OAK BLUFFS, Mass.—Summercamp, a Lark Hotels property in scenic Oak Bluffs, Mass., will open its doors on May 19th. With 95 guest rooms and suites, Summercamp is the largest waterfront property on Martha’s Vineyard and the largest of Lark Hotels’ properties to date. Honoring the location’s history as a camp retreat, the hotel’s décor aims to playfully engage guests through classic camp experiences. The opening of Summercamp brings the renowned hospitality brand’s growing roster to 17 hotels throughout New England and in two cities on the West Coast.
Once the camp revival destination of the Methodist Church, Summercamp is set in front of Oak Bluffs’ historic Wesleyan Grove, a curving network of miniature “gingerbread cottages” built in Carpenter’s Gothic architectural style atop the campsite’s former tent plots. Summercamp’s building was once the Wesley Hotel, a distinctive structure built by Mr. A.G. Wesley for the sum of just $18,000 in 1879. Since its initial nineteenth century opening, the hotel has undergone multiple changes, including those made to the adjacent Wesley Arms building, which was added to the property in 1924.
“It’s been a very exciting spring for us, gearing up to launch three new properties in May alone, including our largest project yet, Summercamp,” said Lark Hotels CEO, Rob Blood. “A major part of our mission is to embrace the surroundings of each hotel, and Oak Bluffs’ rich history has made that a particularly fun process. We can’t wait to host guests for an experience that we’re really proud of.”
Prior to reopening as Summercamp in May 2016, the building underwent a complete modern transformation while still maintaining its historic integrity. With the neighborhood’s history in mind, Lark Hotels crafted the brand concept to reflect an emphasis on playful gatherings, personal connection, and nostalgia. Boston-based design firm Rachel Reider Interiors carried that feeling through into the interiors. Guest rooms are outfitted with insect-printed fabrics, custom rope, and lantern details, and wall hangings made with wooden oars, patterned arrows, and vintage tennis rackets. Colorful pillows and printed accent walls offset crisp white paint and luxurious linens throughout each room. Suites and guest rooms are available in multiple varieties, many with harbor views, including a signature Lark Suite, Dog-Friendly King and kid-approved Twin Bunk, in addition to standard Queen, Double Queen, King, and Suite options.
Common areas include a Rec Hall (with AstroTurf for carpet) for games and private events, and the onsite Camp Canteen selling snacks and sundries for all ages such as branded wearables, beach gear and tasty ice cream, trail mix and penny candy. Upon opening, guests at Summercamp can take in sweeping harbor views from rocking chairs on the building’s wrap-around porches, and enjoy activities like vintage games, movies, ping pong and carpet twister in the Rec Hall, and cornhole on the hotel’s back lawn.