Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Tucked at the northern tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown in Massachusetts is famous for where the Mayflower landed in 1620. The former Portuguese fishing village once had a sign on one of its entryways, “Provincetown Either Way.” The sign might have been directional, but it was also a metaphor for the open-mindedness of this tiny town. Even today, Ptown, as it’s fondly called, is an LGBTQ destination, and there is a slew of gay Provincetown hotels that are a testament to the same. What’s more, this tiny gay New England seaside town has as much history as it has a gay culture. In fact, there’s a whole complex on the main drag, which houses multiple gay bars, clubs, and entertainment venues! Plus, a gay beach and a dozen LGBTQ events throughout the year, and you can see why this place is so gay-popular.

Due to its unique position on Cape Cod, Provincetown is close to yet another gay-friendly East Coast destination, Boston. There are so many Top Things To Do In Boston that it’s a worthy day trip from Provincetown. What’s more, there’s a lot to do in the town itself, such as flea markets, beaches, monuments, museums, and lots of boutique shops. So, if you’re looking for an East Coast laidback beach destination, then Provincetown is it. To that end, here are the top 11 gay hotels in Provincetown or Ptown.

The Brass Key

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One of the best and most famous gay Provincetown hotels is The Brass Key. It’s located in the center of town, just two streets away from the gay bars at Crown and Anchor. In fact, it sits right across Club Purgatory in the Gifford House Inn. The Brass Key feels more like a large gay guesthouse than a hotel; the charm lies therein. It’s one of the most luxurious small resorts in the Cape and was originally an 1828-built sea captain’s home. In fact, the widow’s walk sundeck has sweeping views of Cape Cod Bay. Choose from a variety of room types, which range from private cottages to poolside suites. Antique furnishings meld with modern touches such as DVD players and Bose stereos. What’s more, many even have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, while bathrooms have bathtubs and bespoke Kiehl’s amenities.

Most of the resort is set around the large interior courtyard, complete with a divine heated outdoor infinity pool and a hot tub. It’s the perfect place to hang out during the day and night and is chock-full of eye candy, making for a great spot for meet-cutes. You have access to the Shui Spa at the Brass Key’s sister property, the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn, which is a stone’s throw away. Begin your day with an amazing hot continental breakfast of jams, yogurts, fresh fruits, gourmet coffee, a hot egg entrée, pastries, home-baked muffins, and more! Complimentary beverages and coffee are available throughout the day and don’t miss the evening reception with complimentary crudité and cheese trays, beers, and wines. End your day at the Shipwreck Lounge’s on-site bar, which is a hot place to hang out, especially by the fire pit.

Anchor Inn Beach House

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The gay-popular and luxurious Anchor Inn Beach House is one of the most charming gay hotels in Ptown. Set along a scenic stretch of Commercial Street, the inn lies in a grand Victorian-style turreted beach house. The best part? It’s adults-only! Choose from a wide range of room types, most of which have patios with stunning views of the harbor. What’s more, you’ll also find fireplaces and whirlpool baths in most of them, making this a romantic love nest like no other. Decked out in tans and whites, four-posted beds and wicker furniture add to the romantic ambiance. If you’re looking for the most romantic accommodations, it’s the three turret rooms.

Outside the room, perhaps the lobby/living room area is the most charming, complete with a fireplace and comfy sofas where you can cozy up with your partner. Begin your mornings with a cup of coffee on the rocking chairs in the front porch before moving to the dining room for a hearty breakfast. Think juice, tea, coffee, hardboiled eggs, yogurt, cereal, English muffins, and bagels. It’s no wonder that this Ptown gay hotel is a favorite with foodies.

Crown Point Historic Inn & Spa 

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Crown Point Historic Inn & Spa is the gayest of all gay Provincetown hotels. Spiffy, posh, and featuring the most beautiful rooms in town, this resort redefined the Ptown’s gay resort scene. The rambling gay-owned property lies on a bluff near the towering Pilgrim Monument and one of the town’s most luxurious properties. Even entry-level rooms are plush, complete with coffeemakers and lavish Victorian-inspired furnishings. The more expensive ones are more spacious with separate sitting areas and additional perks like gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, sundeck access, or private porches.

