The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn

Originally the home of a sea captain from Harwich, built in the 1830s, The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn served as a bed-and-breakfast for generations and the building creaks sometimes when the wind picks up. It was completely remodeled in 2011 when the previous owners ditched dusty doilies for London chic, and when it changed ownership in 2015, the new owners Mike and Stephanie Hogan added touches of Americana and rock 'n' roll flair to reflect their love of music and Texas (Mike is a musician himself). Many guests rave about the hospitable hosts, who are very knowledgeable about the area and have plenty of local recommendations. They have a background with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and Mike says that their own extensive travels help give them the edge in knowing what travelers want -- and delivering it. Upon check-in, guests can expect to be greeted with a drink and given a tour of the property. In the mornings, Stephanie cooks the tasty breakfasts herself. The couple's two friendly bulldogs also live on the property. The entryway opens into a living room with a fireplace and striped wallpaper that's been turned into a gallery of local artwork and photography. A lounge decorated in crisp black and white furnishings, gets a little color from a faded Old Glory painted on wood, above a white leather couch. A turntable and a crate of records sits on a vintage cart nearby. Outside, the pool area remains the same but there are two gravel patios on the lawn; one has benches around an outdoor stone fireplace, and the other has tables near two gas grills. The inn is best suited for couples and friends looking for an intimate, upscale experience. Guests are almost all couples, though there are the occasional families with kids 16 and older. 

Situated on a quiet side street, The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn may not be on the water, but it’s close. Belmont Road Beach is a 15-minute walk or five-minute bike ride to the south, and Earle Road Beach is a five-minute drive to the east (guests can park for free). The shops, drugstores, seafood restaurants, bakeries, pizzerias, and sports bars of Dennis Port's downtown area are within a five- to 15-minute walk of the hotel. Harwich is a prime spot to see all of the Cape. It's about a 15-minute drive from Chatham, which has a very quaint little town square, and less than an hour to Provincetown, the nightlife capital at the tip of the Cape. Expect a 90-minute drive from Boston Logan International Airport.

Each of the eight rooms has modern black-and-white decor with a main color accent (the three we viewed had red, blue, or orange accents). They're stylish and appealing, and thoughtfully outfitted -- not only with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, bathrobes, coffee/tea facilities, and free Wi-Fi, but also selfie sticks and multi-device chargers. These fun extras and indicative of the level of attention to detail guests can expect throughout their stay.The smallest rooms here, the Queen Rooms are quite small, at 168 square feet. They aren't big enough for sitting areas, and are the only rooms where guests cannot get in-room breakfast service. So couples seeking a little more elbow room may want to upgrade to the 260-square-foot Deluxe Rooms, which are big enough for small tables and a pair of high-backed chairs. Two Superior Rooms with fireplaces and club chairs vary in amenities; one has a soaking tub, the other has a balcony. Luxury Superior Rooms are the most private option, located in a separate small building on the property. They have vaulted ceilings and fireplaces, along with private patios that open to the yard. They also add coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and soaking tubs. Bathrooms in other room types have large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.Rooms are pretty quiet, as this is a residential neighborhood, though white noise machines are available upon request.

This small property has a lot to offer, starting with a free hot breakfast, which can be served poolside, in-room (except for Queen Rooms), or in the guest lounge. Menu highlights include roasted red pepper and baked egg galettes, and orange croissant French toast. Stephanie, one of the innkeepers and the cook, can cater to specific dietary requirements.The seasonal outdoor pool has a sundeck with loungers and tables, and there are two gravel patios in the surrounding lawn with gas grills and an open fireplace. Walking and biking trails lead off through the woods directly from the property (one trail goes to a yoga center). Coffee, soda, and snacks are available for free in the guest lounge, which also has a turntable and board games. Bikes are available for guest use, as well as beach gear like towels, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Parking is included and the inn also has parking passes at Earle Road Beach, about a three-minute drive away.