Provincetown is where the Pilgrims first landed in 1620 after signing the Mayflower Compact. The farthest point on Cape Cod became a haven for writers and artists a century ago. Possibly due to its remoteness and gorgeous locales. Today, however, the town is easily accessible, bringing in a constant stream of visitors, especially the LGBT community. Accommodation is aplenty, but you won’t find any big branded hotels in Provincetown Massachusetts. What you’ll find instead are boutique hotels, B&Bs, and inns that are steeped in history.
Mansions and cozy seafarers houses that have been standing since the 1800s are now charming inns and hotels. However, no matter what size of the hotel you’re staying at, you’ll be surprised by the wide range of amenities.
Where to Stay in Provincetown
Summers are when the crowds descend on the town which becomes a hotbed of activity, so finding a place to stay during this time may be a tad difficult. If you’re looking for high-end luxury you’ll probably be better off staying at one of the best hotels in Boston, less than a two-hour ferry ride away. We also have 11 Best Hotels in Lowell if you’re interested.
Most of the action in Provincetown is found along Commercial Street, the main area for restaurants, bars, and shops. The iconic Pilgrim Monument is a short three-minute walk from here. You’ll find many of the best hotels in PTown (as it’s fondly called) in this area or a block away on Bradford Street.
The town also boasts some of the best beaches in the country. Herring Cove and the world-famous Race Point ocean beach are favored hangouts. Many hotels have direct beach access so if you’re looking to stay close to the sands there are quite a few options.
Provincetown also has the distinction of being the Oldest Continuous Art Colony in America. If you’re an art aficionado you’ll be quite at home in any part of the town since galleries, studios, and museums are in abundance.
Inn at Cook Street
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In the heart of the oldest continuous Art Colony in the country, you’ll find the gorgeous Inn at Cook Street. The inn has been standing for 181 years and is a member of the Distinctive Inns of Provincetown. The lovingly maintained Greek Revival house was once owned by a prominent mariner’s family. The ‘Studio Cottage’ on the other hand was originally a black smith’s shop.
The two cottages of the inn feature two-bedroom/living room suite combinations as well as four-bedroom suites with private baths. Some rooms have fireplaces and sundecks as well as private entrances. The beds are extremely comfortable with high-end linen. All rooms come with standard amenities that you would look for in a good hotel. If you’re looking for a romantic space, the Koi Cottage with its vaulted ceiling and the separate reading loft is perfect.
Breakfast is a good assortment of delights like muffins and bagel and also includes the inn’s branded Stumptown Roaster’s Coffee. When you’re done with exploring the area, you can savor homemade baked goods in the afternoon.
Surfside Hotel & Suites
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Waking up to the sound of the waves lapping the shore is a surreal experience that you can have at the Surfside Hotel & Suites. This beachside resort is a favorite with pet owners for its pet-friendly amenities. It’s not just pet owners who flock here, but many others who are here for the wide range of amenities and beautiful views. It sits right on Commercial Street with direct beach access which adds to its popularity.
The two buildings of the hotel are characterized by balconies with white wooden railings, one of which looks out to the sea. Guestrooms are homey with contemporary decor and private balconies. You can choose from a range of accommodations that include three newly updated Jacuzzi Suites and one and two-bedroom apartments.
A drop and go breakfast is available every morning. For other dining options, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity. Take a dip in the heated outdoor saltwater pool or head to the lounge chairs on the private beach to while away your time. In the evening you can relax by the fire pit on the patio while you sip on cocktails and frozen drinks from the Lighthouse Bar.
Prince Albert Guest House
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Many Provincetown Ma hotels like the Prince Albert Guest House are historic homes that belonged to sea captains. Tracing its roots to the 1860s, this historic home has been lovingly restored to feature a wide range of modern comforts. The hotel’s location at the corner of Commercial and Central Streets makes it a popular choice for those wanting to be close to all the action. It’s within an easy walking distance to the beach or a quick bike ride to the Cape Cod National Seashore where you have a pick of the best beaches in the country.
Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the property. The shady front courtyard of the hotel is ideal for relaxing while taking in views of the harbor. However, if its privacy you prefer, the backyard is a good space too with its patios. Don’t expect lavish accommodation here but what you can look forward to are cozy, comfortable rooms with upgraded ‘heavenly’ bedding.
Most hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts provide an excellent breakfast and the same can be said of the breakfast at the Prince Albert Guesthouse. Belgian waffles, gourmet coffee by Starbucks and Nespresso, fresh fruit, and a variety of other breakfast items can be enjoyed each morning.
