Union Street Inn
A 1770 sea captain's home a block from Main Street. Innkeepers Ken and Deb Withrow run it themselves.
Nantucket is a hard place to find an independent hotel. The island's economy has been colonized by the Salt, Lark, and Faraway collections — the boutique-group ecosystem that's rebranded half the historic inns on Union, Orange, and Centre Streets. Union Street Inn is one of the exceptions.
Ken and Deb Withrow, both former hoteliers, bought the 1770 sea captain's home in 2003 and still run it themselves. Twelve rooms across two historic buildings, all with working fireplaces, most with four-poster beds, full cooked breakfast served in a courtyard when the weather holds. The innkeepers actually greet you. The rates include sherry in the parlor at 5pm, which tells you what kind of place this is.
The design has been gently updated but not reimagined — antique quilts where there should be antique quilts, white clapboard where there should be white clapboard. The building wears its 250-plus years honestly.
Who it's for: Couples doing Nantucket the slow way. Anyone who'd rather chat with the innkeeper than use a mobile check-in. Repeat visitors who already know the island.
Who it's not for: Design-first travelers looking for the latest aesthetic (this is not that). People who want a proper spa or restaurant on property (the Withrows will recommend both). Winter travelers — the inn closes November through April like most of the island.
