SmarterTravel Spotlight: Harbor View Hotel, Martha’s Vineyard

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The historic Harbor View Hotel has been an Edgartown icon for the past 128 years and now it’s even better than ever, thanks to a multi-million dollar, top-to-bottom renovation.

The Location

Located just a five-minute walk from Edgartown’s main street and directly across the street from the famous Edgartown Lighthouse, the Harbor View Hotel offers easy access to both the beach and town.

The Rooms

There are 124 rooms to choose from at the Harbor View Hotel, including guest rooms, suites, cottages, and a Presidential Skyhouse penthouse. I stayed in a one-bedroom water-view suite, which had ample space, plus a private balcony with a view of the lighthouse. For larger groups or longer stays, the Captain’s Cottages are like having your own private beach house (but with room service).

Dining

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What do you get when you combine a French chef with Japanese training and New York City experience? Roxana Bar, an international tapas restaurant with Asian and Mediterranean influences—plus a top-notch cocktail program. Chef Patrice Martineau uses locally sourced and organic ingredients on his innovative menu that goes way beyond beach fare. The menu is broken down into Asian, American, and Mediterranean sections so you can share small plates inspired by different cuisines across the world. Highlights included the crispy pork belly bao, mini lobster roll, whipped Burrata, and sushi. My favorite course (dessert) showed off Martineau’s French influence—two rich, oversized chocolate macaroons book-ending creamy chocolate ice cream for the ultimate ice cream sandwich. There’s plenty of expertly picked French wine on the menu to accompany your meal. Or, try one of the innovative cocktails like The Roaxana: vodka and homemade pineapple-ginger soda. Roxana is open for lunch and dinner daily.

The hotel’s more formal dining option, Bettini, is currently open for breakfast and Sunday brunch, but will begin serving dinner at the end of May. Sunday brunch here is popular with guests and locals alike who come for the acai bowl, brioche french toast, and upgraded avocado toast.

Amenities

The best way to explore Martha’s Vineyard is by bicycle, and the Harbor View Hotel has everything you need to get out there on two wheels. Guests can borrow bikes, helmets, and locks all free of charge during their stay.

Want to head further than you can peddle? The hotel also offers a complimentary Mercedes Benz Drive Program, allowing visitors to take out a loaner car for up to three hours at a time.

Price and How to Book: Rooms start at $299 per night and can be booked on the Harbor View Hotel’s website, or compare rates with TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company).

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Best Day Trips from Boston
• 10 Perfect Boutique Hotels in New England for Your Summer Vacation
• The 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Caroline Morse Teel was hosted by the Harbor View Hotel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from Newport and all around the world.

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