Harbor View Hotel Edgartown: Your Dream Martha's Vineyard Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the shimmering waters of the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, and trust me, it's like trying to eat a lobster roll without getting butter everywhere. It's gonna get messy. Let's get started.
Harbor View Hotel Edgartown: Your Dream Martha's Vineyard Escape – Or Just…Maybe?
So, the brochure promised paradise. Your Dream Martha's Vineyard Escape Awaits! Okay, alright, Harbor View. I'm listening. First, you need to know the SEO dance. Because apparently, even paradise needs to be Google-able. So here we go, the words you want to know if you're googling or booking: Edgartown Hotel, Martha's Vineyard Hotels, Vineyard Lodging, Harbor View Reviews, Accessible Hotels Vineyard, Luxury Hotels MV, Spa Martha's Vineyard, Waterfront Hotel Edgartown, Vineyard Family Hotels, Pet-Friendly Edgartown. Okay, now we'll get into details.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag?
Let's be real, accessibility is a big deal. They SAY they're on the up and up, right? Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Elevator? Praise the heavens! I’m not a wheelchair user, but it is good to know it is there. How about the rooms? Wheelchair accessible? Well, I didn’t see one, so I don’t know as I’ll say more on that. They do have an airport transfer offered - if that's a deal-breaker, then there you go.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: This is where the rubber meets the road, because what's paradise if you can't eat in it? I need to check this out so I don't have an answer for that. I am going to ask my agent.
Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty – The Stuff That Matters (and Maybe Doesn't)
Alright, let's talk about what really separates the Vineyard from, well, everywhere else.
Rooms: The Good, the Okay, and the "Where's My Mini-Bar?"
Okay, picture this: you've arrived, the sun is setting, the seagulls are squawking (romantic, right?). You finally waltz into your room after a quick Check-in/out [express] (thank goodness). Now, the good stuff: Air conditioning in all rooms? Duh, essential. Free Wi-Fi? YES! No more paying through the nose for internet. Bonus points for Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. I have Internet access, I need to start working immediately. Desk? Check. Laptop workspace? Double-check. Then I look around and immediately start to feel like I'm in a 1950's movie: Alarm clock? Yep. Wake-up service? Still there. Complimentary tea & coffee maker? Well, you can't go wrong with that. They do offer Air conditioning, too. The Non-smoking rooms are a godsend because, well, it's 2024. Extra long bed? Thank god, I'd hate to be stuck up here.
However, I did have to search for the Air conditioning. And… there are no Pets allowed. So it's a good idea to leave your cat behind. But hey - it's non-smoking!
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Are We Safe?" Factor
Let’s be honest, we’re all a little germaphobic these days. Pandemic really does funny things with your mind, doesn't it? So, good news! They’re taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Masks? Required. Okay, maybe not everywhere, but you get the picture. They want you safe. I even saw some sterilizing equipment. You know, just in case. The Rooms sanitized between stays is a BIG plus. The Invoice provided helps you to know how much you owe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Vineyard Adventures
Listen, I'm here to eat. Because what is a vacation without a strategic eating plan? The Harbor View seems to get it.
- Restaurants: Yes, plural! Including A la carte in restaurant, a Buffet in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. (I'm a major buffet fan).
- Bars: There is indeed a Bar and a Poolside bar. (I sense many mojitos in my future. I'm not kidding).
- Coffee Shop: Caffeine is a necessity.
- Room service [24-hour]: Okay, this is important. Late-night munchies? Yes, please.
- Desserts in restaurant: I have a plan for dessert!
They also have Breakfast served and Breakfast [buffet]! Woohoo. Coffee/tea in restaurant!
Things to Do - The "Am I Bored Yet?" Test
The Harbor View isn't just about chilling in your room.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Mandatory. Gotta work on my tan.
- Spa: Yes, yes, YES! I have a plan! Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. The trifecta of relaxation. I'm envisioning myself, a gooey, relaxed blob.
- Fitness Center: Okay, maybe I'll hit the Gym/fitness after all that eating.
- Pool with view Can't wait.
