Dear Valued Guest,
My family and I are often asked about the history, culture and traditions of the Vineyard and why the Winnetu Oceanside Resort is so special – not only to us – but to our many guests who return year after year. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort is really the tale of an island resort adventure that begins and ends with a short ferry ride. At our Resort, we hope to provide you with the quintessential Vineyard adventure – be it active – or relaxing.

The Winnetu Family The Vineyard is an island, psychologically separated from the mainland; a state of mind all its own…With the ebb and flow of daily life determined by the ferry boat arrivals and departures. It is an unpretentious, charming place to explore every season of the year and have fun with friends and family.

For me, it all began in 1968 when my parents built the first townhouses at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort. Back then, it was just Mattakesett Properties. I fell in love with the Vineyard early on and was determined to make it a central part of my life. Luckily my wife, Gwenn, felt the same way. Once we had children we began seeking Resort experiences that not only made us happy, but our children, as well.

In the year 2000, we had the opportunity to build the new Winnetu Inn adjacent to Mattakesett Properties and pour our passion and vision into combining these two properties and creating the Winnetu Oceanside Resort you experience today. This year, 2008, we celebrate the Resort's 40th anniversary – and I am proud that three generations of the Snider family remain involved in its stewardship.

Roderick Anderson, our General Manager, and his staff are here to help you create your own "ferry tale" while staying at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort.

We hope you'll come and experience all that the Winnetu Oceanside Resort and Martha's Vineyard have to offer and that you'll make it either an annual family tradition, or couple getaway, as it has been for my parents, my wife, and our three children for 40 years.

Best wishes,
Mark and Gwenn Snider

FAQs

FAQ

We want you to have an enjoyable time when staying at our Resort. To make your vacation even more spectacular, here are answers to some of your more "Frequently Asked Questions":

When is the Winnetu Oceanside Resort Open in 2008?

The Winnetu Inn is open from Friday, April 18, 2008 to Sunday, October 26, 2008. The private townhouses and homes at Mattakesett Properties are available for rent — beginning Friday, May 23, 2008 to Sunday, October 12, 2008.

What is the Best Way to Get to the Vineyard?

The best way to get to the Island is by ferry boat or airplane. See our "Getting Here" Page for more details.

The Winnetu Oceanside Resort Offers Many Different Kinds of Accommodations. What's the Difference Between Staying in a Suite at the Winnetu Inn Versus Renting a Private Home at Mattakesett Properties?

We consider ourselves to be a one-of-a-kind, New England-style, ocean-side Resort, providing you with a comfortable home-away-from-home, colorful personality, and individualized attention. We are the only commercial establishment on the entire south coast of Martha' Vineyard. You can choose between staying in a suite at the Winnetu Inn or renting a private home at Mattakesett Properties.

If Staying at the Winnetu Inn…

Winnetu Inn accommodations are mostly suite-like — ranging from one-to-four bedrooms — and feature kitchenettes. All are air-conditioned and include daily housekeeping. We designed these suites, so that you feel as though you are staying at an island beach home — not a hotel. Although we do not offer turndown or room service, we would be delighted to have you order something from our Lure restaurant — or pool food service area — to take back to your suite. The beach is a 250-yard walk from the Inn on our private path.

If Staying at Mattakesett Properties…

The privately owned townhouses and homes at Mattakesett Properties offer you the space you need to stretch out and relax. They range in size from three-to-four bedrooms — together with full kitchens — and can accommodate six-to-eight people each. Homes vary in decor and design style and are rated "Bronze, Silver, Silver-Plus or Gold," so that you can select the right home for your budget. The homes are naturally cooled from the ocean breezes; there isn't any mechanical air conditioning in them. They are also cleaned upon arrival and departure. The beach is a five-to-fifteen minute walk away, depending on the location of your home.

Are Any of Your Accommodations Air-Conditioned?

The Winnetu Inn suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. The private home rentals at Mattakesett Properties are not mechanically air-conditioned, but naturally cooled by the ocean breezes — as well as ceiling fans and portable fans — provided by the individual home owners.

What's it Like on the Vineyard During the Shoulder Months of April, early May, Late September, and October?

In the spring and autumn, the Vineyard takes on a different hue — as compared to summer. The six eclectic towns that make up the Island offer many choices for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. The fishing and bike riding are superb; antiquing and art gallery hopping are favorite pastimes; and everywhere, you see people walking. It's a time of discovery… The favorite time on the Island for locals — and others who know it well.

What are Your Check-In & Check-Out Policies?

Check-in for accommodations at the Winnetu Inn is 4:00 p.m. Check-in for private home rentals at Mattakesett Properties is 5:00 p.m.

Check-out for the entire Winnetu Oceanside Resort property is 10:00 a.m. We would be happy to store your luggage — if you either arrive early or desire to stay later — and encourage you to enjoy our extensive facilities.

What Transportation Services Do You Provide to-and-from the Resort? Do I Need to Bring a Car?

In the summer months, there is an extensive bus service that runs throughout the Island, so a car is not necessary for stays of up to four days. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort supplements the Island bus Service (a.k.a., Vineyard Transit Authority or "VTA") with its own complimentary shuttle service to Main Street, Edgartown. In addition, we offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off at the New Bedford Ferry terminal (advance reservations are required through the Resort); a sunset water taxi cruise to Edgartown; and options to either rent bicycles or automobiles once at the Resort. Taxi service is also plentiful.

For guests staying more than four days; for those traveling with young children; and for those visiting in the early spring or late autumn, bringing a car over to the Island can be more efficient.

Should I Bring My Own Beach Towels and Chairs?

All guests of the Winnetu Oceanside Resort — whether staying at the Winnetu Inn or in a private home at Mattakesett Properties — are asked to bring their own beach towels. However, the Winnetu General Store has beach towels for sale, if you desire, and we also provide them as part of our "Beach Survival Kit," which you may purchase through our "Online Concierge" services Page (click here).

Mattakesett Properties' guests are asked to bring their own beach chairs. The Winnetu Inn provides complimentary beach chairs for hotel guests that can be signed out and returned each day during their stay.

May We Bring Our Pets?

If bringing your pet on vacation is important to you, we suggest you consider staying in a private home at Mattakesett Properties. Some pet-friendly Bay Homes are available upon advance request. Pets or animals of any kind are not permitted at the Winnetu Inn. Call our Reservations Office at (866) 335-1133 (toll-free, USA only) or (508) 310-1733 if you would like local kennel information where you can board your pet while staying with us.

Where Can We Get Groceries?

There is a well-stocked "Stop and Shop" grocery store in Edgartown about three miles from the Resort, as well as five other large grocery stores on the Island.

Do You Have a Bell Staff and Room Service?

For your convenience we provide bell service, as well as easy-to-use, self-service luggage carts — if you choose. We do not offer Room Service, but take-out can be arranged through our on-site restaurant, Lure. Our staff will be more than happy to help you if you need assistance.

What About Babysitting Services?

We make available to our guests a list of private individuals who are interested in babysitting, so that you can make arrangements on your own.