Arrival/Check-In: We arrived at the Harbor View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard on a perfect late-summer New England day. Though the hotel appeared busy, check-in was efficient and welcoming. Two doormen greeted us and pointed the way to the reception desk, where a friendly staff member completed the process in minutes.
The lobby sits in a spacious, beautifully furnished main building with a wraparound porch that offers guests sweeping views of Edgartown Harbor. The hotel restaurant is in the same building and many tables look out over the water, making for a pleasant start to the weekend.
Guest Quarters: Our second-floor suite was bright and tastefully decorated in an island-inspired aqua and white palette. The accommodation included a separate bedroom and living area, plus a small kitchenette stocked with a microwave, compact refrigerator, dishes and silverware. While there was no stove, the kitchenette worked well for light meals and snacks.
The living room featured a comfortable sofa and chairs and a large HD television. A dining set occupied part of the space, and three exterior walls of windows could be opened to bring in the sea air and natural light.
The bedroom was generous in size, with a large HD TV and a cozy sitting area. The king bed was extremely comfortable. A porch accessible from both the bedroom and living room provided an ideal place to relax with a beverage, and an outdoor shower offered a convenient rinse after a beach day.
Services/Amenities: The Harbor View offers two main dining options. Water Street provides fine dining with beautiful views of the Edgartown Lighthouse and the harbor; we enjoyed a delicious dinner there. Henry’s Hotel Bar delivers a more casual, cozy dining experience.
The property features meticulously maintained grounds surrounding an outdoor pool. For beach lovers, many scenic beaches on the Vineyard are easy to reach. The hotel also provides four meeting rooms, and management plans to update the meeting facilities in the near future. While there isn’t an on-site spa, the concierge was quick to recommend nearby options.
The Experience: My stay at the Harbor View Hotel was very enjoyable. Staff service felt attentive and personalized, as though I were the only guest they were assisting. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from downtown Edgartown, where numerous restaurants and shops make for an excellent stroll and dining options. Although I have visited Martha’s Vineyard many times, this was my first stay at the Harbor View—now I know what I’ve been missing.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/Valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Harbor View Hotel
131 N. Water St.
Edgartown, MA 02539
tel 508 627 7000
harbor-view.com