Hob Knob

Martha’s Vineyard is the kind of destination that can feel a bit closed off to outsiders. It’s a place that’s perhaps better known for vacation homes and vacation estates than it is for hotels. But there are some gems to be found, among them Hob Knob, a charming 19th-century house in Edgartown that’s been converted into a small and intimate 17-room boutique-style hotel.

It’s a remarkably well-preserved piece of Gothic Revival architecture. The interior style is classic meets contemporary, traditional in character but all sparkling new. The focus is on creature comforts, with heaping king beds, plush robes, high-tech in-room amenities and plenty of space.

It’s luxe enough to hole up in, though you probably won’t — it’s a very short walk to the center of Edgartown, not much farther to the harbor, and if you didn’t bring your own bike, Hob Knob rents beach cruisers for two-wheeled exploration. And like the best city hotels, this island guest house comes with a skilled concierge, useful indeed for arranging tables, tours and adventures that only an insider would know.