FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car on the Island?
How do I get my car to/from the Vineyard?
If I don’t bring a car, what’s the easiest way to get to your Resort?
How can I get around the Island if I don’t bring a car?
What time can I check-in and check-out?
Are any of your accommodations air-conditioned?
Do you have a bell staff and room service?
How do I make a dining reservation at your restaurant, The Dunes?
What is the dress code for dining at The Dunes?
Do I need to bring my own beach chairs?
Do I need to bring my own beach towels?
Do I need to bring my own cribs & highchairs?
Where do I purchase groceries on the Island?
Do all suites/homes have Internet access?
Do I need to bring my own laptop? Do you have a Business Office?
Do you have laundry facilities?
Do you have fitness/exercise/yoga classes?
Does the Winnetu Oceanside Resort have a swimming pool?
What is the temperature of the swimming pools?
Do I have the opportunity to recycle when staying at Winnetu Oceanside Resort?
Do I need a car on the Island?
In the summer months, a car is really not necessary — there are plenty of transportation options available to/from the Resort and on the Island. However, for those guests traveling with young children, or staying for a week or more, a car can be a nice convenience.
During the spring and autumn seasons, we do recommend that you bring a car, especially if you wish to explore the Island. If you’re just coming for a weekend, and aren’t interested in touring, a car really isn’t needed.
How do I get my car to/from the Vineyard?
If you do decide to bring your car over to the Island, auto reservations are required and should be made as soon as possible with the Steamship Authority. The Steamship Authority operates the only automobile ferry service to the Island from Woods Hole, on Cape Cod (a short, 45-minute crossing). These large vessels operate hourly, year round.
To arrange auto reservations, contact the Steamship Authority by either calling them directly at 508-477-8600 or booking on-line – via their website, www.steamshipauthority.com. Reservations for passengers are unnecessary.
Note: When you inquire about your automobile reservation, if you don’t get your first request, ask to have your name put on the Waiting List. It usually works out quite well and, more often than not, you’ll get the reservation time you desire.
If I don’t bring a car, what’s the easiest way to get to your Resort?
We offer a convenient on-Island pick-up/drop-off service for our guests that choose to utilize the “Island Queen” ferry from Falmouth, Massachusetts, so long as the boat/transfer reservation is pre-reserved with us. The crossing time takes 35 minutes (i.e., the quickest to the Island). Falmouth is centrally located and the Island Queen offers mainland parking within walking distance of the dock. The boat line has guaranteed Winnetu guests parking availability in their lots — a special benefit — as long as a Winnetu voucher is shown to the parking attendant.
To utilize this exclusive service, our guests must pre-reserve it on our Winnetu website (go to the “All-Aboard VIP Island Queen Ferry Package” page). Guests who choose not to pre-reserve this amenity with us may utilize the Island Queen ferry on their own, but will not have guaranteed parking privileges or a pick-up on-Island to/from the Resort. (Taxis are available on your own).
How can I get around the Island if I don’t bring a car?
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort operates a frequent and complimentary shuttle service to/from Main Street, Edgartown – from morning until the evening. In the early spring and late autumn this service operates on a less frequent basis. There is also an extensive and frequent bus service that runs throughout the Island…The VTA (Vineyard Transit Authority), which stops adjacent to the Winnetu Oceanside Resort. In addition, the Resort offers a nightly water taxi cruise to Edgartown (seasonal). Many guests also enjoy a bike ride to Main Street, via the bike path. It’s flat and takes 15 minutes. There are also plenty of taxi cabs to meet everyone’s traveling needs.
What time can I check-in & check-out?
Check-in for Winnetu Hotel accommodations is 4:00 p.m. Check-in for Mattakesett private home rentals 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.
If I am staying in a Mattakesett Properties private home rental, how often can I expect housekeeping?
Mattakesett private homes are cleaned upon arrival and departure. However, if you wish to receive additional cleanings during your stay, they can be arranged, with advance notice, for an extra fee.
Are any of your accommodations air-conditioned?
All studios and suites in the main Hotel, and our private cottages adjacent to the Hotel, have individually controlled air-conditioning. Most of the resort private home rentals have air-conditioning, but some do not. They take advantage of the natural, southerly ocean breezes, and also feature ceiling fans.
Do you have a bell staff and room service?
We do 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 food service can be arranged through our on-site restaurant, The Dunes. Our staff will be more than happy to help you if you need assistance.
How do I make a dining reservation at your restaurant, The Dunes?
Dining reservations at The Dunes restaurant can be made by calling 508-627-FOOD (3663) or by e-mailing our Restaurant Manager.
What is the dress code for dining at The Dunes?
