A Unique Stay at 76 Main Ink Press Hotel
As the summer season begins, many families embark on their annual travels, often including stops along the East Coast to visit relatives. This year, our journey included a visit to Nantucket, a place that captures the essence of a New England summer. After arriving from Athens to New York, we spent a night at the TWA hotel before taking a short flight to Nantucket. From there, we made our way to the 76 Main Ink Press Hotel, where we spent several days enjoying the island’s charm.
A Hotel with a Rich Heritage
Nantucket is renowned for its whaling history and scenic coastline, but 76 Main Ink Press Hotel offers a fresh perspective on the island's past. Housed in a restored sea captain’s home originally built in 1883, this boutique hotel was unveiled in 2024. It features a design that celebrates the island’s media legacy through artful decor, literary references, and retro elements. The hotel is owned by Bruce Percelay, founder of N Magazine and The Nantucket Current, and it reflects his background in publishing.
The hotel is located on historic Main Street and runs entirely on locally generated solar energy, making it a unique establishment on the island. While the design pays homage to the past with vintage typewriters and antique newspapers, the experience is modern and sophisticated.
Accommodations That Reflect Nantucket’s Charm
We stayed in two separate rooms to accommodate our family of four. I occupied a Queen room with my daughter, while my husband stayed in a King room next to ours with our son. The rooms were cozy and featured a nautical color scheme of whites and blues, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the bathroom flooring brought a smile to my face as it mirrored the pattern I have at home.
For those seeking more space, the Cottage Suites offer a private garden area, providing an even more immersive home-away-from-home experience.
Special Offers and Packages
The hotel currently offers several special packages available through October 2025. One example is the “Nantucket by Sea” package, which includes premium caviar, Nantucket Crisps, a gourmet charcuterie spread, beach essentials, a signed novel, and a curated bottle of wine. These packages require a minimum three-night stay and advance booking.
Common Spaces and Amenities
The common areas at 76 Main Ink Press are designed to encourage guests to linger. Commissioned artwork and vintage media artifacts celebrate the island’s publishing history, creating an environment that feels like stepping into a storybook. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the kitchen, served from 8 am to 10:30 am. We enjoyed meeting other guests over tea, coffee, and pastries.
Free drinks and snacks were available throughout the day, and the staff was exceptionally helpful, especially when accommodating our son’s food allergies. Their kindness and attention to detail made a significant impact on our stay.
Prime Location and Local Attractions
The hotel’s location is one of its greatest assets, just steps away from downtown Nantucket’s bustling cobblestone streets. We found ourselves in the heart of the action within minutes of checking in. Hill House Home was one of our first stops, known for its iconic nap dresses. The absence of chain retailers means visitors can explore a variety of boutiques, artisan shops, galleries, and cafes.
Another must-visit is the Hospital Thrift Shop, founded in 1929 by a group of women who began knitting and selling goods to support Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Now a charming institution, it has raised millions for hospital improvements and is a great place to find unique items.
Dining and Transportation
When it comes to dining, Nantucket offers a wide range of options. We dined at The Proprietors Bar & Table, a partner restaurant known for its cozy ambiance and delicious food. The menu included a variety of interesting dishes, and we enjoyed fried broccoli, roasted chicken, and lemon meringue pie ice cream.
Getting around Nantucket is easy with the Nantucket Wave shuttle service. We used the free shuttle to reach the other side of the island, where we visited my brother-in-law and enjoyed time at the beach and ice cream at Millie’s.
A Memorable Stay
Our stay at 76 Main Ink Press Hotel exceeded our expectations. From the exceptional service to the charming property and convenient location, it was the perfect getaway for couples or families looking for a quintessentially American summer vacation. We created lasting memories and hope to return soon.
