4 Best Hotels in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

One of the Cape's most luxurious small resorts, this meticulously kept getaway comprises a beautifully restored main house—originally a sea captain's home built in 1828—and several other carefully groomed buildings and cottages all centered on a beautifully landscaped pool area. A widow's-walk sundeck has a panoramic view of Cape Cod Bay. A nightly wine-and-cheese reception is a nice perk. As this has been a favorite for Ptown visitors for more than 55 years, with many repeat guests, it's wise to book early.

Created meticulously from six different buildings, this inn hasn't a single detail left unattended—period furniture and antiques fill common areas and guest rooms; a queen-size bed is the smallest you'll find, dressed in 300-thread-count linens; treats are left on the pillow for nightly turndown service; and there's complimentary wine and cheese in the afternoon. Penthouse suites have two floors of living space with a full kitchen, and many rooms have private balconies with water or town views. Other perks include use of the hot tub and sauna, free coffee, tea, and infused water, and free parking.

At this delightful inn, a Lark Hotel property, five buildings of one- and two-bedroom suites ring a landscaped lawn that leads to a scenic wooded pond. Guest accommodations are casually decorated, many with a maritime theme, with bleached wood, white and blue decor, and comfortable furniture. In Eli's Tavern, dishes range from fried oysters to fish-and-chips and steamed lobster, as well as other pub favorites like steak tips and buffalo tenders. Dog-owners will be happy to know 21 rooms are pet-friendly.

From the outside, it may look like just another roadside motel, but beyond the plain-Jane facade are freshly renovated king and queen guest rooms with Keurig machines, mini-refrigerators, and modern design (lots of gray, lively wallpaper in bathrooms.) The owners of the Chatham Wayside Inn bought the motel and gave it a much-needed facelift, along with family-friendly amenities: a nicely landscaped heated outdoor pool, bicycles and helmets for guests' use, and a grassy area just right for kicking a ball around with your little one. If you're not looking to spend a small fortune on lodgings in Chatham, this is a worthy option.