Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel'sFor any seaside vacation, a majority of your time will likely be spent outside. When you do need a place to relax and rest up, however, you'll want something charming, inviting and convenient. Where Provincetown is concerned, there are no shortage of places to stay in the area that meet that criteria, but veteran Ptown visitors book early so vacancies can be hard to come by. Booking by February or March for the summer is a good standard rule to keep in mind and we've got five places that should stay on your radar.
1. For the Design-Savvy: Salt House Inn
Mastering the art of being clean without being stark, beachy without being over-the-top, and modern without being cold, the Salt House Inn is new to the scene but has quickly developed a status as one of the most coveted places to stay. Rooms range in size from a compact double to an airy loft, but all come with toiletries you'll want to take home. All guests can also enjoy a seasonal breakfast in the breakfast room or take advantage of the ample seating in the outdoor garden. If Salt House Inn is booked, the owners have another property in Provincetown, the Eben House, located just a ten-minute walk down the street.
Salt House Inn, 6 Conwell St, Provincetown, MA 02657, (508) 487-1911
2. For the Spa-Inclined:Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa
By merging the spa experience into the hotel experience, you can literally roll out of bed and walk downstairs for a full-service day of pampering at Cape Diem. If the plush rooms, sprawling backyard, and cozy common areas aren't inviting enough, the spa includes sauna, steam, massage and whirlpool options. Since this is Provincetown, the spa has its own quirks: for one, it's co-ed and two, it's clothing optional. Carpe Diem also features unexpected, exotic treatments, like the Moroccan Hamam massage, which is excellent for exfoliation.
Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa, 12-14 Johnson St, Provincetown, MA 02657, (508) 487-4242
3. For the Old-School Set:The Red Inn
Set in a building that dates back to 1805, and acting as a working guesthouse for 100 years, the Red Inn is the perfect stay for New England architecture buffs. The hotel has undergone modern renovations but the exterior's white fence, shutters, and brick red facade still retains a classic Cape charm. But book early -- the Inn has only 8 accommodations, which are split between traditional rooms, suites and even private guest residences. If you're not one of the lucky few who can snag a room, the Inn also includes a fantastic fine-dining spot featuring a can't-miss raw bar happy hour.
The Red Inn, 15 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, (508) 487-7334
4. For Those Looking for a Pool Party:Harbor Hotel
Despite being set further off the main drag, The Harbor Hotel is a good bet for those looking for a more all-encompassing vacation hotel. Acting as much more than just a place to crash, the hotel offers a flurry of amenities so that guests can eat, drink and play all on the property. The pool and poolside bar alone makes for a nice afternoon, and the beach fire pit could not be more charming. If being secluded isn't for you, those yearning for the Commercial Street activity can hop aboard their complimentary town shuttle.
The Harbor Hotel, 698 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, (855) 447-8696
5. For Those Who Need to Be Center Stage: Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's
Located almost in the dead center of town at the end of the MacMillan Pier near the unmissable Pilgrim Monument, Gabriel's could not be any closer to the action. Each of the rooms are named after people, including a few celebrities (ironically the Jane Goodall room is not pet-friendly). The rooms are spread between a cluster of white-trim houses, each one as lovely as the next.
Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's, 102 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA 02657,
(508) 487-3232
Photo provided by Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's
For more on Provincetown, check out PAPERMAG.com/ptown
