Long a favorite summer retreat for the New England set, Cape Cod attracts millions of visitors to its golden beaches, historic villages, and rolling dunes sprinkled with gray-shingled cottages.
Choosing a great Cape Cod hotel makes it easy to take advantage of all its offerings, either by staying in a quaint cottage where you can have toes in the sand right next to your front door, or lavish resorts with glittering pools and sprawling lawns dotted with hydrangeas.
The Cape can skew quite expensive, especially in the peak summer season, but we found high-quality hotels that will be affordable and accessible to most travelers. Though, if you're comfortable shelling out thousands, there's no shortage of luxe hotels ready to welcome you, and we've included a few, too.
Browse all the best Cape Cod hotels below, or jump directly to a specific area:
- The best Cape Cod hotels, including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard
- FAQ: Cape Cod travel
- More of the best hotels in the Northeast
These are the best Cape Cod hotels, sorted by price from low to high.
Seaside Cottages
Book Seaside Cottages
With 46 nautically-themed cottages overlooking Nantucket Sound in the Cape Cod town of Yarmouth, accommodations are located around a village green and set just off the beach. Room types include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom private cottages.
Book by the day or the week for rooms that include Queen-sized beds, TVs, free Wi-Fi, kitchens or small kitchenettes with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and a toaster. New linens are available upon request and pets are not allowed.
Rooms here are cozy and welcoming, with a homey feel, though, the unbeatable location is the real star. There are five acres on property that include two picnicking areas, and although there's no restaurant, there are several eateries right across the street.
COVID-19 procedures include: Deep disinfection will be performed prior to every arrival, limited housekeeping, guests should wear wristbands on the beach at all times so staff can monitor non-guests utilizing space.
Summercamp, Oak Bluffs
Book Summercamp, Oak Bluffs
Set among the candy-colored gingerbread houses of Oak Bluffs, this boutique property stands out for its size, housed in a grand 19th-century former hotel overlooking the harbor. It's also the largest hotel on the island with 95 rooms. True to its name, the interiors are playful, with contemporary furnishings in bold colors and whimsical hanging chairs in the sprawling, open-plan lobby.
There are plenty of nostalgic touches, too, like wood tennis rackets as artwork and a game room off the lobby stocked with vintage board games. Grab a snack from the Camp Canteen and relax on the expansive porch with soothing views of the sailboat-dotted harbor.
While on the small side, rooms are bright and cheerful, with punchy geometric-patterned fabrics in shades of blue, green, and yellow. They feature high-tech amenities such as USB ports, Tivoli Bluetooth radios, and smart TVs. Entry-level Queen rooms measure less than 200 square feet; you'll need to upgrade for those offering partial water views from the veranda, and rooms with full water views come at a premium.
The hotel is open seasonally, from May through October.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa
Book the Dan'l Webster Inn & Spa
Set in the heart of the oldest town on the Cape, this quaint inn harkens back to its original history as the Patriot headquarters during the Revolutionary War, and later, a tavern and inn that hosted such notables as Henry David Thoreau. Though the historic structure was destroyed by a fire, the current building certainly looks the part, with gracious interiors inspired by traditional colonial-style design.
The inn counts multiple dining rooms, with the glass-enclosed Conservancy being the loveliest, and the fireside Music room being the coziest, while the Tavern at the Inn is ideal for a drink or casual meal. The property, which includes the main house and several wings, is nestled among beautifully manicured grounds that include a seasonal heated outdoor pool and patio. The hotel also features the Beach Plum Spa, and guests have free access to a state-of-the-art fitness center in town.
Individually decorated rooms have plenty of colonial charm with many featuring canopy and four-poster beds, fireplaces, and balconies. Entry-level Traditional rooms are set on the first floor of the Jarvis Wing, adjacent to the main building. For better views and more space, trade up to a Superior room on the second floor of the main inn. A $15 breakfast voucher is included in the rate.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
Jared Coffin House
Book the Jared Coffin House
The hotel's namesake was a wealthy shipowner, who built this three-story red-brick mansion in 1845 in the heart of the island's whaling town. Today it's home to this elegant, year-round inn, whose beautifully refurbished interiors — gleaming wood floors, crown molding, marble fireplaces in the lobby/library — are complemented by period-style furnishings and antiques.
