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The Best Hotels in Cape Cod for Couples, Families, and Solo Travelers

Stay at these T+L award-winning and editor-loved properties in Cape Cod.

Exterior of Chapter House
Photo:

Jessica Scranton

With hundreds of miles of picture-perfect Atlantic shoreline, including the stunning Cape Cod National Seashore – a 40-mile protected marine habitat of marshes, ponds, and beaches bustling with wildlife – Cape Cod has been a go-to summer vacation destination for generations of Americans. But the area is also steeped in Native American and Colonial history, with dozens of museums, scenic lighthouses, and historical sites that offer a glimpse at this region's maritime heritage and past. Cape Cod today is home to a variety of charming small towns, each with their own distinct New England character and amenities.

From the wild and rugged shoreline of Truro to upscale Chatham and gallery-filled, LGBTQ+-friendly Provincetown, Cape Cod has something to offer every type of traveler, and its hospitality scene, often highlighted in Travel + Leisure's prestigious World's Best Awards and It List, reflects this diversity. While there are no shortage of quaint little B&Bs and inns lining the streets of Cape Cod’s waterfront towns, those searching for family-friendly resorts with pools and water activities also have several options to choose from. And finally, couples seeking intimate moments, romantic views, and excellent culinary experiences will not be disappointed, either, regardless of the time of the year they decide to visit.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best Cape Cod hotels, resorts, and inns to book for a memorable New England stay.

Chatham Inn

Guest room in Chatham inn

Courtesy of Chatham Inn

What We Like
  • It's an intimate property with an exquisite culinary program, perfect for a romantic getaway.

What to Consider
  • There is no spa or swimming pool on-site.

You'll find what is arguably Cape Cod's most romantic Inn nestled in the upscale, historic enclave of Chatham, situated along the southeastern tip of the peninsula in a quiet residential area surrounded by lush trees. This intimate 18-key property underwent a top-to-bottom renovation in 2019, and the property is now clad in elegant furnishings which include a sophisticated palette of creams and beiges, and amenities like fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and soaking tubs.

As the only Relais & Châteaux hotel on Cape Cod — and a World's Best Awards 2023 finalist — Chatham Inn also provides its guests with memorable culinary experiences led by Chef Isaac Olivo, one of New England's top talents. Choose from fine dining eatery Cuvée at Chatham Inn which serves multi-course tasting menus; a chef's table 3-hour dining journey that’s perfect for groups; or enjoy a glass of rare wine in the hotel's sophisticated wine bar or lively outdoor patio.

The Details:

  • Location: Chatham
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: Relais & Châteaux Guest Recognition Programme
  • Resort Fee: 12.5 percent of daily room rate
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $849

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Fire pit outside of Wequassett Resort

Courtesy of Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Also available to book at Kayak.com

What We Like
  • This sprawling oceanfront property has many amenities and room categories.

What to Consider
  • There is a minimum night stay that varies from two nights during the week to three nights during the weekend.

As one of the most luxurious resorts on Cape Cod, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club boasts amenities that will satisfy even the most demanding travelers. The 27-acre oceanfront property on Pleasant Bay comprises charming colonial dwellings that house its 121 guest rooms, perfectly landscaped gardens, access to an 18-hole off-site golf course, and several dining venues, with culinary offerings ranging from freshly baked pastries and caffeinated drinks to New England coastal classics like lobster rolls and clam chowder.

During the day, guests can lounge by the waterfront pool and tranquil beach or practice their backhand at the tennis court. Plus, the resort just added eight new private poolside cabanas for daytime relaxation.

There is a free shuttle service to several villages in the area if you feel like shopping or exploring some of Cape Cod's most picturesque communities, like Chatham, Brewster, and Orleans. Come sunset, order a glass of wine and relax by the firepit with prime ocean views. Unsurprisingly, this property made T+L’s exclusive World’s Best Awards list in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The Details:

  • Location: Harwich
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: I Prefer Hotel Rewards, American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program
  • Resort Fee: Yes; $24
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $1,112

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club

Also available to book at Kayak.com

What We Like
  • The resort offers many accommodation types, including private villas and year-round amenities.

What to Consider
  • The resort's private beach is only accessible to Mansion guests and those staying in two- and three-bedroom villas.

While Cape Cod is famous for its charming and intimate inns, the region doesn't lack sprawling resorts, offering every amenity you could think of. Case in point? The 429-acre Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club features over 100 amenities, with highlights including a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course (the only one in the area), pickleball and tennis courts, outdoor and indoor pools, biking trails, water sports gear, and so much more.