There is no strict, formal dress code at The Dunes. Dining patrons should dress comfortably in relaxed, summer dinner-wear attire.
Do I need to bring my own beach chairs?
We provide two backpack beach chairs for guests staying in studios or one-bedroom suites at the Winnetu Hotel.
We provide four backpack beach chairs for guests staying in a two-bedroom suite (including our private cottages), at the Winnetu Hotel.
For those staying at Mattakesett, we recommend bringing your own beach chairs or renting them when on Island.
Do I need to bring my own beach towels?
We provide complimentary beach towels for guests staying at the Winnetu Hotel. Towels can be exchanged on a daily basis at the Garden Pavilion.
We do not provide beach towels for guests staying in Mattakesett private homes. Please bring your own beach towels!
The Winnetu General Store has beach towels for sale.
Do I need to bring my own cribs & highchairs?
Need a crib or highchair — or perhaps a beach umbrella to keep little ones out of the sun — while on your vacation? You certainly don’t have to carry them from home to our Resort. Just let us know — and we will have whatever items you need ready for you upon your arrival.
Guests staying in Mattakesett private homes should call the Baby Bear rental company directly at 508-627-8830 or 877-342-2229 to order full-size cribs, Pack n Plays, and highchairs. They will deliver them directly to your home or you can also order them on their website.
For Winnetu Hotel guests, you can order some of these items by logging into your Reservation and going to the “Book Now” button before your arrival.
Yes…the Winnetu Oceanside Resort is dog-friendly! We offer select, comfortable pet-friendly accommodations (excluding the month of August) at our Winnetu Hotel for dogs (up to 35 pounds in some rooms and up to 85 pounds in some cottages) and some specific dog-friendly private homes at Mattakesett up to 85 pound. Please reserve your pet-friendly accommodation in advance. Please Note: One dog per accommodation/stay is allowed and there is a $70 plus tax non-refundable, per night pet fee that will be charged upon booking. Call our Reservations Office for more information at 866-335-1133 (toll-free, USA only) or 508-310-1733.
Where do I purchase groceries on the Island?
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. Winnetu Oceanside Resort offers a complimentary Stop and Shop Shuttle on most mornings. Morning Glory Farm is located about three miles from the Resort and specializes in fresh produce grown on their 50-plus acre farm, as well as homemade bread, muffins, and fabulous healthy fare…It’s a true Vineyard Experience!
Do all suites/cottages/homes have Internet access?
Yes. Our Winnetu Hotel suites and cottages have wireless service as do our Mattakesett private homes. WiFi is also available in many of the public spaces throughout the Resort grounds.
Do you have a business office?
We have a complimentary business office with a personal computer and printer, and also provide Internet access for all your business needs.
Do you have laundry facilities?
Many suites have their own private washer and dryer. All Mattakesett private homes have their own washer and dryer. For those accommodations without private units, the Winnetu Hotel has a coin-operated laundry facility.
Yes. Located at the Mattakesett Activities Center, our Fitness Center is equipped with numerous cardio equipment and strength training dumbells (5-to-90 lb.), cable stations and Bosu medicine and exercise balls.
Do you have fitness/exercise/yoga classes?
We offer outdoor yoga classes on the lawn at the Winnetu Hotel. These sessions are very popular! Please refer to the Activity Schedule for further details.
Does the Winnetu Oceanside Resort have a swimming pool?
Yes…we have two swimming pools. The new pool at the Winnetu Hotel is 70 feet by 30 feet. It features an attached kiddie pool area and spray jets. We’ve also added an expanded pool deck. In addition, a new, in-ground hot tub is available for guests ages 14 and older. During the summer months, lunch and drinks are served at the adjacent poolside grill.
The Mattakesett pool, which is across the street at the Mattakesett Activities Center, is a rectangular 25’ x 40’ and is a better pool for swimming laps. The shallow end is 3’, so this is the preferred pool for young children, while the deep end is 9′. On most afternoons during the summer months we turn on the “water jets,” which are fun for the kids to jump through.
There isn’t a lifeguard stationed at either pool. Parents are responsible for the safety and well being of their children.
What is the temperature of the swimming pools?
Both swimming pools at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort are heated to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I invite my friends that aren’t staying at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort to the pool or Children’s Programs?
Unfortunately, no. Due to limited space in our pools and Children’s Programs, all Resort amenities are for the private use of Winnetu Oceanside Resort guests only.
Do I have the opportunity to recycle when staying at Winnetu Oceanside Resort?
Yes. the Winnetu provides co-mingle recycle bins in every suite.
In the Mattakesett private homes, the co-mingle bins are located directly outside of each home. Thank you for your cooperation!