The property also includes the white-shingled Daniel Webster House next door, where 13 guest rooms are located, in addition to a flower-filled garden. The hotel's Nantucket Prime steakhouse features a formal dining room, as well as a more casual bar and patio dining.
Along with a continental breakfast, guests can take advantage of free afternoon coffee and snacks. Also included in the rate are beach chairs and umbrellas, bicycles, on-site parking, courtesy BWM car service, as well as access to the spa at the White Elephant, the hotel's sister property nearby, which all add tremendous value.
Rooms are individually decorated but done in a traditional style that suits both buildings' historical character. That can mean floral wallpaper, spindle beds, wood floors, and chandeliers, depending on the room. Entry-level rooms include those with double beds in the main house and Queen beds in the Daniel Webster House; both are snug, measuring around 200 square feet. The main house's King Corner rooms are particularly light and bright.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
Ship's Knees Inn
Book Ship's Knees Inn
Surrounded by 1.5 acres of rolling lawns and flowering gardens, this charming 1820 gray-shingled inn is just a five-minute walk to Nauset, one of the Cape's best Atlantic beaches. While the common areas are perfectly pleasant, the highlight of the property is its outdoor space, which includes a seasonal outdoor pool with a tree-lined deck, a sprawling courtyard patio with a fire pit, and green lawns dotted with hammocks and Adirondack chairs. A buffet-style continental breakfast is included in the rate.
Rooms are scattered throughout several buildings on the property and each is uniquely decorated in traditional Cape Cod style with nautical motifs and original local art. Some rooms have working fireplaces, private entrances, and distant views of the ocean. Entry-level Petite Queens are indeed petite, measuring 120 to 150 square feet, and are located on the first floor of the North wing with views of the pool or backyard. Slightly larger Deluxe Queens are set in the historic main house and some offer ocean views.
The inn is open seasonally, from mid-April through October.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
AWOL Hotel
Book AWOL Hotel
Departing from the traditional nautical-themed decor found in many a P-town bed and breakfast, this boutique hotel sports a refreshingly modern, bohemian-chic vibe. Bright common areas highlight natural materials with light-wood floors, straw light fixtures, and macramé-style pillows scattered atop bentwood chairs. Big picture windows frame the verdant tidal marshes that lie just across the street.
Rooms are similarly chic with gray polished concrete floors, straw lighting, platform beds, comfy built-in sofas, and minimalist black-and-white photos on the walls. They are all on the smaller side with entry-level King and double Queen rooms measuring 235 square feet, but they do feature spacious patios or balconies. Deluxe rooms offer a bit more space at 322 square feet, while the 1,200-square-foot, top-floor Lark Suite has its own rooftop deck, a fireplace, and a full kitchen.
Outdoors, the grounds feature a seasonally heated pool, three cozy fire pits, and a sprawling waterfront bar reserved for guests with communal picnic tables atop the sand. While there's no restaurant, the hotel partnered with local favorite, The Beach Market, to deliver sandwiches and salads.
Note that the hotel is open seasonally, from May through October.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
Gabriel's, A Provincetown Hotel
Book Gabriel's, A Provincetown Hotel
This charming bed and breakfast has an unbeatable central location that is smack-dab in P-town's bustling commercial district and adjacent to the iconic Pilgrim Monument Memorial.
The inn is comprised of four historic buildings dating from the 1800s, surrounded by flowering gardens, and threaded with pathways and stone bridges. Multiple sun decks, garden seating, and an outdoor fire pit offer plenty of areas to relax. The made-to-order breakfast changes with the seasons and is served either outside on the deck next to the goldfish pond, or in the Great Room with a cozy gas fireplace.
Rooms, named after famous personalities like Jane Goodall, Julia Child, and Virginia Woolf, are scattered throughout the four buildings and arranged around a tranquil courtyard. Individually designed, mostly in a classic style, they all feature gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses.
Layouts vary, with rooms ranging from entry-level Value Rooms (the smallest measures just 163 square feet, with a Queen-sized bed) up to an 838-square-foot, top-floor one-bedroom apartment with a King-sized bed, a living room with skylights, a full kitchen, a private deck, and a sauna. Many rooms have balconies or decks, and some feature spectacular views of the towering Pilgrim Monument.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
Book Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
The very definition of a romantic New England retreat, this 19th-century white-clapboard inn is tucked along the tree-lined brick sidewalks of Edgartown, a former whaling town turned celebrity retreat. The Gothic Revival building is beautifully appointed with antiques and fine art, and the fireside drawing room is perfectly cozy. But the large wraparound porch and garden-facing sunroom are the best spots to relax and enjoy the complimentary afternoon tea with fresh scones. Guests have access to the spa, which includes a fitness center, steam shower, and sauna. A full breakfast is included in the rate.
