The White Elephant Nantucket

Cottages, harbor-facing rooms, and a couple of downtown lofts make up this waterfront resort sitting right on Nantucket Harbor. The views do most of the talking, but the rooms hold their own with gas fireplaces, private decks, and a small elephant pillow on the bed that is somehow less kitschy than it sounds. Boats, beaches, and the island's shops are all within easy reach, which means you'll spend very little time actually sitting still.

Two honors, in evidence: