for several key aspects:
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel, housed in a historic Greek Revivalist townhouse, boasts an eclectic design inspired by Portuguese art, Mediterranean aesthetics, and a former art collector's love for the serene seaside. This results in unique, art-filled interiors, a custom Murano chandelier in the lobby, and vibrant blue and white palettes.
- Location: Situated on picturesque Hussey Street, just off the bustling Centre Street, the hotel offers the best of both worlds: a quiet retreat yet within spitting distance of Nantucket's vibrant shopping, dining scene, and the waterfront.
- Amenities: A "secret garden patio" with a courtyard fountain and custom tiled fireplace provides a serene ambiance for relaxation. Complimentary breakfast and a daily happy hour are also noted amenities. Guests appreciate the provision of free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and luxurious Le Labo bath products. Beach towels and chairs are also available for loan, which is a significant plus for visitors.
3. Room Quality
The 12 rooms and suites at The Blue Iris are uniquely designed and described as comfortable and beautiful. Each room features collected artwork, Portuguese pattern-play, and antique wood details, all contributing to a whimsical and charming atmosphere. Beds are often highlighted for their comfort. Bathrooms are equipped with luxurious hinoki-scented Le Labo bath products and rainfall showerheads. Standard room amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable channels and espresso makers.
4. Dining Experience
The Blue Iris offers a complimentary breakfast each morning, though it is described as simple and sweet-leaning, with options like croissants, almond butter toast, parfaits, and coffee. While guests appreciate the quality of items like coffee and "amazing" breakfast offerings, some feedback suggests a desire for more variety, such as fresh baked muffins or additional fruit, beyond overnight oats or yogurt parfait. The hotel does not have a full-service restaurant on-site, but its central location means numerous dining options are just a short walk away. Sister Ship, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and cocktail club, is steps from Blue Iris, and hotel guests receive priority seating.
5. Service & Staff
Guest feedback consistently praises the staff and service at The Blue Iris, often rated highly for being friendly, helpful, and professional. Guests have specifically mentioned "lovely" staff and appreciation for welcoming gestures like a glass of wine upon arrival. The staff's hospitality contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Blue Iris boasts an excellent location at 10 Hussey Street in Nantucket Town's historic district. It is ideally situated on a quiet street, offering peace and relaxation while being just a few blocks from the waterfront and within easy walking distance of downtown's shops, restaurants, and attractions. Nearby points of interest include Nantucket United Methodist Church and Theatre Workshop of Nantucket, both within a 5-minute walk. The property is also wheelchair accessible. Nantucket Memorial Airport is approximately 2.9 miles away, an 8-minute drive.
7. Value & Pricing
Rates for The Blue Iris vary depending on room type and season, with prices observed ranging from approximately $248 for a standard room to over $2200 for larger suites. While specific feedback on "value for money" shows a score of 7.3, the overall high ratings and positive sentiment suggest that guests find the experience commensurate with the upscale pricing for a Michelin Key Selected property in Nantucket. It is considered an "upscale new option" for visitors.
8. Common Complaints
While generally highly rated, some recurring criticisms include:
- Noise Disturbances: A few guests have mentioned issues with noise, particularly in rooms located near the stairs, suggesting potential for improved sound insulation.
- Limited Breakfast Options: Although complimentary and appreciated, the breakfast selection is noted as being somewhat limited, primarily offering sweet options, which may not cater to all preferences.
- Room Amenities: The absence of certain room amenities, such as a minibar or snacks, has been noted by some guests.
- No On-site Pool or Gym: The hotel does not have an on-site swimming pool, hot tub, or gym.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While generally highly rated, some recurring criticisms include:
- •Noise Disturbances: A few guests have mentioned issues with noise, particularly in rooms located near the stairs, suggesting potential for improved sound insulation.
Google Reviews
39 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Elaina Greco
We had a fabulous stay at the Blue Iris and can't wait to come back soon! Check in was easy and the room was clean. The hotel is perfectly tucked away on a quiet street but still in walking distance to all the restaurants, bars and shops in town. We also were able to take a stroll down to Jetties Beach from the hotel. We enjoyed working on a puzzle in the lobby lounge before heading to an amazing ...
Response from the owner
Hi Elaina,<br><br>Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you had a fabulous stay at the Blue Iris and enjoyed our peaceful location just steps from town. It sounds like ...
Sheridan Camp Smith
The location is excellent. The price point is more affordable than many Nantucket options. The décor is cute, and the rooms are spacious and clean. I am a travel advisor and was really thinking I had found a hidden gem for my clients. I loved the room and location so much that I was looking for reasons to be positive about the hotel. Unfortunately, the downsides outweighed those positives. This w...
Response from the owner
Dear Sheridan,<br><br>Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review. We truly appreciate your kind words about our location, décor, and rooms, and we’re equall...
Sara Golon
This hotel is perfect for the location and the historic ambience. The staff was lovely and very attentive. We enjoyed them. The second room in the suite was not a room and shouldn’t be called that. It was a bit larger than a closet and didn’t have a dresser or mirror. It just had a tiny cot like “bed” meant for a toddler. Ultimately the second adult slept on the pull out couch and used the r...
Response from the owner
Hi Sara,<br>Thank you so much for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the location, the historic charm of the hotel, and that our team made you feel ...
Sara Gladu
Very quaint hotel with a historical feel and right in Town. We walked to shops in the morning. They gave us chairs and towels and we walked the 20-25 minutes to the beach every day. We walked to dinner at night. It was a nice to walk, everything was close, and we enjoyed the exercise. Heels are not recommended due to the cobblestone and lots of uneven ground and rocks. The staff was amazing. ...
Response from the owner
Hi Sara,<br><br>Thank you for your lovely review! We are proud of our historic hotel and it's unbeatable location. That being said, we agree that heels can make maneuvering Nantucket a bit difficult!<...
John Creech
We had a wonderful stay at Blue Iris. The rooms were beautifully decorated and had a welcoming, boutique feel. We really enjoyed the complimentary happy hour — a nice touch that made us feel at home. Breakfast was light but satisfying, with options like croissants and overnight oats. The location was also great — convenient and peaceful. The only downsides were noise and the lack of A/C in certa...
Kate Smith
Disappointing Experience at a Five-Star Hotel – Poor Service Overshadowed the Stay I typically expect a high standard of service when staying at a five-star property, but unfortunately, my experience at this hotel was far from what one would expect at such a level. The most glaring issue throughout the stay was the lack of basic customer service and professionalism from the staff. Upon arrival, ...
Response from the owner
Hi Kate,<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your experience fell short of the high standards you and we expect. Your comments abou...
Hyatt
