News

Nov 17, 2023

The 10 Best Hotels On Cape Cod 2023

Though much of Cape Cod has changed over the past few decades, its fundamentals

Though much of Cape Cod has changed over the past few decades, its fundamentals have remained very much the same. On this beloved New England peninsula, you’ll still find old-fashioned ice cream parlors, quaint main streets, boutique shops and the best locally caught seafood in town. While a few luxury brands and recognizable retailers have moved in over the years, the Cape has no massive chain hoteliers and very few big box stores—just pristine beaches ripe for the laying and miles of sandy, unspoiled coastline along the Cape Cod National Seashore.

With a drive from the mainland all the way out to the tip of Cape Cod lasting just short of an hour, you’ll easily be able to cross through four or five charming towns in a more active day with ease, finding something unique in each one. Because you’ll likely need a car while visiting, you can choose the hotel that's right for you and your needs with little worry of accessibility—in Cape Cod, the world is your oyster. Here, we’ve highlighted the best hotels on Cape Cod in 2023, from waterfront luxury to seaside boutiques and classic bed and breakfasts.

Views at the Chatham Bars Inn.

Though the Chatham Bars Inn arguably also fits the bill for "best" in many of the below categories, that very set of accolades is what makes it the best of the bunch. Guests here have their choice of staying in either the main house or one of the hotel's many shingle-style cottages that sit along the bluff, overlooking the beach (which is, of course, right out your front door). The property was originally built in 1914 as Cape Cod's first (and still one of the only) luxury hotels. In 2015, it underwent a $100 million renovation, and the results are stunning. The cottages have all been upgraded with brand-new kitchenettes and bathrooms while still retaining the charm and history of the original structures.

Just a few blocks from Chatham's Main Street, Chatham Bars Inn is steps away from quaint shopping and dining that is quintessentially Cape Cod. Shop at The Barking Dog, fill up a bag of penny candy at Chatham Penny Candy Store, and grab a sandwich at the town's authentic delis. You’ll love the proximity to town for those morning coffee runs, mid-day strolls, and other moments where you don't necessarily want to get in the car and drive elsewhere. The property provides a lovely place to stay if you prefer a more low-key vacation, and the knowledgeable staff is experienced in booking excursions for all of their guests, whether it's taking one of their bikes around the Cape, booking a whale watching journey, chartering a boat, or helping schedule tee-time at neighboring golf courses.

Pool at Wequassett Resort and Golf Club.

Sitting right on the Cape Cod Bay, this hotel is named after the Wampanoag Nation's first naming of the land—Wequassett, which means "crescent on the water." Though there are few on-site amenities, this is the perfect place to stay for those who are looking for a pure luxury-service hotel. The property is beyond gorgeous, with rooms decorated to look like the most elevated and modernized versions of their historical origins, rife with four-poster beds, balconies that overlook the Bay, and coastal-toned décor to make for a relaxing stay. For golf lovers, the hotel is situated adjacent to the Cape Cod National Golf Club, one of the best on the Cape.

While there might be no spa on-site or long roster of countless amenities, the hotel does one of the best jobs in the area of scheduling special events, from literary weekends to July 4th galas, outdoor parties like Out On the Bay and lighthouse tours alike. And, if you didn't pack accordingly for the weather, the hotel is British brand Barbour's first major hotel collaboration in the United States, which not only features a fully-stocked store for purchase, but also what they like to call "The Borrowing Closet," with a seasonal selection based on the property's current programming.

Exterior of Pelham House Resort.

The Pelham House Resort has gotten a facelift, having come into the season fresh off of a $20 million renovation that includes upgrades to the hotel's 33 rooms and suites as well as to their on-site amenities, like pools, onside dining, an outdoor poolside bar, and more. A new main building was constructed to house not only a ballroom for events, but also a heated rooftop restaurant and bar that has been designed with an outdoor patio and fire pits for those chilly New England nights. The newly-renovated hotel is known for its on-site offerings, from live music by the pool every Thursday through Sunday, complimentary yoga three times a week, and other rotating on-site events held at indoor dining facilities and al fresco alike. This is a hotel for guests looking for a lively hotel scene, as well as those who are seeking a more social atmosphere that will follow you home from your daily outdoor activities.

Guest room at The Chatham Inn.

A strictly adults-only retreat, The Chatham Inn is a great choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Originally built in 1800, its history is undeniable, though the entire hotel went through a massive renovation between 2017 and 2019. With only 18 rooms, this property feels like a bed and breakfast at its most elevated. Only the finest linens and products are provided—think Frette towels, Matouk bedding, and Bulgari toiletries—and the hotel boasts the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant on Cape Cod, open all year-round. While you can order à la carte, we strongly recommend the 7-course tasting menu or even a seat at the chef's table for a truly special culinary experience. If you’re looking for a trip outside of the hotel itself without feeling as though you have to get in the car, The Chatham Inn is situated off the beaten path, but just a few blocks past the heart of Main Street, offering a quaint stroll through town that you can take for a quick coffee or full afternoon of shopping.

Greenery at Oceans Edge Resort And Golf Club.

