Have you ever dreamt of combining the effortless charm of a preppy, Nantucket-inspired lifestyle with the laid-back vibes of Malibu and Santa Barbara? Enter the “coastal grandmother” aesthetic—a trend that took TikTok by storm when content creator Lex Nicoleta coined the term in January 2022. Imagine crisp white linens, cozy knit sweaters, and sun-drenched afternoons by the sea. As we embrace this summertime era, read on for our curated list of eight boutique hotels across the U.S. that perfectly capture this serene and sophisticated theme.
Ocean House (Watch Hill, Rhode Island)
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 69 • Airport: Westerly (WST) Airport | Amenities: • Pet Friendly • Beachfront • Pool • 5 Bars & Restaurants |
Reminiscing about the days when the Vanderbilt family vacationed along this picturesque coastline, the Ocean House epitomizes our coastal grandma-era aesthetic to a tee. The circa 1868 estate, perched on the bluff overlooking the Atlantic, oozes five-star luxury with a sophisticated New England flair: soft blue-colored trappings, turn-of-the-20th-century motifs, 400-thread count bed linens, and hydrangea bouquets compose these seaside accommodations. Simply put: it’s giving hardcore coastal grandmother.
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The Christopher (Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts)
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 15 • Airport: Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) | Amenities: • Complimentary Breakfast • Free WiFi • Outdoor Seating • 0 Bars & Restaurants |
The Christopher, part of The Edgartown Collection’s five-hotel ensemble, offers a vibrant, nautical tribute to Martha’s Vineyard. Its 15 guestrooms and common areas come alive with blue, purple, and green splashes seamlessly woven into patterned furnishings and accent pieces. These spaces feature ample lounge seating and private outdoor decks, perfect for leisurely relaxation. Nestled in the heart of Edgartown, The Christopher is just a short stroll from the yacht club, embodying an elevated coastal grandma vibe.
Longfellow Hotel (Portland, Maine)
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 48 • Airport: Portland International Jetport (PWM) | Amenities: • Fitness Center • Room Service • Spa • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Drawing inspiration from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poetic elegance in describing New England’s wild beauty, The Longfellow Hotel brings his words to life through its exquisite, earthy design that reflects the surrounding landscape. We envision starting our mornings reading a novel downstairs with an oat milk latte and pastry at the on-site Twinflower Café, followed by a midday spa treatment at the serene Astraea Spa. Then, we’d indulge in oysters and caviar at Five of Clubs for dinner and conclude the day by promptly tucking into bed around 9 p.m. while a Nancy Meyers movie plays in the background.
The Martin (Nantucket, Massachusetts)
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 13 • Airport: Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) | Amenities: • Air Conditioning • Free WiFi • Fireplace • 0 Bars & Restaurants |
Does anything scream coastal grandmother more than summering in Nantucket? Perhaps not. The reimagined 15-key historic inn occupies the original bones of a home constructed in 1803, adding an aura of old luxury meets contemporary style. Its refreshed interiors reflect tones found in the island’s sky, sea, and moorland, flaunting varied hues of blue, green, and gray, while the decor boasts pillows adorned with Seigaiha-inspired wave patterns, brass-and-rope mirrors, and white linen lampshades. In the afternoons, guests return to a batch of home-baked, warm chocolate chip cookies—just like grandmothers make.
Villa Mara (Carmel-by-the-Sea, California)
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 16 • Airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY | Amenities: • Ocean Views • Heated Bathroom Floors • Pet Friendly • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Perched above the bluffs of Carmel Beach, Villa Mara evokes the laid-back elegance of the California-cool coastal grandmother. Initially built in 1929 by Basilicio Jesena, a housekeeper from Carmel’s first hotel, this historic 11-room inn has seen many transformations and notable guests, including Frank Lloyd Wright and President Gerald Ford. Today, this charming boutique hotel captures the essence of a timeless estate, featuring bespoke and vintage furnishings in soothing, neutral tones, creating a cozy seaside home ambiance.
The Claremont Hotel (Southwest Harbor, Maine)
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 53 • Airport: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) | Amenities: • Outdoor Pool • Breakfast • Free WiFi • 2 Bars & Restaurants |
Nestled in Maine’s Southwest Harbor, this luxury resort exudes coastal grandmother charm in every detail. Its waterfront location, a heated swimming pool lined with forest green fabric lawn chairs, and bedrooms adorned with maximalist wallpapers all contribute to the cottage-style ambiance. It’s the perfect setting for our Meryl Streep moment.
Newport Harbor Island Resort (Newport, Rhode Island)
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 257 • Airport: Newport State Airport | Amenities: • Outdoor Pool • Spa • Free WiFi • 5 Bars & Restaurants |
From its mansions exuding Gilded Age grandeur to its renowned sailing heritage, Newport, Rhode Island, epitomizes the coastal grandma aesthetic. The beautifully refurbished Newport Harbor Island Resort embraces its nautical roots, featuring coastal design and stunning views of Newport Harbor from nearly all its 257 rooms. Additionally, its unique location on a semi-private island offers proximity to the charming downtown waterfront, setting it apart from any other hotel in the area.
Daunt’s Albatross Inn (Montauk, New York)
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 24 • Airport: Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) | Amenities: • Saltwater Swimming Pool • Fireside Seating • Beach Access • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Owned by the Daunt family for three generations since 1977, Daunt’s Albatross Inn has long been a beloved seaside retreat in Montauk. Its 24 refreshed guestrooms and suites feature hand-crafted knotty alder bedframes, vintage textiles, and cozy outdoor seating nooks, perfect for curling up with a good book. With the ocean just 100 feet away, guests can fully embrace the coastal grandma lifestyle, enjoying the salty air and picturesque Montauk scenery.
