The Richard

The Richard, a Michelin Key Selected property in Martha's Vineyard, offers a refined boutique hotel experience, lauded for its sophisticated design, prime Edgartown location, and exceptional service. It's consistently praised for its modern aesthetics, departing from traditional nautical themes, and provides a tranquil retreat amidst the island's charm.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Richard enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, reflected in its selection by the Michelin Guide, which signifies a hotel offering "exceptional service, unique surroundings and a truly local experience". Guests frequently describe it as a chic and contemporary boutique hotel blending "timeless elegance and modern luxury". On platforms like Booking.com, it garners an "Excellent" rating of 8.9, with particularly high scores for staff (9.5), cleanliness (9.4), and location (9.3).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore The Richard's distinctive characteristics:

• Design: The hotel's interior showcases a "sleek monochrome look" with "stylish black, white and gray palette (with splashes of purple and green)" and "sculptural furnishings," purposefully avoiding traditional maritime decor for a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Location: Perfectly situated "in the heart of Edgartown" on a "leafy Main Street," the hotel is just a "short stroll from the coast" and "close to the harbor and lighthouse". Its central position allows guests to be "walking distance to town" and "everything".
• Amenities: The property boasts a lovely garden with day-beds and a fire pit, a comfortable lounge, and offers complimentary WiFi and concierge services. Guests also appreciate the "complimentary small-plates breakfast and afternoon treats," as well as in-room amenities like Smart TVs, waffle kimono robes, and Lather bath products.
• Service: While not always detailed in broad reviews, the Michelin Key status inherently points to exceptional service. Specific guest feedback highlights staff as "wonderful," "super friendly and helpful," and "very accommodating," with particular commendations for the manager, Ellen, and staff member Kaitlin.

3. Room Quality

The Richard features 16 thoughtfully designed rooms, including three suites, each blending "classic sophistication with modern amenities". The decor maintains the hotel's signature black, white, and gray palette, accented with flashes of purple and green, complemented by sculptural furniture and graphic prints. Rooms are equipped for comfort with plush bedding, linens, and pillows, along with modern conveniences such as 43-inch Smart TVs, high-speed WiFi, blackout shades, individually controlled air-conditioning, and in-room safes. Bathrooms typically feature walk-in rain showers. A variety of accommodations are available, including rooms with private balconies, spacious suites with separate living areas, and deluxe options offering courtyard access. The Lark Suite is a notable two-bedroom option.

4. Dining Experience

A "delicious healthy" and "terrific" tapas-style or "small-plates breakfast" is included in the rates, much to the delight of guests. This might include diverse offerings like omelets with local vegetables, mojito-infused melon balls, "piña colada" overnight oats, "everything" flatbreads, zucchini frittata, yogurt with watermelon and mint, and freshly baked mango-banana muffins or blueberry-lemon bread. The Richard operates as a bed and breakfast, encouraging guests to explore Edgartown's "excellent culinary offerings" for lunch and dinner, as the hotel does not have its own restaurant for these meals. There is also no bar on-site, making it a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) establishment.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at The Richard receives exceptionally high praise, reflected in a 9.5 rating for staff on Booking.com. Guests consistently report "wonderful" and "super friendly and helpful" interactions. Specific mentions highlight the manager, Ellen, for being "amazing" and "prompt," and staff member Kaitlin for being "great and very accommodating". Personalized concierge services are also available to enhance guest stays.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Richard boasts a prime location on Main Street in Edgartown, a charming area characterized by "white-picket fences" and a picturesque ambiance. It's conveniently "steps from Edgartown's vibrant dining and shopping" and a "short walk from Lighthouse Beach" and the Edgartown Lighthouse, providing "easy access to local attractions". Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) is a mere 10-minute drive away. The hotel encourages guests to explore the area on foot or by bike, as Edgartown is easily navigable without a car. Electric buses and ferries offer further transportation options around the island. Limited on-site parking is available for a fee of $40 per night, and guests are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a spot.

7. Value & Pricing

While The Richard is positioned as a luxury boutique experience, its "Value for money" scores an 8.0 on Booking.com. Average room prices start at approximately $500+, reflecting its commitment to "a unique blend of comfort and sophistication". This places it at a higher price point compared to the general average hotel room in Edgartown, which typically ranges from $201 to $250. For potential savings, guests might find cheaper rates during the low season, particularly in October and May, and on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

8. Common Complaints

While generally very positive, a few points are worth noting for prospective guests:

• Parking: On-site parking is limited and comes with a daily fee of $40, often requiring advance reservation.
• Dining Limitations: Beyond the complimentary breakfast and afternoon treats, the hotel does not offer lunch or dinner service, nor does it have an on-site bar. This encourages guests to explore Edgartown's extensive dining scene, which might be a drawback for those preferring on-site dining options.
• Room Occupancy: Most rooms have a maximum occupancy of two guests, and the hotel generally does not accommodate cribs, pack 'n plays, or roll-away beds. Only the Lark Suite, a two-bedroom option, can host up to four people, with an additional fee for guests beyond two.
• Accessibility: One accessible King Deluxe room is available on the first floor, but its shower has a step and is not roll-in.
• Seasonal Operation: The hotel operates seasonally, opening from April to October.

Sources

1. marthasvineyardlodging.org
2. theedgartowncollection.com
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. hyatt.com
7. newenglandinnsandresorts.com
8. theedgartowncollection.com
9. agoda.com
10. kayak.com