The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Nantucket, Massachusetts

Your pekingese will insist you book a room at the Beachside on Nantucket simply because it’s within running distance of the Shoe. While this historical lighthouse is not a literal shoe (silly), it’s still worth strapping on the ole leash to visit, especially since it’s near the dog-friendly Jetties Beach. The hotel itself won’t disappoint either, with its spacious queen or double rooms, private baths for humans and outdoor pet-friendly area for pooches.

Faraway’s walls have been standing for more than 1,000 years – in dog years, that is. Either way, you’ll appreciate this 200-year-old boutique hotel for its classic architecture, refined furnishings and highly curated minibar. Your frenchie, on the other paw, will love mingling with other breeds in the courtyard and scooping up crumbs from the outdoor cafe. End the day by snuggling in the cozy ambience of the Manor House’s deluxe king room.

Taking pet-friendly to the next level, the Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin has a doggie concierge. Bailey (the resident brittany spaniel-black lab cross) greets every canine at check-in with a sniff and a bag of nautical goodies and is happy to provide doggie turndown services each night and arrange professional dog-walking services at the wag of a tail. With a personalized pet service this great, you’d think your dog was the star of Air Bud (1997).

One of the few historic buildings that survived the Great Fire of 1846, 29 India House is a charming 18th-century house that you and your dog can call home. Let Snoopy sniff its way through the garden as you enjoy a warm cup of tea and a generous breakfast on the patio. Afterward, follow the scent down to Cold Noses at the harbor, where you can dig up some Nantucket-themed pet supplies.

Your golden retriever will look more like Goldilocks as it finds its perfect-size dog bed at Brass Lantern Inn. After the staff secures the right bed, bowls and beach towel for your dog, it’ll be given a treat and taken to the gated dog run. Let it have its fun while the concierge shows you to your room and helps you map out all of the on- and off-leash trails around the island.

Give your pooch the room it needs to feel like it’s truly on vacation at the Nantucket Hotel and Resort. Your puppy is welcome to sprawl out on the floor of your cottage, provided that it’s under 85lb (39kg). Monthly events, such as spring’s daffodil weekend and summer’s weekly clambakes, will keep you busy. Worried your four-legged family member won’t have its fill of fun? Cisco Beach and the nearby Cisco Brewers are among the most popular spots that warmly welcome pup patrons.

When you think of a hotel in Nantucket, your mind might wander to white wood paneling, dark age-dimpled floorboards and piles of blue-and-white bed linen. What you might not picture is hand-painted Portuguese tiles in the bathroom, a Sony 4K TV in your room and Bose Bluetooth speakers you can take with you down to the beach. But then Greydon House, from the creators of the Ace Hotels empire, is a cut above the usual. Your salty sea dog will love it every bit as much, too.

Feel like you’re living in a hamlet for a week at this cluster of 11 shingle-clad cottages. They have a distinctly old-world feel – just with the benefit of the most modern conveniences. Wifi, flat-screen TVs and a high-spec kitchen mean you can kick back as you would at home, only you’re just a frisbee’s throw from the sand. Your pampered pet will love curling up in front of the brick fireplace – generously stocked with logs – or taking in the sea smells on the outdoor deck (available in some of the cottages).