
Ships Inn
What Makes This Hotel Stand Out
The inn's exceptional, personalized hospitality, exemplified by innkeepers Mary Lou and Bob, creates a memorable and welcoming experience for families.
Parent Pro Tip
Make dinner reservations at the Ships Inn restaurant well in advance, especially during peak season, as it's a popular spot for locals and guests alike.
Why Families Love This Hotel
Nantucket gem offering exceptional hospitality, delicious European-style breakfast, and a prime location close to town. Family-friendly atmosphere with accommodating staff.
Ships Inn offers a charming and highly hospitable experience for families, particularly those celebrating special occasions or seeking a convenient and comfortable base on Nantucket. Its excellent location and friendly staff make it a memorable choice.
Best for: Ideal for families looking for a charming and intimate Nantucket experience with exceptional service and a prime location.
At a Glance
Provides good value through its included gourmet breakfast, prime location, and exceptional service, though Nantucket it...
Room Setup
The Ships Inn offers a variety of rooms, with some specifically mentioning a '2 bed room' option which is ideal for families.
Kids Features
While no specific kids' amenities like a pool or playground are mentioned, the inn does offer amenities like afternoon cookies and lemonade which are likely to be enjoyed by children.
Family Dining
The Ships Inn features a highly-rated restaurant that is a draw for both guests and locals.
Location
The inn boasts an excellent location, described as 'great' and 'perfect,' being a short walk to ferries, Main Street, shops, and restaurants.
Map Location — Ships Inn
13 Fair St, Nantucket, MA 02554-3742
While generally family-friendly, the charming but potentially smaller rooms and antique bathroom fixtures might be less ideal for families with very young infants. It shines for older children and adults.
Detailed Family Analysis for Ships Inn
Our AI has analyzed 50 family reviews to give you detailed insights about what makes this hotel great for families.
🏆 Overall Family Assessment
Ships Inn offers a charming and highly hospitable experience for families, particularly those celebrating special occasions or seeking a convenient and comfortable base on Nantucket. Its excellent location and friendly staff make it a memorable choice.
🏨 Room Setup & Space
The Ships Inn offers a variety of rooms, with some specifically mentioning a '2 bed room' option which is ideal for families. While some bathrooms are noted as small, the rooms themselves are generally described as attractive, comfortable, and well-decorated, providing a cozy space for families.
🎯 Kids' Amenities
While no specific kids' amenities like a pool or playground are mentioned, the inn does offer amenities like afternoon cookies and lemonade which are likely to be enjoyed by children. Beach towels are also available, enhancing family beach trips.
🍽️ Family Dining
The Ships Inn features a highly-rated restaurant that is a draw for both guests and locals. The included breakfast is described as 'delicious,' 'hearty,' and 'European-style,' often including specialties like French toast bake and hash brown pie, which should appeal to most family members. Dinner reservations are recommended due to popularity.
✨ Cleanliness & Safety
Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms and the establishment as a whole. The housekeeping staff is specifically mentioned as excellent, contributing to a comfortable and hygienic stay for families.
📍 Location & Attractions
The inn boasts an excellent location, described as 'great' and 'perfect,' being a short walk to ferries, Main Street, shops, and restaurants. This convenience is a significant plus for families wanting to explore Nantucket without relying heavily on transportation.
💡 Practical Tips
The innkeepers, Mary Lou and Bob, are repeatedly highlighted for their exceptional hospitality, responsiveness, and helpfulness, making families feel welcome and well-cared for. Parking can be challenging on the island, a practical consideration for those arriving by car.
⚠️ Things to Consider
Some reviews mention thin walls, indicating that noise from the hallway might be audible. Additionally, some of the antique bathtubs/showers are noted as being difficult to operate, which could be a minor inconvenience for families.
Hotel Amenities
✨Other Amenities(5)
🍽️Dining(3)
🛎️Services(2)
Browse more family hotels by amenity
Family Activities Near Ships Inn
Kid-friendly attractions and things to do nearby
Nantucket Whaling Museum
Explore Nantucket's rich maritime history through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Children's Beach
A calm, protected beach perfect for younger children to play and swim safely.
Nantucket Harbor
Offers scenic views, boat watching, and opportunities for harbor tours.
Old Mill
A historic windmill dating back to the 18th century, offering a glimpse into the island's past.
Galley Beach
A popular beach known for its soft sand and lively atmosphere, with a well-regarded restaurant on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about Ships Inn
Is the Ships Inn suitable for families with young children?▼
What are the dining options for families at the Ships Inn?▼
Are there rooms with multiple beds available?▼
What is the parking situation like at the Ships Inn?▼
Is the Ships Inn within walking distance to major attractions?▼
More Family Hotels in Nantucket
Explore other top-rated family-friendly hotels nearby

Harborview Nantucket
Families love this hotel for its spacious cottages with harbor views, exceptional staff service, and prime location near town and the beach. It offers a home-like feel with hotel amenities.
Based on 98 reviews (54 family reviews)

Carlisle House Inn
Families love Carlisle House Inn for its welcoming atmosphere, central location, and charming outdoor spaces. Features like complimentary breakfast, helpful staff, and cozy rooms make it a hit. Some rooms can be small, and parking can be tight.
Based on 50 reviews (16 family reviews)

Nantucket Inn
Families rave about the Nantucket Inn's spacious rooms, family-friendly pools, and helpful shuttle service. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and a welcoming atmosphere.
Based on 50 reviews (15 family reviews)

76 Main Ink Press Hotel
Families appreciate the hotel's charming decor, excellent location, and attentive staff. They offer beach amenities and are close to town attractions.
Based on 50 reviews (11 family reviews)

Martin House Inn
Perfect location, charming atmosphere, and attentive hosts make this inn a delightful family getaway. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and a short walk to town attractions.
Based on 50 reviews (13 family reviews)

Faraway Nantucket
Families love the central location & accommodating staff. Offers pack-n-plays & is a short walk to attractions. Rooms can be small & some amenities lacking.
Based on 50 reviews (18 family reviews)