The rooms and suites ooze classic New England charm — think coastal hues, timeless furnishings, plush beds, and fireplaces. Splurge on a multi-bedroom villa to enjoy privacy and access to one of the most scenic private beaches in the region, Bay Pines, where guests can enjoy picture-perfect sunsets, bonfires, and oyster bed tours.

The Details:

  • Location: Brewster
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: from $15
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $761

Chatham Bars Inn

Guest room in Chatham Bars Inn

Courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • The resort has a private nautical fleet, offering a variety of water experiences such as sailing, whale-watching tours, private charters to nearby islands, and cruises.

What to Consider
  • There is a seasonal two-night minimum, and the nightly kids program has an $80 fee.

With over 200 guest rooms, Chatham Bars Inn may not exactly be an intimate inn, but those who wish to experience this heavenly corner of Cape Cod in a more private way can certainly do so if they book one of the property's New England-style cottages with panoramic ocean views. In fact, delivering many distinct experiences adapted to its guests' desires is where this hotel shines — from fun, family-friendly vacations to romantic escapes and wellness retreats, you can find it all here.

Chatham Bars Inn delivers an unmatched range of luxe amenities that are all about immersing its guests in its beautiful setting — think whale watching and cruises on a private pontoon boat with charcuterie boards and appetizers served on-board; beach parties and clambakes; astronomy classes under the dark Cape Cod skies; and farm-to-table dinners in the hotel's 8-acre farm.

Travelers who like to have their experiences planned for them should consider booking the Best-Ever Cape Escape package, a $50,000 five-night stay extravaganza for two, inclusive of day trips to Nantucket, a private plane tour of Cape Cod, a sport fishing excursion, unlimited spa treatments, curated drive itineraries, and private cooking classes.

The Details:

  • Location: Chatham
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program; Preferred Hotels & Resorts I Prefer Program
  • Resort Fee: 5 percent per night, per room
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $1,485

Pelham House Resort

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • The resort just underwent a $20 million renovation and boasts a private beach, a pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor bar.

What to Consider
  • The swimming pool is not very large, and there is no spa.

Guests at the newly renovated Pelham House Resort are welcomed by quintessential Cape Cod views of the expansive ocean and stunning Nantucket Sound. In fact, panoramic views are everywhere at this oceanfront property located in serene Dennisport – from the rooftop restaurant to the oceanfront pool and spacious guest rooms – many of which include private balconies.

The property really shines in the evenings when guests gather at the Pool House for cocktails, live music, and epic sunsets. The hotel also works with many local tour operators and offers a curated selection of wonderful experiences that cater to travelers of all ages — from golf to whale watching and helicopter tours. Pelham House is a short drive from Hyannis, where many visitors take the ferry to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

The Details:

  • Location: Dennisport
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: $25 per accommodation, per night
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $639

The Red Inn

What We Like
  • The restaurant is one of the best fine dining spots in Cape Cod.

What to Consider
  • There is a minimum stay that varies between two and five nights depending on the season, and the Inn doesn't have a pool.

Impossibly romantic and quintessentially New England, the Red Inn has been a staple in Provincetown and Cape Cod's overall hospitality scene for over a century. The property's striking red facade is hard to miss, as is its award-winning restaurant. The seasonal menu is heavy on locally caught seafood, including lobster and oysters, paired with a curated list of international red and white wine and unobstructed views of Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod Bay, and the lighthouses of Long Point.

The hotel's location – at the very tip of Cape Cod in West End P-town – rewards its guests with a serene setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the town's main drag, Commercial Street.

The property's most spacious accommodation, Delft Haven Residence, is a two-bedroom, three-story space with a kitchen, jacuzzi, a spectacular living room, and direct water access. Just make sure you book your stay well in advance, as the Red Inn is one of the most popular reservations in town.

The Details:

  • Location: Provincetown
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: $60 per person per night
  • Parking: Yes (one parking space per guest room)
  • Rates: From $425

AutoCamp Cape Cod

Interior of lodge at Autocamp Cape Cod

Courtesy of AutoCamp Cape Cod Images

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • Guests have access to free bikes, and there's an on-site restaurant.

What to Consider
  • The property is a 10-minute bike ride to Wood Neck Beach.