Services and Conveniences: The "Make My Life Easier" Department
Alright, let's see what else they throw in to make this stay a breeze.
- Concierge: Needed.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, please.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service/Ironing service: Because I'm not on vacation to wash laundry.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Luggage storage: Gotta do it.
- Food delivery: If I've had too many mojitos.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Okay. I might have to buy a fridge magnet, depending on my mood, haha.
- Business facilities / Meeting/banquet facilities/Meetings: Not my vibe, but good for you business people.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Good stuff.
- Parking: They have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] - Thank god!
- Car power charging station: Genius!
For the Kids: A Happy Family is a Happy Guest
They're Family/child friendly - and look at this! Babysitting service and Kids meal: I'm not one, but they go the extra mile.
The "Dream Escape" Verdict:
Look, the Harbor View is pretty awesome. It’s not perfect – what is? – but it's got serious charm. It’s the kind of place where you can genuinely relax, explore, and maybe, just maybe, forget you have a real life for a little while.
My Quirky Takeaway:
I was hoping for some Couple's room to be available.
My Personal Recommendation/Offer (Because You Know I'm a Shrewd Negotiator):
Book Now and Get a Free Bottle of Wine! (Or maybe a discount on a spa treatment, because a girl needs a massage). Book DIRECTLY through their website (because I'm sure they'll get a kick out it if I plug them and give them a bit of "marketing" help!), and I will give out a free upgrade.
To the Harbor View Hotel, a big thumb's up! You're doing it right. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find that poolside bar. Wish me luck, and I'll keep you posted.
Luxury 2BR Springlake Summarecon Oasis: Your Dream Bekasi Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because you're about to get a brutally honest, Edgartown-soaked, stream-of-consciousness trip plan for the Harbor View Hotel. Forget perfectly polished – this is real life, people. And my life, apparently, involves a ridiculous amount of planning… and wine.
The "Maybe I Can Actually Relax This Time" Harbor View Hotel Edgartown Escape
Day 1: Arrival & Pre-Sunset Panic
- 1 PM: Arrival & Appraisal of the Situation (and the Room). Landed in Vineyard Haven via ferry, of course (because, duh, Martha's Vineyard). Honestly, the ferry ride is always a vibe, the sea breeze, the gulls crying – it's a promise of good things. Then, the drive to Edgartown. Harbor View Hotel… Oh, it's beautiful. Like, ridiculously beautiful. The porch swings? The pristine white paint? It's intimidating. I checked in. And then, the room! Okay. Okay. It's nice. Very… nautical. A little too nautical than I’d prefer, I'm not gonna lie. Like, are we sure there aren’t supposed to be sailors popping out of the closet? I unpacked (which turned into a massive clothes-exploding situation, naturally).
- 3 PM: The Great Lunch Debacle. Okay, so I was starving. I decided to grab a bite at the hotel’s restaurant, Bettini. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea. It was PACKED. The hostess, bless her soul, looked like she'd been dealing with a horde of ravenous vacationers all day. "Waiting list is an hour, dear," she said, her voice a weary symphony of summer sighs. I nearly cried. An hour?? I settled for a sad, pre-packaged sandwich from the little shop next door. Note to self: book Bettini way in advance next time.
- 4 PM: Strolling Through Edgartown's Charm (and Buying My Way to Happiness). Finally fueled (albeit poorly), I wandered into town. Edgartown is like a postcard, you know? Charming, but sometimes a little too charming. Like, I saw a dog with a diamond collar. A dog. I did some serious damage at the shops, though. A new summer dress? Check. A ridiculously expensive candle that smells like the ocean? Check. A book about shipwrecks? Double-check. Therapy is cheaper, I guess.
- 6 PM: Sunset at South Beach (ish). Aiming for a perfect sunset, but… traffic. Seriously. The drive, the parking… Ugh. By the time I arrived at South Beach, the sun was already dipping. It was still gorgeous, though. The waves, the sand… pure magic. I might have shed a tear. Or five. Exhaustion and beauty do that to me. I promised myself to come back the next day earlier, and planned a proper sunset experience.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Bettini (Attempt 2, Slightly Less Crushed). Okay, I did better this time. Booked a reservation, and found a decent meal to enjoy at the restaurant. The view? Incredible. The food? Well, the seafood was the hero. I almost forgot about the lunch debacle, almost.