Not for nothing is crown Point considered the most luxurious gay hotel around, for its amenities include a pool, that’s very, very rare in Provincetown! After a swim, soak your stresses away in one of the two huge hot tubs right next to the pool. The highly recommended on-site restaurant serves some of the finest contemporary American fare in a romantic dining room. A full complimentary breakfast aside, there’s even afternoon cocktails-and-cheese social that you shouldn’t miss. Finally, the hotel is home to the full-service spa, the only one in town, called Shui, which offers a wide range of treatments. P.S.: The warm-stone massage is much recommended.

Lands End Inn

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Gay travelers looking for an ultra-romantic and over-the-top-posh place to celebrate an anniversary or a honeymoon will do well to choose the stunning Lands End Inn. Nestled on a bluff in the quieter and scenic West End, the 1904-built structure is one of the most handsome and singular ones in Cape Cod. Modern touches have been added over the years, but there’s still a wonderful assortment of fascinating antiques. Think stained-glass windows, Tiffany lamps, and what-not. Since this is a bespoke B&B, there are many significant perks, such as an expansive continental breakfast buffet that you can enjoy in the common areas, the gardens, or even your room! What’s more, they also serve evening refreshments – think cheeses and crackers, wine and beer. Furthermore, the town and its gay bars and clubs are a mere 10-minute walk.

None of the 18 rooms here are even remotely alike, and a major chunk of them enjoy sweeping views of Herring Cove and the harbor. The rest aren’t far behind; they enjoy gorgeous views of the lush gardens. In fact, the ground-floor rooms directly open onto them! While every room is filled with opulent architectural elements and deep whirlpool tubs, the top-end ones are fabulous. Go for the Bay Tower, which has two balconies and almost-360-degree views of the sea. Or, choose the huge Schoolman Suite, which has a romantic loft sleeping area with a huge bay window. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best gay hotels in Ptown.

Eben House

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Gay travelers who love their digs to have history will love Eben House, one of the loveliest gay Provincetown hotels. The inn is housed in a 1776 property, one of the few remaining and the oldest brick colonials in Ptown. The hosts have spared no expense to make the 14 rooms as unique and comfortable as possible, complete with luxe linens and custom pillow-top mattresses. Some rooms even have fireplaces and private decks, which make the entire experience more romantic. Even bathrooms aren’t spared; brilliant floor tiles aside, they have rain showerheads and LA-based Further and NYC’s C.O. Bigelow natural bath products. In fact, some even have clawfoot bathtubs large enough for two. However, each room’s best and quirkiest addition is a special, large commissioned portrait of the hotel’s namesake. Clad in military finery, the portrait has him in stage-ready eye makeup and dangling diamonds – it certainly makes you chortle.

A gallery of similarly amusing portraits invites you to the inn, which serves a delectable and ever-changing complimentary breakfast every day. It includes everything from frittatas and yogurt to in-house freshly baked pastries. You can even enjoy it in the comfort of your room! Begin the day with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa – think of it as a Ptown special – and enjoy cocktails, beers, and wines throughout the day. The crown jewel is the small heated saltwater pool at the back, which feels like a hidden oasis.

The Harbor Hotel

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The Harbor Hotel is one of the larger gay hotels in Ptown. Located just outside the town center on East End, it offers some of the most iconic views of the bay in the town. In fact, it lies right on the water, so the beach out front is a 30-second walk. The mid-century hotel now sports sleek and modern décor and is a fixture with design-loving gays. Choose from 129 contemporary rooms suites, all of which are comfortable. While some overlook Cape Cod Bay, others face the lively pool area. The bathrooms, albeit compact, are immaculate, and some even come with deep-soaking bathtubs large enough for two.

When there’s high tide, and the beach is inaccessible, it’s the pool area with the poolside bar that becomes an absolute hit. Next to it lies a toasty fire pit, perfect for enjoying an alfresco meal when the weather is nice. The on-site restaurant serves both drinks and delicious meals. You can hop onboard the complimentary town shuttle that runs every 30 minutes if you feel like getting out. So, Commercial Street is a hop, skip, and jump away from this gay Ptown hotel.

