Ships Inn

Ships Inn

Traveler (43)
Dining (16)
Room & Suite (7)

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About

#5 of 11 B&Bs in Nantucket
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.6
Value
4.4
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.6
Ships Inn represents a unique piece of Nantucket history while providing the comfort and convenience essential to visitors.Located in a quiet historical neighborhood near town.The sought after combination of a historic inn and an acclaimed restaurant serving fresh local ingredients. A truly memorable Nantucket experience.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Romantic

Location

13 Fair St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3742
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 98 out of 100
98
Nantucket Memorial Airport
2.7 mi•
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Martha's Vineyard Airport
27.9 mi•
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Traveler rating
  • 78
  • 25
  • 4
  • 1
  • 1
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Detailed Reviews
Jenna M wrote a review Jul 2022
Boston, Massachusetts
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I have stayed at Ships Inn several times. I cannot say enough good things about this bed and breakfast!! The rooms are all beautifully decorated, clean and comfortable. The service is impeccable. I look forward to the delicious buffet breakfast every morning in the charming downstairs restaurant. It is a very close ~ 2 minute walk to the downtown and about 5-8 minute walk to the ferry. The innkeepers Mary Lou and Bob always make me feel completely at home. I cannot wait for future trips to the Inn!
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Date of stay: July 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly S wrote a review Sep 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My son and I stayed at the Ships Inn for two weeks, and we enjoyed it immensely from beginning to end. Mary Lou and Bob made us feel so comfortable and always made sure we had everything we needed. The housekeeping staff was excellent. The room was attractive and extremely comfortable. The location is very convenient to the shops and restaurants. The restaurant is also fantastic. We loved everything about our visit and highly recommend the Ships Inn!
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Date of stay: July 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leon w wrote a review Aug 2020
New York City, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I are so lucky to love Nantucket and Ship's Inn. These are not easy times. I am used to traveling frequently and due to the Trump Virus have not left NYC for 7 months. Mary Lou, inn manager, is an absolute sweetheart. The inn has masks and hand spray everywhere. Of course, there are fewer guests, but rest assured that Ship's Inn in Nantucket is a much appreciated oasis. Stay here are feel special again made possible by a very special staff.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hercvb wrote a review Sep 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Far and away the best restaurant by far in Nantucket
Consistantly the best for over 15 years
Kudos to chef and Maitre D Bob who knows everyone and helps restaurant run like a clock
Going again tonight for 68 anniversary
Only place we thought we would go
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Parking a bit difficuit Consider Uber
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pat b wrote a review Aug 2011
Los Angeles, California
1.0 of 5 bubbles
The General Manager "Bob" of the Ships Inn has treated us completely unprofessional. We booked and paid in full over a month ago. They have a VERY strict cancellation policy, that states they will refund you only if they rebook the room. We were scheduled to be there while Hurricane Irene passes through Boston. We called to reschedule any other date before the weekend of predicted Irene, but they didn't have any space. They said unless the room was re-booked we couldn't have our money back, even under these circumstances," because you always run the risk of rain when you travel." (Seriously) Who is going to book that room, let alone be on the island during a hurricane? It is a shame that Bob & the owners of the Ships Inn have yet to realize that there is something called Natural Disaster/Acts of God, that should change your policy. They have removed the human factor from the way they do business. It is a shame that they choose to do business in this way. We chose to support local small business while staying in Massachusetts, unfortunately those small businesses are not supporting us. These are extraordinary and very dangerous circumstances. This is not "a little rain" as Bob the manager put it. I'm am so disappointed in the Ships Inn. Shame on you Bob !
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Date of stay: August 2011
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BassTwo wrote a review Aug 2004
Washington, DC
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The Ship's Inn in Nantucket is many, many good things, but could be great with some more effort and personal attention.

It has a great in-town location, around the corner from Main Street and up the street from Murray's Tuggery. It's in the home of a historic whaler and and a suffragette, Lucretia Mott. The food is good, with a fine breakfast (although making apple crisp without cinnamon and brown sugar misses the point). We didn't sample dinner but that was a mistake; the smells were delicious and guests appeared to be having a fine time.

For Nantucket, it was a good value, too, with fair prices and less money up front, minimum stay rules than other places. We were stuck up on the top floor though, with rooms less grand than the web site showed.

