Brewster By The Sea Inn

Every aspect of this bed-and-breakfast's decor is a lovely example of historic colonial New England architecture and design. The lobby is the hotel’s only real indoor communal space and it’s quite cozy, with a mahogany china cabinet and fireplace plus period seating and accents. A traditional dining table provides the centerpiece for a daily, three-course gourmet breakfast. Outside, a patio and pool set amid a well-maintained garden provides additional social space, though all aspects of this bed-and-breakfast are quiet and relaxed, and the garden has a vibe akin to a secluded residential backyard. Given the nature of the hotel and fact that all rooms feature a single bed, couples unsurprisingly make up a majority of the guests here.

Brewster By The Sea is situated on a quiet, mostly residential street amid cottage-style homes. Cape Cod’s tiny, but popular, Museum of Natural History is a five-minute walk away on the same street. The hotel is also within a 10-minute walk of several small parks, restaurants, and Cape Cod’s north shore, though the closest bay beach is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Dennis Pines Golf Course is just over five minutes away by car and the nearest Atlantic Ocean beaches can be found outside of Chatham, about 20 minutes to the east by car.

Most travelers will likely need to rent a car, or drive their own, to get around the area as there's nothing in the way of public transit. Barnstable’s tiny municipal airport is only 25 minutes away. However, flights are limited and typically expensive. The only reasonable arrival points for long-distance travelers -- Logan International Airport and T.F. Green Airport -- are both nearly two hours away by car. The Provincetown ferry does provide direct access to Boston, however, the terminal is a one-hour drive away.

The rich, colonial decor in the lobby and common areas carries through to each of the eight individually designed rooms. Rooms are split between two small buildings. The main building, which houses the lobby and dining area, was initially constructed in the 1800s. Every room in this building reflects an aesthetic typical of the period. Rooms in the auxiliary building are similarly decorated, though with additional modern accents. Like many area bed-and-breakfasts, the two buildings were originally part of a single house that was divided into individual guest units, meaning that every room offers a distinct floor plan. Design details are diverse, but expect to see elements like knotty pine floors, four-poster beds, handsomely patterned paisley throws, and woven area rugs, all with a pleasing color scheme that pairs bold burgundies and navy with softer shades like sage and cream.

All rooms feature modern amenities as well. While the list varies slightly from room-to-room, iPod docks, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable beds are standard. Every room except for the Acorn Room has a gas, wood, or electric fireplace. Loft and Garden Rooms both offer a mini-fridge while the Refugio Suite provides a full kitchenette. The Garden Room and Refugio Suite also feature private patios that connect to the garden and pool area.

The layout and design of every bathroom also varies, though each features the same colonial-inspired decor. Elegant scroll and floral wallpaper, silver water glass trays, and brass accents are typical. Half of the rooms feature standard shower/tub combinations while the remaining half offer stand-up shower stalls. Full-size hairdryers and luxury Bumble & Co. or Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities are standard in every room.

Brewster By The Sea offers more amenities than most would expect of a tiny bed-and-breakfast. The outdoor pool, meticulously tended garden, and cozy lobby lounge all provide a fine place to kick back. There’s even an on-site spa which offers a limited menu of treatments, including facials and massages.

The sole outdoor pool is clean and well-maintained. Surrounded by wood fencing and a lovely garden on all sides, the space feels secluded and peaceful, akin to relaxing in a residential backyard. A mismatched collection of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and standard patio tables and chairs provides ample seating. A small gazebo toward the back of the property provides additional, shaded, and screened-in relaxation space.

Unique for an area bed-and-breakfast is the tiny, basement spa in the auxiliary building. The one-room space is minimally appointed, without the usual over-the-top spa design elements. However, a menu of basic procedures -- including facials and massages -- is available. With room for two massage tables, couples’ massages are also offered.

While the bed-and-breakfast lacks a full-service restaurant, a gourmet, three-course breakfast is served daily at the lobby dining table. Among other made-to-order items, the selection includes things like pecan waffles, fresh juice and fruit, and homemade scones. The food quality is well-reviewed as excellent. “Full” room service is unavailable, however, guests can order special tasting trays with cheese, chocolates, fruit, and a bottle of wine or Champagne.

The charming, open-concept lobby area provides two distinct social spaces for guests. The dining table serves as the centerpiece for the daily breakfast while the opposite side offers a couch, several small cafe tables and chairs, and a fireplace. Guests gather here throughout the day to read, relax, and enjoy the free drinks and snacks (including lemonade, fresh baked cookies, and scones).

The hotel also provides a quiet, secure, off-street lot for guest parking and Wi-Fi is free throughout.