Inn at Cook Street

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The smartly decorated Inn at Cook Street is one of the most gorgeous of gay Provincetown hotels. The first-rate inn lies in Ptown’s East End and is an elegant yet unprepossessing place. What’s more, it’s gay-owned and operated, with the lovely Patrick and John hosting you warmly and wonderfully. Choose from seven rooms and suites at this 1836 Greek Revival house or two detached cottages that lie behind. Light-filled and breeze, all rooms sport a beautiful mix of vintage, country-inspired furnishings, and contemporary ones. Moreover, you’ll find trendy bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and even original local artwork. For bed and breakfast, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how spacious all rooms and suites are.

Begin your day with a hearty complimentary breakfast on the shared terrace, or you can also enjoy it in the comfort of your room. During evenings, guests gather around the barbecue for an alfresco dinner. During the day, enjoy the lush gardens, which even have a pond with koi carp, or admire the on-site art gallery and the tea room. Since the inn is removed from the bustle of Commercial Street, it’s the perfect base for a laidback holiday. It’s no wonder that this is one of the Best Hotels in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

The White Porch Inn

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Few gay Ptown hotels are as charming as the White Porch Inn, a favorite amongst the town’s gay-owned inns. The gay-owned and operated B&B has welcomed gay travelers for the last 13 years and is an excellent addition to Ptown’s upscale guesthouse scene. Housed in a Victorian house, the B&B has nine rooms in the main house and three in a neighboring carriage house. Decked out with plush modern amenities such as flatscreen TVs and MP3 players, the room also has cloud-like bedding with goose-down duvets to ensure a blissful sleep. Tasteful beach-house-inspired hues tell you where you are. If you want to splurge, we’d suggest the higher-end rooms, which even have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.

The rest of the B&B is equally impressive. You can book in-room spa services from Ptown’s famed and top-notch Jonathan Williams Salon & Spa. Begin your day with a scrumptious, European-inspired continental breakfast, besides enjoying 24-hour access to coffee service. Relax in the piano room and play a few tunes or read a book in the afternoons. Enjoy a glass of wine on the large porch and watch life in Ptown go by in the evening.

Snug Cottage

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The name says it all; Snug Cottage is one of the quaintest of gay Provincetown hotels. Nestled on one of the highest elevation points in Ptown, the cottage is surrounded by lush, enchanting gardens and is one of the gayest popular properties in the town. Choose from eight handsomely furnished rooms and suites, the latter of which come with spacious sitting areas. What’s more, they even have private entrances, private ensuite bathrooms with luxurious Aveda toiletries and bath products, and wood-burning fireplaces. When you enter the B&B, the lobby with comfy leather couches and chairs and a coffee machine is the ideal place to relax.

Despite being a small B&B, this place has many amenities, including a lavish breakfast buffet every morning. Think fresh fruit, cereal, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, hardboiled eggs, bread and muffins, juices, and fruit and nut granola. You can even enjoy this in the room if you feel like lying in, complete with a daily newspaper. Are you traveling in the high tourist season? There are even snacks and wine waiting for you in the evening.

Inn Pilgrim House

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Get a room at Inn Pilgrim House, one of the gorgeous gay hotels in Ptown. Set back off of the main thoroughfare, this eco-conscious B&B sits in a beautiful, three-storeyed, pitched-roof building. Rooms and suites boast an unfussy yet spotless aesthetic with all the essentials you’d want for a comfy getaway. Think plush king or queen beds, individual climate control, flatscreen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers. Despite being a small and quaint B&B, bathrooms here come with bathtubs and are stocked with bespoke bath products.

One of the best advantages of staying here is that the place has a lounge that’s something of a hotspot in town. Its wine and cocktails list are particularly impressive. Enjoy cocktails and light bites before heading out to explore Ptown’s gay scene on Commercial Street. Begin your day with a delectable continental breakfast buffet every morning. After a nice meal, grab the complimentary beach towels and sunbeds and head off to the gorgeous beach, which lies a short walk away. 

