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The 18 Essential Cape and Islands Hotels

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In today's new release of Curbed's Hotel 18 map, we're once again tackling the question, "Where should I stay on the Cape and Islands?" While our first edition of this map included 38 choices, we've carefully edited the latest version down to 18. In this smaller, leaner selection, we've made some tough choices to bring you the best of the best, and only those hotels considered most essential via reader and expert recommendations. From Sandwich to Wauwinet, this eclectic assortment covers low-key to luxury accommodations across Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

We'll be updating the map again in due time, so if you have a favorite that wasn't included, please mention it in the comments or tip us for next time. If you spot a hotel unworthy of the Hotel 18 distinction, we want to hear about that, too.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

The Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa

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Located in the center of the oldest town on Cape Cod, this Sandwich inn has offered lodging for over 300 years. Each of the 48 guest rooms and suites of The Dan'l Webster Inn is appointed with period furnishings and the property includes and outdoor pool plus five distinctive dining rooms.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel

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The beachfront Sea Crest Beach hotel has been recently renovated. There are 263 guest rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor saline pools and one of the Cape's largest conference facilities. The new restaurant, Red's, is named after a previous hotel owner, the Celtic's legend Red Auerbach.

Cape Codder Resort & Spa

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Rumored to be where Oprah and her BFF Gayle stayed while in town for Eunice Kennedy Shriver's funeral (and subsequently, the location of Pie-Gate) the Cape Codder is best known for its awesome Indoor Wave Pool and family-friendly vibe.

Cape Cod Irish Village

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"The best of Ireland on Cape Cod" since 1976, The Irish Village is a destination in itself. The 130 mini-suites are moderately priced and the property features indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant as well as a pub offering traditional Irish entertainment.

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club

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Both the Mansion side and the Villages of the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club have been offering casual elegance and endless amenities since 1986.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

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Twenty-two historic buildings, 120 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, two pools, two beaches, four Har Tru tennis courts, 18 holes of golf, and one pirate ship playground all in one Harwich resort.

Chatham Bars Inn

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The iconic Chatham Bars Inn has been in operation since 1914. The luxury resort sits on 25 acres on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is chock full of amenities, including: a state-of-the-art fitness center, clay tennis courts, and The Spa with individual suites featuring hydrotherapy tubs, saunas, steam showers, and the Chatham Bars Inn signature fireplace.

The Orleans Inn

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Overlooking Town Cove, this centrally-located historic waterfront inn features 11 simple guest rooms, modern amenities, a restaurant, and bar.

Crowne Point Historic Inn and Spa

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This 40-room landmark boutique hotel resides in a classic 140-year old Cape Cod Sea Captain's estate. The six architecturally restored buildings include a main mansion, award-winning day spa and fine dining restaurant.

Boatslip Resort

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This waterfront hotel is an iconic gay and lesbian destination and home of the world famous Tea Dance - a daily outdoor dance party. The rates have more to do with the prime location and amenities than the rooms.

The Red Inn

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Located on Provincetown Harbor, The Red Inn has been welcoming guests, including U.S. Presidents and celebrities, since 1915. The 200 year-old property is full of old world ambiance and understated sophistication.

Provincetown Inn

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Literally located on the tip of Cape Cod with an iconic Olympic sized pool in the shape of a pilgrim's hat, the Provincetown Inn is a classic. The resort is older, but the edge-of-the-continent location makes for a relatively good value.

Mansion House

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Established in 1791 and rebuilt in 2003, the guest rooms, spa and health club at the Mansion House feature 21st century amenities. There's a harbor viewing cupola and a limited number of rooms are pet friendly.

Pequot Hotel

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Nestled among the historic gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, this 32 room hotel exudes charm with classic cottage decor, porches adorned with latticework and modern amenities (air conditioning is definitely charming). It's just a block from the beach and close to the ferry and Circuit Avenue.

Winnetu Oceanside Resort

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This family-owned resort consists of a main hotel with 1-4 bedroom suites, private cottages, 3-5 bedroom vacation home rentals, and the oceanview Lure Grill.

White Elephant

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One of the few Nantucket hotels to be considered an island landmark, the waterfront White Elephant is home to the equally iconic Brant Point Grill. Overlooking Nantucket Harbor, the luxury hotel features 66 guest rooms, suites and garden cottages. Stylish, immaculate and pricey with impecable service.