- 9 PM: Nightcap & Self-Reflection (and Wine). Back at the hotel, on the balcony. A glass of wine. Staring out at the harbor lights. Thinking about… everything. Feeling surprisingly ok. The start of the vacation wasn't so bad after all.
Day 2: Island Hopping, Whale Watching, and Questionable Life Choices
- 9 AM: The Great Breakfast Rush (and My Near-Doom). Okay, this time, I was smart. I secured breakfast at Bettini. Actually, I walked right in without a reservation. The waiter, bless him, was a godsend. The buffet was a glorious sight – fresh fruit, pastries, everything! I may have gone back for seconds (and thirds).
- 10 AM: Island Exploration by Bike. Rented a bike (another mistake, my butt is still screaming) and tried to be sporty. I tried to channel my inner Tour de France champion, I failed miserably. I biked along Beach Road, getting the views, and admiring the houses. The envy was real. I'm pretty sure I got lost.
- 1 PM: Whale Watching Adventure (and Seasickness Debacle). I'm an idiot. I get seasick. I knew this. But the whale watching looked so cool! The trip started out fine. Then, the waves. Oh, the waves. I spent a good hour leaning over the side of the boat, feeling… well, not great. But! I saw whales. Humpbacks, breaching! Totally worth it? Maybe. I'm still not sure. I'm still recovering.
- 4:30 PM: The Epic Beach Hang & Sunset Part Two. Armed with a fully packed cooler and a beach umbrella, this round was better. Proper sunset experience, with the waves, with the sand. The best way to end the day.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at The Port Hunter -- The Unpretentious Feast. This place was a game changer! The vibe was relaxed, the food was amazing. I inhaled some oysters and a lobster roll. Highly recommend. Best meal of the trip so far.
- 9:30 PM: More Wine, More Balcony Time, More Existential Dread (but in a good way). Back to the room. Wine. Harbor lights. Thinking about… everything again. But with a full tummy, and a slightly calmer seasickness-induced head. I started to feel that real vacation feeling kick.
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
- 9 AM: The Last Breakfast (and a Sad Goodbye). Another breakfast. This time, even more decadent. Because, why not?
- 10 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping (and Buying More Stupid Things). Okay, one last shop-a-thon in Edgartown. Justified, right? I'm pretty sure I will return.
- 11 AM: Hotel Check-Out (and Trying Not to Cry). The Harbor View was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Checking out was bittersweet.
- 12 PM: Ferry to Reality (and Maybe a Few More Tears). The ferry ride back to the mainland. The sea breeze, the gulls… Goodbye, beautiful island. Until next time.
Post-Trip Musings:
- Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY. Despite the minor setbacks, the traffic, the whale-watching-related trauma, this trip was amazing.
- Things I'd do differently: Book Bettini way in advance. Maybe skip the whale watching. Learn to ride a bike. Just maybe.
- Final Thoughts: This trip was a little messy, a little imperfect, a whole lot of fun. And that's what makes life – and vacation – worth it. And I think I know what I'll be doing when I get home. Planning the next one.
Harbor View Hotel, Edgartown: Seriously, Is This Place as Magical as They Say? Your Unofficial Guide!
Okay, spill the tea: Is the Harbor View Hotel actually worth the hype (and the serious dent in my wallet?)
Alright, look, here's the brutally honest truth: it's expensive. Like, you might need to sell a kidney kind of expensive. But… is it worth it? Depends. For a one-off splurge, a special anniversary, your dream Martha's Vineyard moment? Yeah, probably. I mean, that view from the porch? Forget about it. I swear, I spent a solid hour just staring out at the harbor one afternoon, practically drooling over the sailboats. And you know what's even better? The sunsets! Utterly ridiculous. They paint the sky in these fiery oranges and pinks…I almost cried. Almost.