Moffett House Inn

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Occupying the top spot on the list of gay Provincetown hotels is Moffett House Inn. Housed in a charming 1890s clapboard house, the inn is the former home of artist Ross Moffett. The exterior belies the beauty and the spaciousness of this 10-room B&B, perfect for budget gay travelers. Cozy rooms and suites, all of which get free Wi-Fi, are airconditioned and come with DVD players and flatscreen TVs in all rooms. While some rooms share bathrooms, others have private ensuite ones. So make sure to ask before you make a booking.

The rest of this gay Provincetown hotel is equally charming. Intrepid LGBTQ travelers who want to explore town can grab two bikes (per room) and explore around for free. The gay scene is within walking distance, but the real ticket is the in-house amenities. You’ll find a shared kitchen where you can whip up meals, but it’s the two lush outdoor courtyards that make this place a peaceful retreat, especially during the warmer months.

Best Gay Neighborhoods in Provincetown

Like many small towns in America, Provincetown is a compact and mostly walkable destination. Most of Ptown’s gay scene and nightlife are centered around Commerical Street. It’s the main drag and the hub of activity around. It’s home to The Crown & Anchor Entertainment Complex, which is home to as many as seven gay bars, and even a hotel and a swimming pool. Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry show up at The Crown and Anchor for various performances and shows. The other main drag in P-Town is Bradford Street. It’s where you’ll find all of Ptown’s gay-friendly inns, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels.

The beach is the epicenter of all activity during summers when gorgeous shirtless men can be seen all around town. You’ll see them dancing by the seafront, lounging by the pool, or spilling out onto Commercial Street. Don’t miss the afternoon tea dances and nighttime frenzies, for they’re an integral part of Ptown’s summer gay magic. Finally, the town even has a gay nudist beach, Boy Beach or Gay Beach, as it’s popularly known. Head to the bike stop on Province Land Road (Route 6A), from where the beach is a 10-15 minute walk. Since the tide comes in and goes out, you might sometimes encounter flat marshland or even waist-high water! When you arrive, the best gay area of the beach is immediate to your left. As you head further, the nuder and the hotter it gets.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Provincetown

• Boatslip: The Boatslip Resort & Beach Club might just be the gayest resort in the United States. This iconic LGBTQ beachfront hotel is home and host of the iconic afternoon tea dance ritual that Ptown has become famous for. Between 4 and 7 pm everyday, crowds, gay, straight, and otherwise, pack the outdoor space here for an evening of dancing, music, and drinks. However, what’s even more interesting is “Dick Dock,” the area beneath the resort’s pool terrace and one of the most (in)famous gay cruising spots in the world! When darkness falls, the atmosphere turns hot and cruisey, especially during the summer.
• Atlantic House: Also known as A-House, this is sometimes called as America’s oldest gay bar. With three different dance floors and club spaces, this place is buzzing with an all-age gay crowd on the weekends.
• Club Purgatory: Open only during tourist season, Club Purgatory, which is part of the Grifford Inn is one of the larger gay nightclubs in town. Tucked in the basement of the vintage inn, the place hosts a variety of themed nights, such as an underwear party on Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Best Gay Saunas in Provincetown

P-Town doesn’t have a gay sauna for all its gay-friendliness, which we’re hoping to see in the future sometime. Now, the town might not have a gay sauna, but it does have a gay beach!

• Boy Beach Provincetown: Located close to Herring Cove Beach is Provincetown’s gay nudist beach. It’s also sometimes known as “The Gay Beach” and is full of hot men in their speedos playing music on speakers.

Best Gay Events/Shows/Tours in Provincetown

• Provincetown Carnival: Can you believe that Provincetown carnival, and not Pride, is the largest LGBTQ event in this town? Hosted by the Provincetown Business Guild, the carnival is a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ life in Ptown, and everywhere else. Once of Massachusetts’ largest outdoor celebrations, this one was even crowned the “Best Festival on Cape Cod” in 2013. The festival celebrates LGBTQ diversity and sees revelers from all walks of life, culminating in a flamboyant parade down Commercial Street.
• Provincetown Pride: The name says it all; this annual Pride celebration is one of the largest in America, especially on the East Coast. It highlights what Ptown stands and has been known for – LGBTQ+ diversity, empowerment, and awareness. The celebrations see Pride programming, parties, and multiple events throughout the weekend.