Exclusive | Provincetown: Where to Stay Part Five

Four Palms continued...

The 200-year-old Red Inn (15 Commercial St; 866-4-RED-INN or 508-487-7334; $240-325, cottages $450-560) had become something of an uninspired eatery before new owners took over earlier this decade and transformed it into one of P-town's finer restaurants and guesthouses. Each airy, bright room virtually floats atop the ocean. The large private cottages here may well be the most stunning spots to stay in Provincetown. If you're thinking of getting hitched in P-town, this is one superb place to have the ceremony. Occasional complaints about stuffy service and sky-high rates keep us from giving this a five-palm rating, but it's still a solid choice. Rooms=8 (incl. two residential cottages), mixed clientele, water views=panoramic.

A restored Captain's home circa 1830, the Revere Guest House (14 Court St; 800-487-2292 or 508-487-2292; $175-345) boasts a bay-view deck and a six-person whirlpool tub and outdoor shower on the back patio. Rooms are generally cozy, quirkily configured, and airy; they are beautifully decorated with an authentic New England feel and such modern extras as flat-screen TVs with DVDs or VCRs, central air-conditioning, and high-speed Internet. The common room (located out back by the pretty patio) features a beamed ceiling, skylights and wood burning stove. The Revere is notable as a good value property. An extremely friendly and accommodating management team, and loving attention to details like fresh flowers and attractive linens make the Revere a wonderful house away from home. Book ahead because folks love to stay here year after year. Rooms=8, mixed clientele, water view=none.

At Seasons (160 Bradford St; phone508-487-2283 or 800-563-0113; $154-159), the owners have kept most of the original Victorian antiques and decor and have arranged the furniture to create cozy sitting areas in most rooms. All rooms have TV/VCR, cable and CD-radio; refrigerators are available. The full gourmet breakfasts are excellent and the management is extremely warm and friendly. Seasons is a fine, attractive place to stay. Rooms=5, mixed men and women, water view=none.

You can't miss the lively Somerset House (378 Commercial St; 508-487-0383 or 800-575-1850; $150-295). Its brilliantly bright blue exterior refreshingly stands out among the more staid facades along Commercial Street. The vibe is clever and luxe "boutique?; one room has a safari suite, and another is Asian inspired. The owners go all-out in providing personal attention and great service, and the hot breakfast is among the best served at any guesthouse in town. The common spaces of the Somerset are a sparkling mix of color and whimsy. Amenities include DVD players, Wi-Fi, L'Occitaine bath amenities, and phones with voice mail. The friendly welcome and upbeat, upscale vibe make this an absolute winner among P-town's gay accommodations. Rooms=12, mixed clientele, water view=some nice ones.

A real charmer, West End Inn (44 Commercial St; 800-559-1220 or 508-487-9555; $169-279) is a stately white Greek Revival guesthouse in the sleepy West End. A large and comfortable common room and tasteful, yet understated, guest rooms make this a great choice, with urbane decor that's less fussy than many other guesthouses in town. A third-floor suite offers a private loft and big, bold skylight. There's a lovely, secluded garden in back. Rooms=7, mostly men, water view=some.

High ceilings and Berber rugs complete the old New England feel of White Wind Inn (174 Commercial St; 888-449-9463 or 508-487-1526; $155-275), a gracious 1845 Second Empire mansion with a distinctive mansard roof and a prominent location on Commercial Street. Their veranda is the ideal spot for watching the tea parade between the Boatslip and the Pied. An outdoor patio area is an added enticement. Fireplaces, whirlpool baths, and private decks can be found in some rooms. Two offer private entrances; two others allow pets. There's a comfortable and large common room with piano, and Wi-Fi and central air-conditioning throughout. All in all, a great, classic inn run by welcoming hosts, Michael and Rob. Rooms=13 (including one cottage), mixed clientele, water view=some.

Way out on the eastern edge of town, the Watermark Inn (603 Commercial St; 508-487-0165; $205-470, weekly rates $1,300-3,000) rents suites and self-sufficient apartments that are literally on the water. Fall off your deck and you're in the bay. Rooms are open and airy, furnished in a modern style with skylights and angled ceilings; two have fireplaces. There's not a really gay atmosphere here, but if you're eager to stay quietly just out of the swing of things this is a fine choice. No breakfast here, but you'll have a kitchen or at least a kitchenette to do it yourself. Note that most units rent weekly during the high season, but overnight stays are sometimes possible based on availability. Rooms=10, mixed clientele, water view=some.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Part Seven | Part Eight

Related Articles:
Provincetown: Introduction
Provincetown: Gay Life
Provincetown: Where to Eat
Provincetown: Where to Play
Provincetown: What to See & Do
Provincetown: Where to Shop
Provincetown: Artistic/Cultural
Provincetown: Resources