Like many of its neighbors, this charming boutique hotel is done up in traditional, gingerbread style, sporting white latticework on three floors with green and red accents. Weathered wood siding adds to its casual New England cottage vibe. Lush landscaping in the quaint courtyard fronting the street gives it an inviting ambiance, as does the wrap-around porch with swings and rockers. This spot becomes a central gathering place in warm months, with live music on Fridays during the wine-and-cheese reception. The interior is equally comfortable and casual. Hardwood floors, wicker furniture, and nautical accents adorn the space. Natural wood beams add a rustic touch, and a stone fireplace rests at one end of the cozy dining area with a long, farmhouse-style table at the far end. But it's the chandelier made from a ship's figurehead that's a true conversation piece. 

The Pequot Hotel is in a quiet residential neighborhood surrounded by the island’s iconic gingerbread houses. It's one block (a two-minute walk) from Inkwell Beach and a 12-minute walk from the Oak Bluffs Marina where ferries arrive and depart. The restaurants and shops along Circuit Avenue is a five-minute walk. Walking times to Waban Park and the historic Flying Horses carousel are seven and 10 minutes, respectively. A bus stop is about five minutes away. Martha’s Vineyard Airport is a 16-minute drive or about 35 minutes by bus. Joseph Sylvia State Beach and the Farm Neck Golf Club are five- to seven-minute drives, and Correllus State Forest is 16 minutes away by car.

Rooms at the Pequot Hotel are clean, individually decorated, and offer a range of sizes, layouts, and amenities. Although decor varies from room to room, the overall look is seaside-cottage casual. Some decorative details include sky-blue or pale-yellow walls, starfish-shaped lamps, white wicker headboards, and wooden country-style furniture often painted white. Standard rooms offer one queen or two twin beds that past guests rate as comfortable. Bedding is bright white typically accented by blue-and-gold throws and matching pillows. And some walls are mounted with old black-and-white photos of Martha’s Vineyard. Many of the rooms are quite small, while others such as the Courtyard King are fairly roomy with a sitting area and a private-entry deck furnished with two rocking chairs facing the lovely courtyard. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, bottled water, and air-conditioning. Some rooms have mini-fridges, and all rooms except the six in the annex building have flat-screen TVs. But many rooms have no closets, and use hooks or wall-mounted racks with hangers instead. 

Bathrooms can be on the small side as well, with white porcelain pedestal sinks or small wooden vanities. They typically have small shower stalls, and all have and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. Some guests have reported that the thin walls allow them to hear outside noises easily, but it’s generally a peaceful place in a quiet residential neighborhood. 

The Pequot Hotel offers several additional freebies that enhance its value. A free continental breakfast is served daily in a common area. Free fresh-baked cookies and various beverages are served each afternoon, and there's a free wine-and-cheese reception every Friday with live music. There's also a large fridge and microwave in the main building that guests are free to use. The hotel offers loaner towels, chairs, and umbrellas for beach outings. And guests can use the hotel's outdoor shower when returning from a day of sun and sand. For those that want to explore the island on two wheels, bicycle rentals can be delivered directly to the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, and there's a computer station with Internet access available as well. Guests without TVs in their rooms can watch the large flat-screen TV in the common area, which also has a cozy gas fireplace. Free parking is available, but it’s on the surrounding streets. Be aware that the hotel is nonsmoking throughout and pets aren't allowed.