But if you're on a tight budget, or you're expecting faultless perfection? Maybe temper those expectations. More on that later, trust me. My first impression was pure awe, the lobby, the staff's impeccable appearance, this is where your fantasy begins.
Let's talk rooms. Are they as gorgeous as the pictures? Or is it all Instagram magic?
The pictures are... mostly accurate. My room (a Harbor View King, because hey, I was treating myself!) was lovely. Clean, bright, tasteful decor. The bed? Glorious! I could have happily spent a week just lounging in it. The balcony… oh, the balcony. Waking up with the salty air and the views, that's a real winner.
BUT. (And there's always a 'but,' isn't there?) My shower pressure was a bit... anemic. Like, I was getting dripped on more than showered. And the noise! Sometimes, on a busy night, you can absolutely hear the revelry from the porch. Not ideal if you're a light sleeper. Also, the air conditioning fought valiantly, but had a tough time. One night was so hot I felt I was sleeping in an airplane's cockpit, and felt a bit less glamorous than the brochures suggested. So, gorgeous, yes. Flawless? Nah. Pretty close though, you should see those views.
The food! Is the restaurant worth trying, or should I just wander into town?
The restaurant, 1883, is… complicated. The food is good. Like, really good. The seafood is fresh, the presentation is gorgeous. But... it's also, you guessed it, pricey. And the service can be a bit… hit or miss. One evening, I had a waiter who was charming and engaging. The next, I felt like I was invisible. It's gorgeous, the views, the ambiance are all great, but the bill? Ouch.
My recommendation? Eat there at least once. Maybe a sunset dinner? Then, definitely explore the town! Edgartown is a foodie paradise. So many amazing little restaurants and cafes. I recommend among others, The Net Result for fresh seafood rolls.
Tell me about the pool, is it as relaxing as it looks in the pictures?
The pool is...fine. It's nice. Clean, well-maintained. But, and this is HUGE, the pool scene can get a little… crowded. Especially, because I happened to visit during a really popular weekend. There were kids splashing, and people hogging the lounge chairs and it felt less 'relaxing oasis' and more 'busy water park'. I tried to find a moment to be alone at the pool, but I just couldn't, it was so busy. I'd say, if you're determined to lounge poolside, go early, grab a chair, and stake your claim. And maybe bring earplugs. Just in case.
What's the best time to visit the Harbor View Hotel?
Shoulder season, baby! Late May/early June or September/October. The weather is still lovely, the crowds are thinner, and you might (fingers crossed!) snag a deal. Summer is beautiful, but it's also peak season, which means peak prices and peak craziness.
I went in August once... NEVER AGAIN. It was a zoo. Seriously. I felt like I was fighting for space, both on the beach and at the hotel.
Parking! Because parking on the Vineyard is a nightmare, right?
Yes. Parking is a nightmare everywhere on Martha's Vineyard, and the Harbor View is no exception. They have valet parking, and while it's convenient, it's another expense. Be prepared to factor that into your budget. Also, consider ditching the car entirely and using the hotel's shuttle or calling an Uber. Less stress, more relaxation. Trust me.
I spent a solid hour one morning just trying to find a parking spot. Pure agony. Ruined my whole morning, it did.
What's the vibe like in the hotel, generally? Is it stuffy and pretentious, or actually welcoming?
It's a bit of both, honestly! The staff tries hard to be welcoming, and they’re mostly very pleasant. But the setting itself just naturally attracts a certain type of clientele. Let's just say, you'll see a lot of designer handbags and perfectly coiffed hair. I felt a little underdressed in my (admittedly) slightly worn summer dress, which is a bummer, but I got over it. Don't be intimidated by a little bit of perceived 'stuffy'. Just be yourself, enjoy the view, and laugh if someone gives you the side-eye for your sandals. You're on vacation, after all!
Okay, give it to me straight: Would you go back to the Harbor View Hotel?
Yes. Absolutely. Even with the minor annoyances, the expense, and the occasional snootiness, the Harbor View Hotel is pretty darn magical. That view, that location, that overall feeling of being pampered... it's hard to resist. I'm already dreaming of going back, honestly. Just... gotta start saving now. And maybe buy a nicer dress. :)
