The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Stay close to historic Downtown P-town in a stunning Cape Cod sea captain’s estate that’s as photogenic as a sunrise over the harbor. The Penthouse Experience is like no other: a two-story residence with cathedral ceilings, skylights, a chef’s kitchen and a master bathroom with double shower heads to make each morning twice as steamy. Thanks to a private deck on the second floor, in perfect view of the sunset, you’ll hardly want to venture out.

How many people are too many people in a hot tub? Slide in with a dozen others into the inground one here, and find out. If it gets a little too cozy in there, hop out for a breath of fresh air and casual conversation at the nightly wine-and-cheese party. Get pampered at the Himalayan Salt Sauna and Steam Room at the spa, or let the friendly pool boy loosen you up just as quickly with a cocktail or two at the pool bar.

Whale watching, steaming red lobsters, and endless harbor views come standard when you stay at hotels in Provincetown, but the Revere Guest House lets you live like a 19th-century sea captain. Swagger about like an old sea dog in the Captain’s Room. Climb up the old-style 1830s attic stairway, have a soak in the whirlpool tub, and tell grave tales of the sea beside the roaring fire. Or just turn on the telly and binge sitcoms – your choice.

A waterfront cottage in Cape Cod – can a seaside stay get any better than at the Masthead Resort? We think not. This classic P-town resort is on the west side of town, offering you 450ft (137m) of private beach, a sun deck on the water and unparalleled views from the boardwalk. Go against the grain, and suntan on the spacious landscaped lawns; it’s the same sun no matter where you lay your lounge chair. Just make sure you pick a cottage with a verandah for private sunbathing all over.

What’s the difference between a private beach and a public shoreline? Find out at Surfside Hotel and Suites. With more room on the sand to stretch out, you won’t have to worry about riffraff ruining your holiday. Instead, you’ll wade from your waterfront room to a lounge chair on the beach or beside the pool. When the sun goes down, the fire pit is where you’ll want to hang out, complete with fireside bar service.

Mere sandal slaps from the Sea Street Beach, Kingfisher Oceanside is a beachside retreat for sun worshippers. Second-story partial ocean-view rooms allow you to wake up to the waves, though the ground floor suites put you even closer to the sand. Slide on your shades, and walk to the rock jetties, leaving footprints in the sand. Follow your imprints back to Sea Street Beach Grill for burgers and soft-serve ice cream.

Retreat to 4 acres (1.6ha) of bliss at Seaglass Inn & Spa. Seated on the hillside for seclusion by the sea, you’ll want nothing more than to spend your entire holiday in the prone position. Fall onto the pillows of your pool-view suite before the sunshine beckons you outside. Lay on the sun loungers, nearly nodding off. Shimmy just a little farther to the spa, lie down on the massage table, and feel your masseuse unknot every muscle.

Up for a road trip and a retro-glam hotel on Cape Cod? Harbor Hotel is the hideaway for you. Right on the edge of downtown, these colorful guest rooms are easy on the eyes and the joints. Loosen up even more with morning yoga classes over the weekend. For the Bourdain devotees, you’re a five-minute drive from the fabled Lobster Pot, also known as the Dreadnaught, where the chef first worked.