Even if camping — pardon, glamping — is not your cup of tea, you will love AutoCamp's Cape Cod property. It comprises luxury tents, remodeled vintage 31-foot Airstreams, and chic stand-alone one-bedroom cottages nestled among lush treetops with amenities like private patios, modern bathrooms, and kitchenettes. And if you're not in the mood for cooking, AutoCamp also has an on-site restaurant with al fresco seating and a child-friendly menu of breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and burgers.

The property's seasonal experiences are another must — from oyster shucking classes to foraging and kayaking, wellness-focused sound healing experiences, and even a tarot reading session.

The Details:

  • Location: Falmouth
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: Hilton Honors
  • Resort Fee: $35 per night
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $239

The Coonamessett Inn

Guest room in The Coonamessett Inn

Courtesy of Lark Hotels

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • Design enthusiasts will love the modern take on classic New England design.

What to Consider
  • While there is a restaurant, Eli's Tavern, the hotel doesn't have a pool or spa.

Rob Blood's Lark Hotels are a collection of design-driven properties that draw inspiration from their destination and setting. And this jewel of an inn is no exception.

The property may not have a waterfront location, but it's near downtown Falmouth, which makes it ideal for exploring this charming Cape Cod town. The boutique property offers 29 guest rooms with luxe amenities like bathrobes, coffee from Cape Cod Coffee, free WiFi, LED TVs, and concierge services. Similarly to the hotel, which boasts a modern design with a distinct coastal vibe (think ticking fabric, natural jute rugs, and light-filled interiors), the restaurant offers New England culinary classics served in a contemporary setting.

The Details:

  • Location: Falmouth
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: No
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $302

Bluebird Dennisport

Guest room in Bluebird Dennisport

Courtesy of Lark Hotels

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • There’s an indoor greenhouse pool.

What to Consider
  • There is no restaurant.

Budget travelers will appreciate the many amenities of this wonderful family-friendly property, sitting just a short walk from a sandy beach in Dennisport. The guest rooms and cottages have a distinctly retro vibe — think 1950s summer camp — with plenty of wood accents, pink tiled bathrooms, and midcentury modern motifs.

However, it's what's outside that matters most — two pools, one conveniently covered by a greenhouse and perfect for splashing around on rainy days; firepits for breezy evenings and s'mores; hammocks for afternoon naps under a canopy of lush trees; and lawns for running and games.

The Details:

  • Location: Dennisport
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: $20 per accommodation per night
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $196

Candleberry Inn

Guest room in Candleberry Inn

Courtesy of Candleberry Inn

Also available to book at Kayak.com

What We Like
  • You can leave your car in the hotel's parking lot past check-out.

What to Consider
  • There's no restaurant (though breakfast is included in the rate), and children under 12 are not allowed.

Brewster's golf courses and beaches are some of the finest and most popular with travelers on Cape Cod, and Candleberry Inn is an elegant home base that allows you to explore everything this beautiful town has to offer. The historic building was thoughtfully restored by the owners, who kept its New England character and added sophisticated accents to the interiors. Each guest room and suite has unique decor with amenities like fireplaces, poster beds, separate seating areas, plush towels, and 600-thread bedsheets.

If you're traveling with family and need extra space and privacy, book the historic Carriage House, a three-bedroom standalone building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places that oozes classic beach house vibes.

The Details:

  • Location: Brewster
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: No
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $319

AWOL Provincetown

Guest room in AWOL provincetown

Courtesy of Lark Hotels

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • The property's decor and views of the marshes are absolutely phenomenal.

What to Consider
  • The minimum check-in age is 21.

Travelers seeking a peaceful and design-forward retreat in vibrant Provincetown will love this 30-key property located in the West End. With serene views over lush emerald-hued marshes and the ocean in the distance, as well as rooms clad in earthy hues and natural textures, AWOL feels like an upscale retreat. The property's outdoor pool and sundeck are lively and fun during the day, and as the sun sets, travelers gather around the fire pits sharing stories and laughter.

The Details:

  • Location: Provincetown
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: $23 per accommodation, per night
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $654

Chapter House

Exterior of Chapter House

Jessica Scranton

What We Like
  • This is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking intimate stays and top-notch amenities in a serene setting.

What to Consider
  • There is no pool, but the property is close to many beaches.

Renovated in 2022, this historic 300-year-old Inn is the stuff of Victorian dreams. The main house — there are two buildings — is a picture-perfect three-story mansion with a porch, elegant furnishings, and coastal-inspired decor. And while there's certainly an air of nostalgia, the property feels timeless and sophisticated.

