At 100 years, White Elephant Nantucket asked designers to transform the interiors of the 43,600-sf hotel and cottages, taking inspiration from the history and rugged beauty of Nantucket. Re-opened in May 2023, the 54-key hotel and 11 cottages celebrate all things Nantucket. The reimagined lobby welcomes visitors with a mix of traditional New England charm and fresh luxury. The custom Atlantic-blue reception desk recalls Nantucket’s ship-building history with antique brass fittings and intricate cabinetry. Guestroom colors and textures reflect the muted landscape, wall coverings evoke dune grasses, ceilings are painted the color of a summer sky. Designers used historic basketweaving patterns to create the carpets throughout the hotel, and led an Artist-in-Residency program that resulted in 237 pieces of original artwork, inspired by the island, in the hotel and cottages. Each named after a traditional Nantucket plant, the cottages add moments of bright saturated color to the quiet palette, just as the island’s summer flowers do. Vibrant accent hues, Nantucket textiles, and custom furniture make each cottage a one-of-a-kind setting where guests will return year after year.