The 17 individually designed rooms and suites come in a variety of layouts and sizes. All have a colonial theme, with patterned wallpaper, antique furnishings, coastal artwork, and plush floral headboards on King-sized beds. Entry-level standard rooms are located on the first and second floors, while top-floor Deluxe rooms feature skylights and kitchenettes and look out over the property's garden. The hotel is open seasonally, from May through October.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
The Wauwinet
Book The Wauwinet
Nantucket is famous for its postcard-perfect downtown comprised of historic cobblestone streets, 19th-century shingled buildings, and steepled churches. A more rugged kind of beauty can be found on its less-developed northeast coast, where the five-star Wauwinet sits on a quiet stretch of Nantucket Bay beach.
The Relais & Chateaux property is the very definition of classic New England refinement, with its stately gray-shingled exterior, broad porches, and pristine green lawn dotted with white wicker chaise lounges. The hotel's Topper's restaurant, which specializes in seafood, is a local mainstay and its breezy waterfront terrace is especially popular for lunch.
The original 1875 inn is where most rooms are located. There are also four cottages across from the main house with larger suites. Each of the rooms is uniquely designed but all feature classic decor in soothing blue, gray, and cream tones. Entry-level rooms are on the second and third floors with garden views overlooking the hotel entrance. They're a bit on the cozy side at around 200 square feet. Upgrade to a Superior for more space and a seating area, and know that rooms with bay views will come at a premium. The property is open from April to October, with peak pricing in the high summer season. The cheapest rates will be available after Labor Day.
COVID-19 procedures are available here
Chatham Bars Inn
Book Chatham Bars Inn
With a magnificent oceanfront location, a quarter-mile of private beach, four restaurants, and a vast array of plush amenities, this luxurious resort is a top summer destination for well-heeled families.
Built as a hunting lodge in 1914, the main house sits atop a hill and commands beautiful views of the ocean from its expansive veranda. Down below is a huge heated waterfront pool, kiddie pool, and hot tub. The property also has Har-Tru tennis courts, croquet, and volleyball areas, plus a seasonal complimentary daily boat shuttle to the Cape Cod National Seashore's North Beach Island just across the cove. For a fee, you can charter a boat from its private fleet, play a round on the adjacent nine-hole golf course, or use the spa's seasonal outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, and saunas.
Complementing the main inn's original wood-beamed ceilings and hardwood floors are traditional antiques, period-style furnishings, and handcrafted ship models. Relax in the expansive lobby or elegant fireside lounge, but when the weather is fine, the sprawling patios at The Veranda or the oceanfront Beach House Grill are ideal for a cocktail or casual meal. The signature Stars restaurant is an upscale affair, serving farm-to-table dishes in a formal dining room with panoramic water views.
The main house has two floors of guest rooms, most with their own balcony or deck; entry-level Deluxe rooms, with Queen-sized beds and neutral-toned modern furnishings, overlook the back of the inn, while pricier Ocean View rooms offer water views. There are also rooms located in cottages around the property, some with gas fireplaces, as well as adults-only spa suites that feature hydrotherapy tubs, steam showers, and fireplaces.
Open year-round, the property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which means members can receive exclusive discounts and upgrades.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club
Book the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club
Nestled on the "elbow" of the Cape, this five-star oceanfront property attracts an upscale crowd and is particularly popular with families thanks to spacious accommodations and an abundance of amenities.
Some 22 historic buildings make up the 27-acre resort, which counts two beaches — including the particularly lovely Pleasant Bay beach — two outdoor pools (one an adults-only lap pool), a fitness center, and Har-Tru tennis courts. Guests have access to the adjacent members-only Cape Cod National Golf Club and the nearby Cape Cod Rail Trail offers 36 miles of flat paved bike paths.
Five restaurants and bars dot the property including a refined spot for seafood, a clubby, tavern-style fireside restaurant, and a seasonal beachfront bar.