The lobby bar's food program is inspired by the pintxos and tapas culture of Spain, while the innovative cocktail menu features both familiar and innovative drinks (try the Italicus Negroni Blanco), best enjoyed on the expansive 10,000-square-foot lawn.

The Details:

  • Location: Yarmouth
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: No
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $409

Red Jacket Beach Resort

Guest room in Red Jacket Beach Resort

Courtesy of Red Jacket

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • This budget-friendly hotel provides travelers with many amenities, including a spa and direct access to a private beach.

What to Consider
  • The rooms, many with bunk beds, are geared toward families.

If you're seeking a budget-friendly option for a family trip to the beach, this is it. Red Jacket Resorts are focused on providing families and multigenerational groups with comfortable accommodations and fun activities without the exorbitant price tag. And the company's flagship property in South Yarmouth epitomizes this philosophy.

The newly renovated 160 rooms and cottages come in over half a dozen categories and can accommodate between two and 12 guests, with features such as bunk beds, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and ocean views.

But even if you can't check out the surf straight from your room, the hotel is steps away from its private beach — something even pricier hotels in the area can't offer their guests. Two pools cater to children and adults, and are surrounded by lounge chairs. And while there are several on-site dining options, you'll find the longest line in front of the ice cream cart serving delicious flavors like Orleans Oreo and Vineyard vanilla.

The Details:

  • Location: South Yarmouth
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: Red Jacket Resorts Rewards Club
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $456

Gifford House Inn

What We Like
  • The property just reopened after a complete renovation of its guest rooms and public areas.

What to Consider
  • There is a nightclub on-site, which may not be ideal for travelers looking for a quieter stay.

As one of Provincetown's oldest hotels, Gifford House Inn has hosted four presidents and housed an experimental theater company where Al Pacino once performed. The property was recently renovated by its new owner and now welcomes 21-and-over guests in 33 completely refurbished guest rooms with beautiful views over the town and harbor.

The hotel is known as a cultural and entertainment hotspot with facilities including its iconic basement nightclub, Purgatory, a popular dance spot in Provincetown; a Porch Bar with seating that spills onto the wraparound veranda; a lobby lounge; and a new multi-purpose performance and events space that hosts theater productions, classes, and workshops.

The Details:

  • Location: Provincetown
  • Accessibility: Yes
  • Loyalty Programs: No
  • Resort Fee: No
  • Parking: Yes
  • Rates: From $442

Know Before You Go

Consider renting a car

The easiest and most convenient way to explore the Cape's many beaches, towns, and landmarks is in your own vehicle. The peninsula has public transportation, and some hotels offer shuttle services, but if you're there for a few days and want to make the most of them, consider renting a car and driving yourself. Keep in mind that traffic during peak season (especially on Saturdays) can get heavy, so allow extra time to get places.

That said, the greenest way to travel short distances is by biking, and you'll see many Cape Cod residents and visitors opting for two wheels over four, especially in smaller towns and near the beaches, as parking spots tend to fill up quickly.

Consider a day trip to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard

While Cape Cod has plenty of activities to keep you busy, if you'd like to explore two more iconic New England destinations, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard make for wonderful day trips. High-speed ferry service and car ferries for both islands depart daily from Hyannis (to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard), New Bedford (to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard), Harwich Port (to Nantucket), Falmouth (to Martha's Vineyard), and Woods Hole (to Martha's Vineyard). Note that it is best to book your tickets in advance if you plan on visiting the islands during peak season.

Take proper safety precautions at the beach

While a visit to one of the 10 national seashores might be the highlight of your Cape Cod vacation, keep in mind that the beaches here don't have lifeguards on duty between Labor Day and the third week of June. Beware of dangerous currents and stay alert for white sharks when you enter the water, too. For more safety tips, consult nps.gov.

Consult the events calendar

Cape Cod has a thriving cultural scene with many events and festivals taking place in the summer, such as Provincetown's Portuguese festival celebrating the town's Portuguese heritage; the carnival parade; Wellfleet restaurant week; and Cape Cod Pirate Festival in West Yarmouth.

How We Chose These Hotels

Dobrina Zhekova is a Bulgaria-born, Virginia-based travel writer who has traveled extensively throughout Cape Cod for years and spent several summers in Provincetown. When compiling this list, she used editor recommendations, her personal experience, and recent T+L World's Best Awards and It List mentions for each property. She carefully considered each hotel's amenities, decor, location, and other standout features. Additionally, all hotels align with our T+L Hotel Values.

Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.

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