Design + Delight: A Sydney Hotel Edgartown Review

A couple of months ago, a friend asked if we were returning to the Vineyard this summer. I enthusiastically confirmed then panicked when I realized that we hadn’t booked our stay! Flights, ferry, and other activities had been secured, but somehow a place to sleep had been overlooked. I keep spreadsheets to plan trips. How was this overlooked? HOW?

I immediately started searching every rental site, Martha’s Vineyard Facebook group, and Instagram post to find an option. Summercamp Hotel popped into my head. I checked their website… booked to capacity. I decided to check the Lark Hotels site to see if there was something available at one of their sister properties and spotted one last opening at The Sydney during our dates. There was one problem: the room could only be booked by calling the property.

Talking on the phone is not my thing (#peakmillenial) but I decided to give them a ring. The staff was super friendly and answered all of my questions about the Captain’s House RM. 8. I read on their website that it was a tight space, but they reiterated multiple times just how cozy it would be. I will admit that I was a bit nervous, but we were one month out from traveling and quite lucky to have found anything. So, we booked it! Grab some tea and read all about my experience below.

THE LOCATION

The Sydney is located in the heart of downtown Edgartown— just a short walk to Main Street. On previous trips, Edgartown has always been my favorite place to shop and spend the day. I was very excited to stay on this part of the Vineyard and even more so once we arrived to the hotel. You will find excellent shopping next door at Richard Mile, taco overload down the street at Backyard Taco, and a fabulous cocktail menu at L’étoile restaurant inside of the captain’s house side of The Sydney.

Check out this post for more on my favorite Edgartown shopping and dining!

THE ROOMS

There are two buildings that make up The Sydney: the newly constructed main building that houses 14 rooms and the renovated Victorian-style Captain’s House, which features eight rooms. This can be a bit confusing when booking on their site, but you will notice that the suites are in the main house and a mixture of room options next door are listed as “Captain’s House” with the room number.

Since the renovations and new additions to the hotel, their team has switched things up a bit. For starters, you might find some old reviews that mention a bread basket and jams being delivered to rooms in the Captain’s House. Instead, a lovely breakfast spread is available in the main lobby each morning. The breakfast is not to be missed—more on that later!

You might also find information stating that keys will be left for you to check in. A delay with our connector left us in BOS for the night, so their team agreed to leave a key for us if we didn’t catch the person on the late shift. Heads up that is not standard practice. You will definitely need to call ahead if you have any travel delays. Also, check in for both houses is in the main house—just past The Sydney sign.

On to the rooms! We enjoyed the coziness of the Captain’s House RM. 8. After keying in, we definitely understand why staff emphasized the size multiple times before proceeding with booking. The room was indeed small but had everything we needed, including a sizeable dresser with deep drawers, a flat screen, and a bathroom that had a spa like feel and included Lather products! No detail was spared in the interior design process and the pieces in our room were a perfect compliment the design throughout both buildings.

THE DINING

I mentioned the fabulous breakfast at The Sydney as one of my favorite things I ate during the trip. It’s really that good! We were greeted with fresh baked pastries, hummus, veggies, fruit platters, assorted cheeses, and more each morning. My daily picks were the overnight oats or the everything biscuit with cheese and fruit. Also, you absolutely must try the green tea they keep on tap!

You won’t have to look far for your next meal. There is no shortage of amazing places within walking distance to eat:

• Brunch: Behind the Bookstore
• Lunch: Backyard Taco, A Slice of Edgartown
• Dinner: Alchemy, Detente
• Cocktails + Small Plates: L’étoile (inside the Captain’s House), The Port Hunter

See the full list of my favorite things I ate on this trip here

One stay at The Sydney and I understood why Lark Hotels are known for creating experiences for their guests. From the decor to the dining and from the staff recommendations to connections fostered within shared community spaces, we felt like we were coming home at the end of each day. We got to know a few of the other guests from sharing breakfast together, learned about the backgrounds of the hotel staff, and were constantly offered suggestions for events to attend and not-to-miss destinations to visit. I can’t wait to stay at another Lark Hotels property!