Union Street Inn

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This in-town boutique hotel features 12 rooms, described by Conde Nast Traveler as "impeccable New England by-way-of-France." The signature amenity is the made-to-order gourmet breakfast with signature dishes like French Toast made with local Challah bread.

The Wauwinet

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Nantucket's only member of the Relais & Chateaux, The Wauwinet's incomparable setting neighbors Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and features private beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Bay. Known for the 33 posh guest rooms, impecable customer service and the hotel restaurant, Toppers.

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The Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa

Located in the center of the oldest town on Cape Cod, this Sandwich inn has offered lodging for over 300 years. Each of the 48 guest rooms and suites of The Dan'l Webster Inn is appointed with period furnishings and the property includes and outdoor pool plus five distinctive dining rooms.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel

The beachfront Sea Crest Beach hotel has been recently renovated. There are 263 guest rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor saline pools and one of the Cape's largest conference facilities. The new restaurant, Red's, is named after a previous hotel owner, the Celtic's legend Red Auerbach.

Cape Codder Resort & Spa

Rumored to be where Oprah and her BFF Gayle stayed while in town for Eunice Kennedy Shriver's funeral (and subsequently, the location of Pie-Gate) the Cape Codder is best known for its awesome Indoor Wave Pool and family-friendly vibe.

Cape Cod Irish Village

"The best of Ireland on Cape Cod" since 1976, The Irish Village is a destination in itself. The 130 mini-suites are moderately priced and the property features indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant as well as a pub offering traditional Irish entertainment.

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club

Both the Mansion side and the Villages of the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club have been offering casual elegance and endless amenities since 1986.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Twenty-two historic buildings, 120 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, two pools, two beaches, four Har Tru tennis courts, 18 holes of golf, and one pirate ship playground all in one Harwich resort.

Chatham Bars Inn

The iconic Chatham Bars Inn has been in operation since 1914. The luxury resort sits on 25 acres on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is chock full of amenities, including: a state-of-the-art fitness center, clay tennis courts, and The Spa with individual suites featuring hydrotherapy tubs, saunas, steam showers, and the Chatham Bars Inn signature fireplace.

The Orleans Inn

Overlooking Town Cove, this centrally-located historic waterfront inn features 11 simple guest rooms, modern amenities, a restaurant, and bar.

Crowne Point Historic Inn and Spa

This 40-room landmark boutique hotel resides in a classic 140-year old Cape Cod Sea Captain's estate. The six architecturally restored buildings include a main mansion, award-winning day spa and fine dining restaurant.

Boatslip Resort

This waterfront hotel is an iconic gay and lesbian destination and home of the world famous Tea Dance - a daily outdoor dance party. The rates have more to do with the prime location and amenities than the rooms.

The Red Inn

Located on Provincetown Harbor, The Red Inn has been welcoming guests, including U.S. Presidents and celebrities, since 1915. The 200 year-old property is full of old world ambiance and understated sophistication.

Provincetown Inn

Literally located on the tip of Cape Cod with an iconic Olympic sized pool in the shape of a pilgrim's hat, the Provincetown Inn is a classic. The resort is older, but the edge-of-the-continent location makes for a relatively good value.

Mansion House

Established in 1791 and rebuilt in 2003, the guest rooms, spa and health club at the Mansion House feature 21st century amenities. There's a harbor viewing cupola and a limited number of rooms are pet friendly.

Pequot Hotel

Nestled among the historic gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, this 32 room hotel exudes charm with classic cottage decor, porches adorned with latticework and modern amenities (air conditioning is definitely charming). It's just a block from the beach and close to the ferry and Circuit Avenue.

Winnetu Oceanside Resort

This family-owned resort consists of a main hotel with 1-4 bedroom suites, private cottages, 3-5 bedroom vacation home rentals, and the oceanview Lure Grill.

White Elephant

One of the few Nantucket hotels to be considered an island landmark, the waterfront White Elephant is home to the equally iconic Brant Point Grill. Overlooking Nantucket Harbor, the luxury hotel features 66 guest rooms, suites and garden cottages. Stylish, immaculate and pricey with impecable service.

Union Street Inn

This in-town boutique hotel features 12 rooms, described by Conde Nast Traveler as "impeccable New England by-way-of-France." The signature amenity is the made-to-order gourmet breakfast with signature dishes like French Toast made with local Challah bread.

The Wauwinet

Nantucket's only member of the Relais & Chateaux, The Wauwinet's incomparable setting neighbors Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and features private beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Bay. Known for the 33 posh guest rooms, impecable customer service and the hotel restaurant, Toppers.