When checking in at Ocean Edge Resort And Golf Club, you can choose whether you want to stay in the main mansion or in condo-style rooms in the villas that are situated on the vast property. The mid-Cape location of Ocean Edge is prime for families who plan to visit many different towns on the peninsula during their stay and want something that's more centrally located. And if it's tee time you crave, this is the resort for you. In fact, it's worth heading to Ocean Edge Resort for a few rounds even if you aren't checking in to this particular hotel.

Ocean Edge provides guests with access to their private beach so that you can sit by the water's edge without being bothered by crowds, and staff members are available to assist whether you’re looking for a mid-day cocktail or simply an extra towel. During your stay, make sure to grab a quick cup of coffee at the locally-owned Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters, which is just across the street, and grab a meal at The Ocean Terrace, the hotel's bar and restaurant that takes over the outdoor—yes—terrace and overlooks the Cape Cod Bay.

Dining at Crowne Pointe Historic Inn And Spa

The Crowne Pointe Historic Inn And Spa is an adults-only oasis nestled in lively Provincetown. A stay here is perfect for those seeking a romantic getaway that has slightly more amenities, like a full spa, while still craving a vibrant location surrounded by the energy of a dynamic Cape Cod town filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of nightlife. The hotel itself was constructed at the turn of the 19th century as a home for a wealthy sea captain, with the carriage houses that are situated behind the main residence constructed shortly thereafter. Crowne Pointe underwent an extensive renovation and restoration in 1999 that retained the character and life of the original structure as well as the town within which it is situated.

The real standout at Crowne Pointe is the property's excellent Shui Spa, which should be a destination for all, whether or not you’re staying at the hotel itself. At the spa, you can indulge in everything from a traditional massage to holistic treatments like reflexology and Reiki treatments. Shui Spa not only includes body services, but also a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, and mineral soaking tub. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day spent out on the town.

Interior of Greyfinch Chatham Inn

Located in Chatham, Greyfinch creates the best stay for families, couples searching for a romantic getaway, individuals who are looking for a social trip and travelers seeking quiet solitude alike. With a roster of amenities that range from fire pits to lawn games, bike rentals, an outdoor pool and more, there truly is something for everyone. Greyfinch is even dog-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry best friend at home when you travel.

The hotel is fresh off of a 2023 renovation, opening its doors for the summer season. With the top to toe refresh, the hotel aims to create a welcoming stay that provides just enough on-site programming while also assisting in the exploration of the surrounding area. Located right off of Chatham's Main Street, you can—quite literally—walk out the front door of the hotel to find an array of quaint candy stores, coffee shops, delis, and New England-focused shopping.

Terrace at AWOL Provincetown.

AWOL is, in many ways, the antithesis of a Cape Cod hotel. The property's own mission statement proclaims that it is constructed "without pretense or formulaic New England Design." Take one look around and it's hard to disagree. Rooms here feel bohemian and coastal, looking more as though they were inspired by California rather than Massachusetts. It truly feels like an escape—a place to go AWOL.

No matter how large or small the room you stay in is, there are sweeping views of the moors and a private outdoor space from which to enjoy them. Here, you can wake up in the morning, drink a cup of coffee on your terrace, rent a bicycle, and head into town to shop, play, enjoy live music, and dine al fresco. A true retreat on the Cape, AWOL is, as their mission statement points out, "the place to come as you are."

Interior of The Coonamessett.

Owned by the same hotelier as AWOL in Provincetown, The Coonamessett is more of a traditional New England stay—with a twist. Though designed with a classic coastal aesthetic in a quieter part of the Cape, the atmosphere of the hotel still leans slightly more bohemian in feel, with leather couches, whimsical art, and jute rugs filling each space. While the hotel offers plenty of in-room amenities, there are very few on-site, encouraging you to explore the area that surrounds you.

With so much to see and do on Cape Cod, your schedule may inevitably become booked with local events and sightseeing, but The Coonamessett's on-site restaurant, Eli's Tavern, is worth making time for. Much like the hotel itself, it offers a New England-inspired menu, with modern upgrades and whimsical additions. Whether it's the hotel or the restaurant, The Coonamessett does an effortless job of taking the classic New England Cape Cod vacation and elevating it, while still staying true to the area's history.

Views at Red Jacket Beach Resort.

The Red Jacket Beach Resort may be no-frills, but the charm that comes with it has kept it a favorite for decades, since opening its doors in 1968. All of the resort's rooms underwent a massive renovation in 2019 to aid in the future well-being of the hotel as a whole. Today, it's hard to get more perfectly beachfront than the Red Jacket, which sits right at the water's edge in South Yarmouth. Though the rooms themselves are straightforward, you come to stay at the Red Jacket for the beach. Each room boasts a private terrace for your morning coffee or mid-day break from the sun with an expansive private beach available only to guests. While the property may be unfussy, it has added delightful "Sea Service" in recent years, with staff who will not only set you up with chairs, towels, and umbrellas, but also serve you sips and bites while you lay by the water's edge.

As a freelance writer and photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to take full advantage of all the freedom that my career has to offer, crossing the globe while writing not only about travel and lifestyle, but also fashion and jewelry. Born and bred in New York City, I called Cape Cod a second home for my entire childhood and adolescence, and am now loving the coast of North Carolina in the same familial way.