You know that feeling when you step off the ferry at Oak Bluffs and the salt air hits you, but then you realize you have to drag a heavy suitcase ten blocks? Yeah, it's not great. That is exactly why the Nashua House Hotel Oak Bluffs has stayed relevant for over a century. It's basically right there.
Honestly, finding an affordable spot on Martha’s Vineyard that doesn’t feel like a dusty attic or a corporate box is a challenge. The Nashua House is different. It’s a Victorian-era "fabled" seaside hotel that manages to be both vintage and—thanks to some recent updates—pretty comfortable. It was built way back in 1873. Think gingerbread trim and steep stairs.
The Shared Bathroom Reality
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. Most of the rooms here share bathrooms.
If that makes you cringe, you’ve gotta book one of the three rooms that actually have their own private en-suite. For everyone else, there are four shared bathrooms for 13 rooms. It sounds like a disaster, but the staff keeps them remarkably clean.
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It feels more like a high-end European hostel or a very fancy boarding house from the 19th century. You’re trading a private toilet for a price tag that doesn't require a second mortgage. On the Vineyard, that is a rare trade.
What it’s Like Inside
The rooms are small. No point in lying about it. If you’re looking for a sprawling suite to do yoga in, this isn't it. But the "cottage style" furnishings and beadboard walls give it that quintessential island vibe.
Modern Tweaks in a 150-Year-Old Building
- Digital Keys: You can actually get in with a smartphone app now.
- The Pantry: There is a 24-hour coffee pantry which is a lifesaver when the local cafes are packed.
- Connectivity: Surprisingly good Wi-Fi for an old stick-built structure.
- Tech: Most rooms have flat-screen TVs with streaming, though you probably shouldn't be watching Netflix while Ocean Park is right outside.
The stairs are steep. Seriously. If you have bad knees or a massive trunk, be prepared. There is no elevator. This is a 19th-century walk-up through and through.
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Location is the Killer App
The hotel is located at 9 Healy Way. You are literally a four-minute stroll from the Flying Horses Carousel.
If you want to go to the beach, Inkwell Beach is about a ten-minute walk. The "Circuit Avenue" shops and bars are even closer. You can hear the bustle of the town from the front porch, which is either charming or annoying depending on how much you like people-watching.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It’s the price and the history. You get the "Gingerbread House" experience without having to own a cottage in the Campground.
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Some rooms on the third floor have private decks with ocean views. If you can snag one of those, you’ve won the budget travel lottery. Sitting out there with a coffee while the sun comes up over Nantucket Sound is why people pay the big bucks for the fancy hotels down the street, but you're doing it for a fraction of the cost.
Dealing with the Noise
Because you’re in the "commercial heart" of Oak Bluffs, it gets loud. Friday and Saturday nights in July are a symphony of moped engines and tourists.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. Or just bring earplugs. The hotel provides fans and AC, which helps drown out the "Island Magic" happening on the sidewalk below.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you are planning to book a stay at the Nashua House Hotel Oak Bluffs, here is the move:
- Book the Private Bathrooms Early: There are only three. They go first.
- Pack Light: Remember those stairs I mentioned? Your back will thank you if you use a carry-on instead of a massive suitcase.
- Use the "Backdoor" Beach Path: Instead of the main tourist beach, head toward Joseph Sylvia State Beach (about 2 miles away) if you want a bit more breathing room.
- Discount Check: Ask about the 5% discount at the MVE Bike Company; they usually have a deal for guests.
- Arrival Strategy: If you’re coming via the Steamship Authority ferry, it’s a tiny walk. If you’re coming into Vineyard Haven, take the #13 bus; it drops you right near the hotel for a few bucks.
This place isn't a luxury resort. It’s a clean, historic, and incredibly well-located base camp. If you can handle sharing a bathroom and climbing some stairs, it’s one of the best ways to actually stay in the action on Martha's Vineyard without going broke.