Provincetown hotels

Few resorts offer the seclusion that Seaglass Inn & Spa does. One of the best hotels in Provincetown’s West End, Seaglass Inn & Spa sits on 1.6 private hillside hectares only a few minutes away from the heart of P-town. I think the spa sums up the hotel’s ambience: massages and body treatments are as welcoming and refreshing as the inn’s spacious guestrooms.

Rooms with pool views and fireplaces are perfect for relaxing throughout the summer. Pre-ordering breakfast baked goods like pains au chocolat or spinach and cheese croissants is a smart plan for getting an early start.

The Pilgrim Monument and Macmillan Pier are an 18-minute walk away, though the Adirondack chairs in the quiet garden are much closer. When a restful getaway on the Cape is on the agenda, Seaglass Inn & Spa has a sun lounger ready for relaxation.

The views of Long Point Lighthouse and Provincetown Harbor are exceptional from the renovated rooms of the Breakwater Hotel. Watching the waves move in and out of the tidal flats from the private deck is almost enough of a reason to spend all day on the property. The amenities, however, convince visitors to make a beeline for the beach.

Dedicated beachside seating, complimentary beach toys, umbrellas, chairs and seasonal bike and scooter rentals make it effortless to spend a day on the shoreline.

I love the Cape-chic aesthetic running through the Breakwater Hotel. It’s one of the best hotels to stay in Provincetown for embracing modern vacation vibes with a classic coastal feel. The blue décor, local nautical art and water views from nearly every window are delightful, especially from the second-floor suites.

Cape Colony Inn is one of the best hotels in Provincetown for off-beach stays. It’s located only two blocks away from the waterfront, providing just enough distance from the bustling beach for a quieter stay. But not too quiet.

I love that Cape Colony Inn encourages guest interaction among those feeling social. The fire pit, outdoor pool and games like volleyball, cornhole, ping pong and badminton help break the ice when meeting new people. It’s also a dog-friendly space, which only adds to the liveliness.

When the conversations stop, the quiet suites are a welcome retreat. Minimalist rooms offer the perfect amount of comfort and convenience. Pillow-top mattresses, bespoke bath products and in-room coffee makers provide everything needed for waking up and winding down.

Dune Crest Hotel is set just beyond the outskirts of Provincetown. Technically in North Truro, it’s ideal for visitors to P-town who prefer a bit of distance between them and the popular port town’s museums, restaurants and shops.

I’m happy to report that Dune Crest Hotel doesn’t make visitors sacrifice views for seclusion. Cape Cod Bay is readily visible from multiple guestrooms, many of which have private decks. Some rooms are pet-friendly, providing convenient options for families with furry friends.

Sitting on almost five hectares of the Cape Cod National Seashore, I love wandering the walking trails after a free continental breakfast. The sandy path winds through the grounds and connects to North Truro High Head Beach. Provincetown’s centre is a mere eight kilometres away, making Dune Crest Hotel a great option for staying near (not in) the city.

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Provincetown, Gabriel’s is a fantastic choice. Lacking a beachfront address doesn’t stop it from being one of the best hotels in Provincetown. This year-round property is set directly in front of the Pilgrim Monument and two blocks away from the harbour.

Two fire pits, a pond stocked with goldfish and a three-level garden create a serene space. All guestrooms keep comfort as a standard amenity with sun decks, fireplaces and spa bathrooms.

One reason I think The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel’s is one of the best hotels in Provincetown for Anthony Bourdain fans is its proximity to places the writer worked at and visited. The Lobster Pot, as seen in his show “Parts Unknown,” and Circo & Sal’s, where he worked, are within walking distance of the property.

When it comes to the best hotels in Provincetown, The Mercury Hotel surprised me the most. It’s got a bohemian feel while still retaining the upscale charm that most visitors expect in a Cape Cod getaway. The mainstay coastal essentials are all there, like beach chairs and towel rentals, plus modern updates such as digital check-in.

This hotel on Winthrop Street has a direct route to the beach, though there’s something to be said for the simple serenity of rooms overlooking the quiet street. Cozy guestrooms have spacious bathrooms and king or queen beds.

The King Suite is by far the best in the off-season thanks to its gas fireplace. Whereas most of the rooms only have a pop or two of colour, I love that the communal spaces are decked out in wild décor from floor to ceiling.

This waterfront hotel has a private beach and a heated outdoor pool for swimming no matter the time of day. Surfside Hotel and Suites is located directly on Cape Cod Bay, though I love that its design leans more towards the quintessential American Atlantic aesthetic you’d find in other classic beach towns like Ocean City and Myrtle Beach.

Its location near the Boston Fast Ferry at MacMillan Pier makes this one of the best hotels in Provincetown for visits to or from Boston, the state capital.

It’s not the beachfront that sold me on Surfside; it’s the bar and the board games. Sipping Massachusetts craft beer and loading up a table for a game of Monopoly is my idea of a fun vacation. With other guests hanging out around this pet-friendly hotel’s communal spaces, it’s easy to find new friends to play with.

The 8 Dyer Hotel is one of the top-rated hotels in Provincetown and I can see why. This adults-only abode is limited to seven rooms for maximum privacy. That also means the dry sauna, indoor hot tub and pool never feel overcrowded. Although, if a private hot tub is a must, the three penthouse rooms come with their own whirlpools.

One delicious perk is that this property is chef-owned, making it one of the best hotels in Provincetown for foodies. Gourmet breakfasts and brunch menus feature local, organic ingredients to offer a true taste of the Cape.

8 Dyer Hotel also has more of a residential, local feel thanks to its position between Commercial Street and Bradford Street. It’s a quick walk to the beach, as well as an easy drive from hiking trails.

The Masthead Resort has a 137-metre private beach, cementing its status as one of the best hotels in Provincetown for beach lovers. Not only is the sand spoken for, but the private sundeck is also set up for guest-only use. I could spend hours on the deck with a drink and a book and be completely at peace.

However, you may also want to engage in the many other activities on offer here. With a mix of cottages, suites and guestrooms, The Masthead Resort offers supreme opportunities for leisure in every corner. All three are available as waterfront options, so every group size and lifestyle can enjoy the bay at any budget.

This hotel overlooking the harbour was established in 1959 and still delivers an “Old Cape Cod” experience over half a century later – including a front-row seat for daily sunrises and sunsets.

Right in the heart of the Gallery District, The Inn at Cook Street doesn’t hide from the East End’s colourful culture. The hotel’s yellow façade, the white picket fence and the lawn’s greenery all pop with inviting hues. The eight guestrooms have just as much personality, each with features like feathered pillows, beach towels and a delicious breakfast served daily with local Three Fins coffee.

Although I love that The Writer’s Room has a reading nook where Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham penned his novel, my favourite room is The Koi Cottage. With a private entrance, kitchenette, fireplace and a secondary bedroom loft, it’s just as excellent a retreat for writing as it is for relaxing.