Rooms are done up in soft blue and taupe hues that reflect the surrounding sea and feature a blend of modern and traditional style furnishings. All offer a private deck or patio and most have water views. Entry-level Garden View rooms are located on the first floor of the main building and measure 360 square feet with spacious patios facing the gardens. For a bit more privacy and space, opt for one of the Cottage rooms, set in the resort's Cape Cod-style cottages scattered throughout the property. The family-sized rooms, accommodating four people, range from 400 to 505 square feet and feature seating areas and fireplaces; the best offer large decks directly overlooking the water.
The resort, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is open seasonally, from April to mid-December.
COVID-19 procedures are available here.
FAQ: Cape Cod travel
What is the best area to stay in Cape Cod?
For the uninformed, Cape Cod is a roughly 70-mile-long, crescent-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic, and includes two islands: Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. It's divided into four regions, each with its own distinct personality and rich history.
Closest to the mainland, the Upper Cape is home to some of the oldest towns in America including Sandwich, which dates back to 1639. Mid Cape is considered the urban hub with the biggest population and largest city, Hyannis; this is also where most people catch ferries to the islands.
Once you reach the "elbow," or the Lower Cape, you've entered quaint towns such as Chatham, Orleans, Harwich, which are home to some of the region's finest beaches, including Nauset Beach.
The Outer Cape also includes miles of pristine beaches, seagrasses, and sand dunes, plus the 43,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore, and has a wilder, more remote feel. That is, until you reach the easternmost tip and Provincetown (commonly referred to as P-town), which is a bustling LGBTQ enclave known for its artsy vibe and eclectic nightlife.
Finally, there are the islands: Nantucket, with its picture-perfect cobblestoned historic district, and the showier Martha's Vineyard, which regularly lures celebrities, former presidents, and royalty.
When is the best time to visit Cape Cod?
There's nothing quite like summer on Cape Cod. Long sunny days spent at the beach followed by grilling out with fresh seafood as warm evening breezes lap by. There's fresh seafood and ice cream to eat, and when the tide slinks out far on the bay, there's nothing quite like walking out as far as the eye can see.
But while the warmer months are certainly a draw, the shoulder and off-season periods present a rare opportunity to savor the Cape too, sans crowds, with cheaper hotel prices, to boot. The beaches are still lovely to stroll and there's a calmer, more local vibe to savor. Just know that many businesses shutter in winter, so some dining and shopping may be limited.
What kind of hotels are on Cape Cod?
On Cape Cod, you'll find hotels of all sorts, from beachy motels and cottages to luxe five-star hotels with chic spas and a posh crowd.
For this list in particular, we also included several B&Bs or inns, as we believe they offer strong value in terms of price, location, and room type. Many hotels in Cape Cod are expensive, and these alternate lodgings offer an accessible way to visit that won't cost a fortune. They also tend to be more personable and exude character. However, because most inns are located in smaller, historic properties, they may seem dated or show signs of wear and tear.
Additionally, many properties are seasonal and close for the winter.
What is there to do in Cape Cod?
The beach, of course. The Atlantic side of the cape enjoys wide stretches of beach framed by dramatic cliffs with large rolling waves. Keep your eyes peeled for passing friendly seals, as well as sharks.
On the bay side, the calm still waters are great for families with small children, and at low tide, the water draws back for miles, leaving the sandy bay floor to explore and take long walks.
Rustic seafood shacks serve local catches, while the signature Cape Codder, a mix of vodka and cranberry juice, is ubiquitous in local bars and taverns.
There are also many great trails for running, walking, biking, and beautiful state parks for exploring or camping.
Is Cape Cod safe to visit?
States have started reopening following the novel coronavirus and a visit to Cape Cod offers plenty of space for social distancing. However, it's important to keep in mind that even where quarantine isn't mandatory, there's no guarantee of safety without a vaccine. Before making any travel plans, we recommend following guidelines from the CDC and WHO, considering your own health risks and those of others where you're traveling, practicing safe social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks in public places.
With that said, the CDC now says it is safe to travel domestically if you are fully vaccinated, and we also talked to experts to identify the best ways to keep yourself and others safe during travel, as well as potential risk factors surrounding flying and renting a car. They say that in most cases, hotels are safe.
More of the best hotels in the Northeast
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