Exclusive | Provincetown: Where to Stay Part Four

Four Palms continued...

Bradford-Carver House (70 Bradford St; 800-826-9083 or 508-487-4966; $139-299) is a wonderful, intimate bed and breakfast, retaining all the classic New England charms. Lovingly appointed, it features spacious rooms with floral bedspreads and plenty of Victorian frill, friendly, accommodating management, and a large video selection. Features include fireplaces, an attractive pale-blue exterior, tasteful interior lighting, radios and phones in rooms. If you're idea of heaven is Hummel figurines, antique oil lamps, and mystical landscape paintings, you'll love it here. Rooms=6, mixed clientele, water view=none.

One of the best values in P-town, Christopher's By the Bay (8 Johnson St; 508-487-9263 or 877-487-9263; $105-255) is a lovely guesthouse that's developed a great reputation among discerning, value-minded travelers. Rooms are named for famous artists and are very tastefully appointed with muted color schemes and simple, upscale furnishings. The top floor boasts many small but wonderfully handsome doubles (all with brass beds) that share a big, communal bath, and are perfect for a group of friends. These rooms also feature fantastic harbor views. Out back there's a welcoming patio with a koi pond. A gem. Rooms=10, mixed clientele, water view=yes (top floors).

The Crown & Anchor (247 Commercial St; 508-487-1430; $185-295) The exterior is an upgrade of its original facade, but much of the rest of the Crown & Anchor underwent a huge overhaul in the early 2000s, helping to transform it into not only a lively party pad, but also a very nice hotel. Calling itself "Provincetown's premier entertainment complex" with several gay bars and restaurants, the Crown & Anchor also sits in the heart of Commercial Street's dining, shopping, and entertainment action. The 18 rooms are basic but well appointed. Keep in mind that some rooms are directly above the disco or some of the other bars, and it can be noisy before closing time. Some of the rooms feature fireplaces, and all are quite large. Perfect for those who want to bunk in the vortex of P-town's social whirl. Rooms=18; mostly men, water view=some.

Immensely popular for years as arguably the town's favorite property for women, Gabriel's (104 Bradford St; 800-969-2643 or 508-487-3232; $210-380) continues to live up to its sterling reputation. Features include remote-controlled skylights, Wi-Fi, TVs with DVD players, in-room Jacuzzis, and fireplaces. A leafy sundeck bridges the buildings to one another. Guest rooms are each themed to a particular noteworthy woman (Eleanor Roosevelt, Katharine Hepburn, Virginia Woolf). Though primarily a women's guesthouse, Gabriel's does welcome men. They also welcome pets that get along with their two friendly house pooches. There is a huge sun-drenched garden in the back, with some of the very best views of the Monument in town. Rooms=14, mixed with mostly women, water view=none.

John Randall House (140 Bradford St; 800-573-6700 or 508-487-3533; $89-199) is a turn-of-the-century home that has been restored with the most loving care imaginable. From the period furniture to the well-chosen wall coverings, not a detail is missed. Some rooms are small or shared-bath, but all are winners. The inn's friendly owners are constantly adding pieces to the property's antique and art collections. Though it might not be on par with the level of amenities and service at some of the larger luxury properties in P-town, it is still a charmer. Rooms=12, mixed clientele, water view=none.

Prince Albert Guesthouse (166 Commercial St; 508-487-1850; $150-250) boasts a perfect Commercial Street location and a thorough 2008 renovation that make this 1880 mansion a classic. Period decor right on the mark, bathrooms are completely modern, and the front patio is a great vantage point for the "boy parade." New features include flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, and new beds and fridges. Rooms on the upper floors have charming pitched ceilings with rustic wood beams. Warm and friendly service from your hosts and a big yard billed as ?P-town?s largest outdoor living area? are plusses. Rooms=18, 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