My husband and I are looking for a long weekend getaway and have never been to Martha's Vineyard (we live in RI) - I know it is high season but am looking for recommendations for places to stay. We are just looking for some relaxation time away with some beach and bike riding thrown in. First-hand experience is always so helpful. Thank you.

Rumor has it that President Obama is planning to vacation on the Vineyard again this summer. I think in August. So you might want to plan accordingly.

I can't recommend a specific place, but I like to stay in Edgartown. I think it is the most convenient when you don't have a car. You can get the shuttle to South Beach, or you can easily bike there or to East Beach on Chappaquiddick.

From RI, the fast ferry from Quanset point will be much easier for getting there. Have only stayed with friends who live there, but as china said, the shuttles get you around the island nicely.

Whichever ferry you take there will be the shuttle there to bring you to any town you may be staying in. I have only been a few times, but the transportation is so easy and inexpensive so no real need for a car. We love edgartown. Old charming homes and a great shopping area. The Harborview in Edgartown is one I keep wanting to stay at. (We normally rent with the kids in tow). Not sure of the rates. I am sure it is on the high end, but the location is perfect. Across the street from the small lighthouse beach, near town, near chappy. Im sure there are many more if you just do a quick search. This is the only one I can speak to because we pass it all the time and I have checked out their website. The Hob Knob looks beautiful too. Very high end I believe. The Edgartown looks charming and not as steep. Oak Bluffs is another area to stay, but the feel is completely different. Wonderful, but completely different. Very laid back, quirky, a but more rustic. Where ever you stay - bike rental places will deliver to you if the hotel/inn doesn't already have them and as mentioned the bus is so easy so transportation is not an issue. Enjoy!

The Vineyard is a great place to get away from it all.

When do you plan to visit? What is your budget for accommodations?

If your focus is on enjoying the beach there is a great resort in Katama, Winnetu. Right at South Beach. See: http://www.winnetu.com/index.jsp. Pricey but absolutely heavenly.

There are several hotels in Edgartown, also high end for nightly rates in season. I stayed at the Harbor View some years ago - it was very comfortable and it's convenient to restaurants, shops, Chappy, and the beach.

In Oak Bluffs I've stayed at the Pequot Inn. Comfortable and friendly - so very convenient to shops, restaurants, campground, beach, and nightlife of Oak Bluffs.

That's the extent of my personal experience with hotels.

We now summer in our own home on MV, a stone's throw from the Winnetu resort.

I would recommend a weekend vacation home rental - check listings on:

homeaway.com
vrbo.com
weneedavacation.com

There are many homes listed at reasonable rates, compared to the nightly rates for hotels in Edgartown!

Good luck with your planning and enjoy your weekend away!

See our home away from home:
http://www.freewebs.com/katamadelight

Thanks everyone for your replies! I am now thinking of heading elsewhere during high season because we really are only a high speed ferry ride away if we leave from Quonset which is very close to us. Then we'll go more toward the end of season - and I will definitely check out all of your suggestions.