Salt House Inn Opens on Cape Cod

Cape Cod got a sweet new boutique hotel in the Salt House Inn last month, just in time for the summer rush. The owners have spent dozens of vacations on this idyllic summer spot. So much so that they soon began to split their time between New York City and Provincetown, purchasing the property in 2011 and diving into a complete makeover.

Yet their experience in hotels carries serious street cred: interior designer Kevin O'Shea has worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Le Meridien brand, and also Morgans Hotel Group; David Bowd is COO of Andre Balazs Properties after working with Ian Schrager.

Located at the far tip of Cape Cod, the 15-room inn in Provincetown—the town's first boutique property—straddles the look of a beach cottage and your stylish cousin's super-cute summer home. Free WiFi and no-cost parking are just two perks in addition to in-room must-haves like plush bedding and spacious showers (stocked with C.O. Bigelow and Further all-natural toiletries).

Tucked into a 19th Century building that was once housing for the island's salt-mine workers, and most recently Dexter's Inn, each room features a "wall of curiosities." Found objects (think finds along the beach) and vintage art (from lanterns to tennis rackets and oars, too) were curated from throughout New England into a whimsical, thought-provoking collection that is unique from the room next door. White-on-white creates a crisp, fresh look in each room, causing the objects to pop out even more. In preparing to open the inn, the owners freshened up the landscaping, adding a dining area, a lounge, and a second-floor sun terrace.

A breakfast of pastries, savory treats, yogurt, and granola is served each morning at a communal table and prepared by co-owner O'Shea.

Rates start at $150 per night and include breakfast.

Kristine Hansen is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee where she reports on food, wine, and travel topics around the globe for Fodors.com, along with new-hotel openings. She also writes for Wine Enthusiast, TIME, Whole Living and American Way. In 2006 she co-authored The Complete Idiot's Guide to Coffee and Tea (Alpha Books/Penguin). You can follow her on Twitter @kristineahansen or through her web site.

Photos courtesy of Salt House Inn