Union Street Inn

Union Street Inn, Nantucket: A Quintessential Michelin Key Selected Retreat

The Union Street Inn in Nantucket stands out as a highly acclaimed, Michelin Key Selected property, consistently praised by guests for its exquisite interiors, impeccable service, and unbeatable location. It has even been recognized by TripAdvisor as the "No. 1 small hotel in America."

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overwhelming sentiment for Union Street Inn is exceptionally positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "incredible" and "absolutely amazing in every way." Reviewers consistently award top ratings, citing a perfect blend of historic Nantucket charm with modern elegance and comfort.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several key aspects that make their stay memorable:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently lauded as wonderful, kind, attentive, accommodating, helpful, and charming, going above and beyond to provide recommendations and ensure a pleasant experience.
• Location: The inn's prime location in the heart of Nantucket Town is a significant draw, offering easy walking access to the harbor, Main Street's cobblestones, museums, and various attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The inn's "exquisite interiors" and well-designed, cozy atmosphere, balancing historic architecture with modern elegance, receive high praise.
• Breakfast & Treats: The complimentary, full, cooked-to-order breakfast and afternoon homemade treats are consistently mentioned as exceptional.

3. Room Quality

Each of the 12 guest rooms at Union Street Inn possesses a unique character, moored in a crisp, traditional Nantucket style. Rooms are described as well-appointed, comfortable, and beautifully designed with lovely furnishings, bedding, and linens. Guests can expect premium bedding, Frette linens, Matouk duvets, and plush bathrobes. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and mini-bars. Some rooms also feature fireplaces and private patios with garden views. It's noted that rooms and bathrooms vary in size and shape due to the historic nature of the building, with color schemes ranging from rich reds to royal blues and warm greens.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Union Street Inn is centered around its "unrivaled made-to-order breakfast," which is included in the stay. Unlike a typical continental breakfast, the inn offers a full-service experience with decadent options such as blueberry pancakes, eggs any style, granola with Greek yogurt, and fresh fruit. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the dining room, on the patio, or even in bed upon request. In addition to the delicious breakfast, guests also appreciate the complimentary afternoon iced tea and homemade treats. While there isn't a full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner, the inn's location means it is surrounded by an abundance of high-end restaurants within walking distance.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Union Street Inn are consistently lauded as a major highlight. Guests describe the team as "truly wonderful, kind and attentive", "accommodating and helpful", "charming", and "super friendly". Many reviews emphasize the staff's intuitive hospitality, their willingness to provide local recommendations, and their efforts to ensure guests have an exclusive and memorable Nantucket experience. The owners are also frequently mentioned for their pleasant and friendly demeanor.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Union Street Inn boasts an "outstanding location" in the heart of Nantucket Town. Guests appreciate being just steps from the harbor and Main Street's cobblestones, where historic and contemporary Nantucket converge. Numerous attractions are within a short walk, including the Maria Mitchell Aquarium, Nantucket Whaling Museum, Jethro Coffin House, and Nantucket Atheneum Library. The inn is also conveniently located within a 5-7 minute walk from the Hyline and Steamship Authority ferries, and a 10-15 minute drive from Nantucket Memorial Airport. Bicycle rental is available, offering another excellent way to explore the island.

7. Value & Pricing

While rooms at Union Street Inn "don't come cheap," many guests consider the experience well worth the cost due to the exceptional service, amenities, and prime location. Prices for a king room can range significantly, from approximately $312 to over $1,100 per night, varying with the season, with the most expensive months seeing an average 75% rise in price. The inclusion of a full, cooked-to-order breakfast and afternoon treats adds to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms or considerations are occasionally noted:

• Noise: Some light sleepers have mentioned that sounds of passing cars can be heard at night, particularly for rooms facing the street, although the area is generally quieter than expected for such a central location.
• Room Specifics: Room 8 is noted as being tiny and having a detached but private bathroom down the hall.
• Accessibility: The inn unfortunately does not have handicap accessible rooms.
• Child Restrictions: Children over the age of 10 are welcome.

Sources

1. unioninn.com
2. nantucket.net
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6. nantucketchamber.org
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8. thehotelguru.com
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13. massachusetts-top-hotels.com
14. trip.com