Exclusive | Provincetown: Where to Stay Part Seven

Three Palms continued...

Part of the complex that includes the popular women's bar, Vixen, the Pilgrim House Inn [link to: www.thepilgrimhouse.com](336 Commercial St; 508-487-6424; $99-149) is a pleasant, if generic Holiday Inn-style hotel smack dab in the heart of the women's action. Rooms are spacious and feature A/C and all the usual amenities. There's also a nice airy lounge with food and drinks available, and of course, a pool table. The dance club and bar (which also hosts comedy and music acts) is downstairs. The Pilgrim House also has two large studio apartments. Rooms=19, mostly women, water view=some.

In the arty east end, the women-run Ravenwood (462 Commercial St; 508-487-3203; $120-212, weekly rates also available) is a handsomely restored Greek Revival home run by women, offering year-round accommodations. There's an efficiency guestroom with beamed ceilings and skylights and private bath, and cute apartments with kitchens, linens, and maid service. Some have great water views; others have private garden terraces. Rooms/Units=5, mostly women/mixed clientele, "quaint"=med.-high, water view=some.

Rose & Crown (158 Commercial St; 508-487-3332; $75-225) This 1780s Georgian is located directly across from the Boatslip. Innkeepers Ann and Laura have lovingly revamped this gem's charms, creating a quaint and old-fashioned property with welcoming perks like fresh baked goods at breakfast. The old ship's figurehead out front is a prelude to the charming New England furnishings inside. Some of the rooms have private baths, and there are a few cozy, extremely affordable rooms that share a bath. There's a full, self-sufficient cottage in back, just beyond the rustic green garden. Rooms=8, mixed, water view=none.

Secret Garden Inn (300-A Commercial St; 866/786-9646 or 508-487-9027; $110-165). The Secret Garden Inn has benefited from several renovations over the last few years. Rooms are outfitted with LCD TVs with DVD/CD players, refrigerators, and Wi-Fi. The centerpiece is the lush and well-landscaped garden that greets guests upon entering the garden gate. Rooms, which include the very affordable ?Hemingway? for single travelers, are stylized after movie themes. Most rooms have double beds and share baths. The extensive Continental breakfast is served on a farmhouse table adjacent to a large living room with a fireplace. The set-up is perfect whether you enjoy the communal nature of a guesthouse or prefer solitude. Centrally located and just steps from the ferry landing, the feel is quaint and charming with rooms that are very reasonably priced. Rooms=7, mixed clientele, water view = some.

Having undergone an attractive renovation and room upgrade recently, the Surfside Hotel and Suites (543 Commercial St; 866-757-8616; $210-290) has moved into the three-palm category, even though the overall "motel" vibe here is somewhat at odds with P-town's atmosphere. Still, if all your favorite little inns are booked up or you prefer a larger and less personal property, this is a worthy spot. Located in the east end, this is a classic beach motel. The waterfront rooms are comfy, and even the poolside rooms are pleasant. Perks include Wi-Fi in the lobby, ample free parking, a heated pool, in-room fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Rooms=83, mixed clientele, water view=some.

Three Peaks House (210 Bradford St; 508-487-6424; $125) is operated by the same people as the Pilgrim House (see above). This stately and secluded 1870s Victorian is an easy ten-minute stroll from downtown in the East End gallery district. All rooms have private baths and guests receive a free pass to Vixen. Rooms=3, mostly women, water view=none.

Watership Inn (7 Winthrop St; 800-330-9413 or 508-487-0094; $106-278) is a classic Cape Cod inn (yes, another former sea captain's home!) It?s not at all fancy, but it has loads of quirky character. With a somewhat nautical-themed d?cor, the inn?s small rooms are simply but tastefully decorated. There?s a comfortable common room and a cute back yard where you can cook out, play croquet or volleyball in the summer, or work on your tan. The apartments are spacious and have a private deck. A nice, affordable choice. Rooms=18 (incl. two apartments), mostly men, water view=none.

Decorated with a flair for art and color, and owned by the friendly Mary Martin Schaefer, The White Horse Inn (500 Commercial St., 508-487-1790; $70-120) is a hidden Provincetown classic. This inn has character for days, and is filled with quirky, kitschy furnishings and antiques. Some of the rooms boast water views, and one studio has a great ocean vista. Guests at this colorful charmer have included gay glitterati such as filmmaker John Waters and author Gore Vidal. There's no breakfast served, and only some of the rooms have A/C. Watch your head on the low ceilings, and look out for Schaefer's fascinating and eclectic art collection. Rooms=24, 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