A new class of boutique hotels has emerged on the Cape & Islands, offering authentic local flavor that’s the perfect complement to the region’s natural beauty. You’ll find carefully curated spaces, personalized guest experiences, chic décor and laid-back luxury. A stay at one of these hip properties is destined to turn your beach getaway into something quite out of the ordinary.
Lark Hotels offer a variety of expertly designed boutique hotels across New England, including Cape Cod and the Islands. 21 Broad (21 Broad St., Nantucket) is housed in a restored Victorian two blocks from the ferry, and the outdoor patio is a serene oasis. Wrap yourself in a waffle kimono robe after your Vitamin C shower, and enjoy the complimentary iPad all guests are given for use during their stay.
The newly renovated SummerCamp (70 Lake Ave., Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard) gives a nostalgic nod to the summer camp tradition of reconnecting and refreshing. Guests of this waterfront property are greeted with rustic decor, and fully modern rooms that are a throwback to your childhood days, complete with adult amenities.
Also a Lark Hotel, AWOL (59 Province Lands Road, Provincetown) - located at the tip of town - maximizes the beauty of the nearby dunes and sea with minimalist yet trendy styling. There are outdoor fire pits and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the expansive moors. Plush bedding, Solé beach cruisers and a savory morning bagel bar are just a few of the indulgent amenities.
Treehouse Lodge (527 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth) is like a pretty postcard from that favorite cabin you spent family vacations in as a kid, except this one is packed with modern comforts and luxe details. The whimsical décor includes barn board floors and built-in tree-round shelves, and the outside gardens provide a peaceful setting for enjoying your morning coffee. Bikes are available for guests, making it easy to explore the nearby Shining Sea Bikeway and seaside village of Woods Hole.
The Cape’s only Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel, Chatham Inn (359 Main St., Chatham) exudes romance and luxury. The newly renovated inn embraces the history of the restored 19th century property, while offering such modern touches as marble and onyx bathrooms. Guestrooms are decorated in a calming coastal color scheme, with original artwork by local artists adorning the walls. A daily gourmet breakfast is served fireside in the dining room, with seasonal entrees ranging from Crab Cake Benedict to Cranberry Nut French Toast. The inn’s sophisticated Chatham Wine Bar & Restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with over 32 fine wines by the glass and a bistro terrace in season.
Harbor Hotel (698 Commercial St., Provincetown) is a 60s-style hideaway balancing retro glam with an affordable weekend (or week-long) getaway. Rent an electric scooter on-site to zip around Provincetown during the day, then cozy up by the fire pit at night, take a dip in the heated pool, or sip drinks poolside. It’s kid and pet friendly, with more than 120 guest rooms decked out in vibrant colors and contemporary amenities.
Tucked along historic Old King’s Highway, The Starlight Lodge (203 Main St., Dennis) makes for a relaxed home base for your Cape getaway. The innkeepers fully renovated this 26-room property in 2016 and aim to cater to everyone, including families and couples, with budget-friendly rooms in soothing earth tones, along with pet-friendly units. S’mores by the outside fireplace and in-room gourmet breakfast each morning? Yes, please.
The adults-only Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn (186 Belmont Road, West Harwich) merges urban sensibility with classic Cape Cod style, offering luxury linens, plush bath robes, and contemporary décor. It’s located within walking distance to some of the area’s best restaurants and is a favorite retreat for romantic weekend getaways.
Minutes from the sea, the stylish Salt House Inn (6 Conwell St., Provincetown) is an immaculate and beachy B&B with bright white walls, homemade breakfast, and a few tasteful touches (like the wall of curiosities) paying homage to the 19th-century building. Celebrating a special occasion or want to live out your best Instagram life? Reserve the Loft Room, an expansive top floor with sitting area, spacious bathroom, and grand clawfoot tub at the foot of the plush king bed.
Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point (476 Route 28, West Yarmouth) is a fresh alternative for those who prefer traditional hotels, and the second property in the United States to open as part of Best Western’s new boutique hotel concept. The newly opened hotel features retro-styled furnishings and splashy decor, a sleek cafe with locally-inspired cocktails and boldly curated dishes, and a social lobby that doubles as a workspace. There’s also a fitness center along with heated indoor and outdoor pools.
The intimate Sea Street Inn (328 Sea St., Hyannis) puts a modern luxury spin on the classic B&B. The three rooms and two suites are sun-filled and tidy, mixing classic New England architecture with updated and tranquil bathrooms. The inn’s just a short walk to the beach and downtown Hyannis; however, expect to be pampered with personalized attention and gourmet meals prepared by the co-owner, a trained chef. You may not want to leave. And who says camping under the stars can’t be luxurious?
Coming soon: At AutoCamp Cape Cod, opening in Spring 2021 in Falmouth, you can choose from nearly 100 souped-up Airstream rental trailers equipped with double and queen beds, organic bedding, flat screen TVs, and bathrooms. In addition, the 10 luxury canvas tents on the property are the kind with king beds, dressers and Wi-Fi. A large clubhouse offers luxe-style bathrooms for those in tents, and on-site activities may include yoga, farm-to-table dinners, beer tastings, or live music by the custom-designed community firepits. With all of these amenities, even those who aren’t campers may become converts.