TL;DR

Fresh design: Modern, LGBTQ-friendly boutique hotel with a sleek, minimal style.
Scenic wetlands: Marshland stretches from the hotel to the sea.
Seasonal stay: Open May through September, closed in winter.
From Lark Hotels: Known for boutique, outdoorsy destinations.
Check prices here

A far cry from the Cape’s typical historical house-turned-B&B, this hip, LGBTQ friendly, Provincetown boutique hotel’s laid-back modern elegance feels extra fresh surrounded by typical New England style.

It also has a lovely expanse of wetland that stretches from the hotel to the sea. And with Scandinavian-esque minimalism, a style well-known for prioritizing natural beauty, the hotel is tailor-made for appreciating it.

AWOL is from Lark hotels, a frequent choice for boutique outdoorsy tourism, and it works as well on the Atlantic Coast as it does in the Catskills or by the beaches of Malibu.

The one downside is the harshness of the winters here, which keeps the hotel closed seasonally. It’s a summer getaway, open May through September.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 30
Layout: Lodge/motel style with seaside-facing rooms.
Options: Patio, Balcony, Double Queens, Kings, accessible rooms, and a super-lux suite.
Style: Beachy vibe with natural wood, wicker, and curated furnishings.
Amenities: Smart TVs, Tivoli speakers, mini-fridges, and essentials.
Bathrooms: Slate finishes, waffle robes, Lather toiletries, and live-edge vanities.
See each room in detail here

The building is lodge/motel style, with rows of rooms facing the seaside. They’re divided into Patio (first floor) and Balcony (second floor), with windows that give spectacular views of the sea and marshland.

You’ll have Double Queens and Kings, as well as accessible options and one super-lux suite you’ll want to book early.

The vibe is decidedly beachy, with naked wood, plenty of natural fibers and natural wooden or wicker furniture.

Rooms have platform beds, carved wooden tables and simple seating areas with plenty of well-curated cushioning.

They offer large Smart TVs, Tivoli speakers, all the essentials (note: includes corkscrew), and mini-fridges for the bottle of prosecco you can grab from one of the nearby wine shops and enjoy while watching the sun set.

Bathrooms are attractive slate affairs, with Lather toiletries, the quintessential Lark (yes, AWOL is another Lark line), waffle robes, and gorgeous live-edge vanities.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Breakfast: DIY toast bar with breads, bagels, pastries, and toppings.
Drinks: Wine, local beer, cider, and canned cocktails available.
Outdoor space: Fire pits, private bar, seating, and heated pool.
Concierge: Ready with recommendations and reservations.
Bicycles: Complimentary bikes for exploring Provincetown.

There’s no on-site restaurant, per say, but there are plenty of chances to indulge your palette.

For breakfast, the hotel presents a DIY toast bar, which might seem like a cop-out if you haven’t seen the spread. Expect bagels, artisan breads, pastries, and all sorts of toppings.

Through the rest of the day you’ll have access to a beverage menu of wines, local beer and cider, canned cocktails, and more.

The outdoor common area is a highlight. It has fire pits for nighttime smores, a private bar, plenty of seating, and a heated pool to hang out in.

For any explorations off-property, check with the concierge for excellent ideas, reservations, or recommendations.

There are complimentary bicycles that you can take around town as well.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Provincetown vibe: Historic Mayflower landing spot and LGBTQ hotspot.
Events: Pride in June, Lesbian Visibility Week, Bear Week, and Carnival Week.
Culture: Galleries, drag shows, and diverse arts scene.
Streets: Commercial Street for revelry, side streets for cafés and charm.
Parking: Free parking for one vehicle, great for Cape drives.

Cape Cod’s Provincetown is a legend in many ways. The Mayflower landing spot imbues plenty of history, as well as the town’s popularity with counterculture from the 60s onward.

Being a LGTBQ hotspot for so many years means that there’s plenty of gay history among the Colonial, including a memorial to those lost during the AIDS crisis.

Book for June if you’re looking for some serious Pride, but there’s also April’s Lesbian Visibility Week and July’s Bear Week.

August’s Carnival Week in Provincetown is basically Halloween, but nobody’s cold and the costumes are all fabulous.

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy all sorts of arts and culture, from snobby galleries to drag shows, and everything in between.

Head to Commercial Street for all sorts of revelry, while the side streets have a collection of cute houses and the odd charming café.

The hotel offers free parking for one vehicle, so make sure to do a couple cruises around the Cape.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Everything at this location is excellent. We come here every year and always have an exceptional experience. This time the pool felt warmer than it did in recent years. Considering it was September, it was much welcome….”

“This was a wonderful property with attention taken on every detail. The bedding was luxurious and so comfortable and the breakfast selection was amazing. The room was beautifully decorated and the staff were all attentive to ensure we had a wonderful stay….”