The Seaglass Inn & Spa
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With its serene hilltop location in the West End, the family-owned Seaglass Inn & Spa is one of the best hotels in Provincetown Massachusetts for those looking for a tranquil vacation. It’s a 10-15 minute stroll to Commercial Street and the other downtown attractions from here. However, if you’re not up to walking, the hotel provides free transportation to most of the hotspots. You can also rent a bike to explore the area.
The former Best Western bears no trace of the chain hotel’s décor with its current Cape Cod charm. Tasteful nautical-themed accents add character to most spaces that have a distinct New England vibe. Guest rooms are bright and modern with pale gray walls and tweed carpeting. The overall vibe borders on high-end luxury which is quite rare for a mid-range property. You’ll find a good range of modern comforts in the rooms and outside too.
One of the highlights of the property is the heated outdoor pool and garden. The spa is a little on the smaller side but surprisingly big on treatments. A continental breakfast is served each morning either in the sunny lounge off the lobby or out on the lawn.
Brass Key Guesthouse
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Chic boutique hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts don’t come better than the Brass Key Guesthouse on Bradford Street. In operation for over 55 years, this gay-owned property is an ‘all welcome’ hotel where open-mindedness and diversity are valued. The hotel is just minutes from Herring Cove Beach and Commercial Street so you’re well placed for exploring the area.
First impressions make lasting impressions, and the Brass Key Hotel does justice to this phrase with its gorgeous landscaped exteriors and charming interiors. Nine historically restored buildings surround a terraced courtyard and infinity-edge pool. Rooms are spread out over these nine buildings and the decor in each depends on the building.
You’ll also find an oversized in-ground spa and a private rooftop deck with excellent water-views. From relaxing in the 15-person hot tub to indulging in a variety of spa treatments, the hotel offers an unparalleled experience. It also has a popular on-site gay lounge, the Shipwreck Lounge. While the hotel does not have a full-service restaurant, guests enjoy a good continental breakfast every morning. There’s also a free evening wine and cheese reception every day.
8 Dyer Hotel
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You’ll find quite a few adults-only hotels in Provincetown Massachusetts, such as the chef-owned 8 Dyer Hotel. This stylish 7-room guesthouse is tucked away on a quiet side street, ensuring you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
All rooms feature private bathrooms and can sleep up to two guests in either queen or king-sized beds. The rooms are cozy with wood floors and a green and white palette. All rooms come with a refrigerator, television, wet bar and air conditioning, and heating. The Penthouses feature a whirlpool bathtub on the loft that overlooks the bed.
Since the hotel is owned by a chef you can look forward to an excellent gourmet breakfast here which is included in the rate. The hotel also features an indoor Jacuzzi & Sauna and a small outdoor pool. Guests can mingle at the spacious Great Room.
Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa
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Many Provincetown MA hotels are located on Bradford Street, a quiet street just a stone’s throw from Commercial Street. Most of these accommodations come with history too, like the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa that boasts of a resident ghost! The main house of the hotel was once a stately mansion built near the turn of the 19th century by a sea captain. However, in 1999 an elaborate restoration of the surrounding buildings transformed the historic spaces into a modern hotel complex.
The hotel has 40 rooms and suites that are spread out over these six different, restored buildings that hold onto traces of their past. The architectural details, coffered tin moldings, and Victorian wallpaper are remnants of the past. However, despite the elaborate restorations, the guest rooms feel a little bland, possibly due to the dull carpets. Standard Rooms are quite compact so if you’re not on a budget it would make more sense to upgrade to one of the suites. The two-story Penthouse Residence is the most spacious of the lot with cathedral ceilings and skylights.
The inn is one of only a few Provincetown, Ma, hotels to feature an in-house spa. Along with a range of treatments, the spa also features a mineral tub, Himalayan Salt Sauna, and Steam Room It also has an enchanting garden courtyard with a water fountain and carriage lanterns. The Pointe is one of the most romantic restaurants in town where you can dig into a gourmet meal or enjoy a drink at the Lobby Lounge.
Snug Cottage
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Some places blend in seamlessly with their names, just like Snug Cottage, one of the many B&Bs in Princetown. If you’re looking for something that’s cozier than the regular hotels in Princetown, Massachusetts this rustic country lodge is an excellent option. Like many of the inns and boutique hotels in the area, Snug Cottage has also been around since the early 19th century. Though traces of its history are quite evident in the layout and setup, modern touches up the ante in style and luxury.
No two guestrooms are alike in décor but they all come with standard amenities plus a wood-burning fireplace, air conditioning, and a ceiling fan. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, the Rutland Suite is perfect. This secluded room has a separate entrance from the main inn and comes with a view of the harbor. Most of the eight rooms are quite spacious and warm with wood floors.