My main complaint was about the noise. We traveled with two children, and the Inn carefully checked their ages to make sure they were over six. The kids behaved themselves, but the Inn's other guests didn't, nor did the staff. Other guests were entertaining until the early hours of the morning, and the kitchen staff kept up quite a racket out back until very late. No one was home to supervise either the staff or the guests, spoiling our stay.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leon w wrote a review Aug 2018
New York City, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It was our anniversary weekend and my wife and I stayed at this delightful bed and breakfast. Marylou, the house manager is so attentive to her guests. Ships Inn has beach towels and beach chairs available for guests. The restaurant for dinner is superb and our breakfasts were yummy. Of course, Nantucket is a truly unique getaway and Ships Inn is a welcoming place to begin your exploration of this special island off the coast of Cape Cod.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
expat34655 wrote a review Jun 2015
Trinity, Florida
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nicely restored inn on a lovely quiet side street in Nantucket. Still within easy walking distance from the ferry terminal and town center.
Mary Lou provides a warm welcome even when we arrived before check in. Our rooms were spotless with beautiful bed linens, comfy bed and generous in size, an added bonus there are three rooms on the ground floor.. Unlike a lot of B&Bs this one is tastefully decorated not cluttered. The breakfast buffet was generous with a good selection of warm dishes and pastries. Very good restaurant on site.
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Date of stay: June 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Ground floor for accessibility , probably quieter up stairs away from street.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Capri1493 wrote a review Aug 2014
Albany, New York
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Ships Inn is a lovely, comfortable, and wonderful Inn nestled in a perfect location as well as on a quiet street close to Main Street. The morning breakfast is all homemade, excellent, and delicious by the friendly Inn Keeper, Mary Lou. The restaurant within the Inn is one of the best on the island. Mary Lou as the Inn Keeper is helpful, friendly, welcoming, and great! The service is fantastic at The Ships Inn and the rooms are spacious, bright, and comfortable. We can't wait until our next trip to stay at The Ships Inn!
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Date of stay: July 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYerhearttravel wrote a review Aug 2011
New York
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mary Lou and Bob made our stay at the Ship's Inn so relaxing.

The breakfasts were so much more than we had expected at a B&B. If we were a little late and the "good stuff" was already eaten/ finished, we especially appreciated the thoughtfulness receiving a heated up hashbrown casserole. Also, knowing what we liked, Mary Lou would kindly inform us of the addition of the sausage/egg casserole and bring out Special K cereal that had run out up front.

Maps, beach chairs, and towels were at our disposal. The afternoon tea hit the spot when we happened to return to the inn. Plenty of towels and toiletries were available. The staff seem to play double duty behind the scenes. Katerina did a wonderful job of maintaining a clean room for us and seeking out Earl Grey tea at breakfast.

If you have difficulty with stairs, this would be the only disadvantage for staying at the Ship's Inn. There are stairs to the main entrance, and if you are not staying at the room on the main floor, then there are narrow, steep stairs to the upper two floors. Bob efficiently handled delivering our bags to the rooms; however, even without luggage, one needs to be mindful of the stairs.

This is a historic building. The claw foot tub with showerhead and two faucet sink may be slightly inconvenient for some although we found everything to be quite charming.

The Ship's Inn is just as quaint as Nantucket itself. We hope to visit again soon.
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Date of stay: July 2011
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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hercvb wrote a tip Sep 2024
Vero Beach, Florida27 contributions19 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Parking a bit difficuit Consider Uber"
Read full review
Barbara wrote a tip Aug 2024
Bonita Springs, Florida10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"An easy walk from the Ferry."
Read full review
Avidtraveller525 wrote a tip Jul 2017
Boston, Massachusetts38 contributions53 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We stayed in the front and enjoyed the morning sunshine streaming in based on Marylou's suggestion. Perfect for us."
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Gregory A wrote a tip Apr 2017
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Second floor room "Success" has canopy queen bed and twin bed."
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Colleen139 wrote a tip Oct 2015
Shavertown19 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The second floor is a bit quieter than the first floor."
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Nantucket area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
ships hotel nantucket
LOCATION
United StatesMassachusettsNantucket
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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SHIPS INN

Frequently Asked Questions about Ships Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Ships Inn?
Nearby attractions include Whaling Museum (0.3 miles), Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum (0.1 miles), and Hadwen House (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Ships Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Ships Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Ships Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include b-ACK Yard BBQ, The Juice Bar Homemade Ice Cream, and Ships Inn Restaurant.
Is Ships Inn located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.1 miles away from the center of Nantucket.
Are there any historical sites close to Ships Inn?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Oldest House (Jethro Coffin House) and Kitchen Garden (0.5 miles), Hadwen House (0.1 miles), and Greater Light (0.2 miles).
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