Breakfast here is a good continental buffet featuring traditional New England favorites. The hotel’s fruit and nut granola is quite a hit. At the end of the day, the quiet front patio is a good place to unwind with a glass of wine. However, if you would rather enjoy the action on Commercial Street, it’s just a few steps away.
White Porch Inn Art Hotel
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Not surprisingly, the porch is one of the best spaces to chill out at the White Porch Inn Art Hotel. This is one of the newest hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts that offers a contemporary beach atmosphere in soothing earth tones. Art dominates the spaces of this beautiful hotel which also has an on-site gallery and boasts of celebrity guest Cher having stayed here.
Casual elegance fused with contemporary design makes this hotel one of the chicest around town. You’ll find 10 tastefully decorated guestrooms that feature contemporary art and other elements that ensure a relaxing vacation. All rooms have private baths and are outfitted with a range of modern comforts. Many rooms also feature fireplaces and spa tubs.
There are plenty of public areas within the house for guests to mingle. Breakfast is delivered to the room or can be picked up and enjoyed on the porch or garden. During summer you can also enjoy a complimentary wine hour on Fridays. A few steps away from the inn you’ll find two great spas.
Gabriel’s A Provincetown Hotel
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Bang in the heart of the town just behind Town Hall, you’ll find the gorgeous Gabriel’s A Provincetown Hotel. Though there are plenty of charming boutique Provincetown MA hotels, this one is a little more refined and one of the friendliest. With its great location, just steps from Commercial Street, the hotel places you within easy reach of most attractions.
Four renovated historic buildings make up the hotel complex, with some buildings that go as far back as the early 1800s. They’re clustered around a pretty multi-leveled courtyard and garden. The welcoming décor will transport you to a tasteful country house with its muted color palettes and floral prints. Each room at the property is unique but all come with a range of standard amenities. Tempur-Pedic Mattresses, private baths, and fireplaces add to the comfort of each room. Suites come with separate living and sleeping areas with full kitchens. Certain rooms at the property are specially designated for visitors with pets.
Lounge chairs, sun decks, and an outdoor fire pit make for good relaxation spots at the hotel. There’s also the common Great Room that features plenty of board games, paperbacks, and a cozy fireplace. A made-to-order breakfast is available for guests each morning as well as afternoon snacks and coffee/tea.
Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa
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For those in search of hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts that offer a bit of tranquility, the Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa is your best bet. It’s a block off the vibrant Commercial Street, close enough but away from the weekend chaos. It’s a two-minute walk to the Provincetown Harbor Beach from here and the same distance to bars and restaurants.
The upscale boutique hotel is a beautiful blend of New England and Asia, with a mix of antique and modern pieces that reflect its history. The former captain’s house built in 1880 has been transformed into a cozy, modern haven. Each of the 19 guestrooms at the hotel is named after a writer or poet and has its own personal style and vibe. Jetted tubs, fireplaces, and a host of other modern comforts can be found in most rooms.
A standout of the adults-only hotel is the Namaste Spa which includes a Turkish bath, Finnish saunas, and a hydro jet hot tub in the garden. Guests can also enjoy massages and beauty treatments. Other perks at the hotel include a homemade breakfast buffet, a daily happy hour with wine and cheese plus free drinks in the common areas. There are board games and books for those who prefer to keep their minds busy.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Provincetown, MA:
- Lobster Pot – One of the best places to enjoy a good lobster on Commercial Street is this busy seafood hub that overlooks the harbor. Serving delectable seafood since 1979, the restaurant is an institution in itself. A good time to visit is in the mid-afternoon when the crowds are few.
- The Mews Restaurant & Cafe – This is another of Provincetown’s dining destination that has been around since 1964. Featuring one of the hottest martini bars in town and delicious food to match, you can also look forward to fantastic water views too. The restaurant has two levels, the Bistro on the ground floor and the Beach Level on the first floor.
- Joon Bar & Kitchen – This bar and restaurant on Commercial Street, features a vast wine collection and handcrafted cocktails. The food here is delicious too with classic American mains and small plates.
Recommended Activities In Provincetown, MA:
- Pilgrim Monument – It’s an effort to climb the 116 steps to the top of this iconic monument, but once at the top of the country’s tallest all-granite structure, you can be sure of spectacular views. There’s also an interesting museum at the base of the tower.
- Provincetown Art Association & Museum – Since its opening in 1914, the museum showcases the works of various artists whose inspiration has been drawn from the Lower Cape.
