When you think of Cape Cod, quintessential images of families frolicking in summertime bliss immediately come to mind. Admittedly, there is no better way to enjoy the much-anticipated sunny season than with a seaside stay, but it’s made even more memorable when you find an ultra-luxurious spot that offers you every excuse to linger a little longer.
Whether you prefer lounging on a private beach or simply relaxing in a sophisticated waterfront cottage, Chatham Bars Inn just might be the next best place to heaven on earth.
When you pull up to the crushed-shell parking lot surrounded by colorful hydrangeas at the Benchmark Resort & Hotel property, you know you have arrived.
With amenities ranging from complimentary cruises to North Beach Island on their BarTender boat to custom curated tours (think fishing and lobstering trips, white shark charters, whale watches, and seal and harbor tours), there is something here for everyone in the family.
If you come here for a much-needed weekend getaway in the summer or prefer an indulgent weeklong stay in the fall, the year-round destination that has been named the No. 1 waterfront resort in the country and New England continues to remain one of the top spots on the Cape.
Opened in 1914, the oceanfront property with grand nautical themed lobby features a variety of accommodations that range from modernized ocean view rooms and suites nestled in the historic main inn to sophisticated seaside cottage suites offering breathtaking sunrises and sunsets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
New England-style cottages scattered throughout the 25-acre property are accessed by red brick walkways and boardwalks, and feature pet friendly accommodations, fireplaces, private patios, and unobstructed oceanfront views.
For the ultimate stay, lavish adults-only spa suites with fireplaces, saunas, and hydrotherapy tubs overlook an outdoor pool, cabanas, a Zen Garden, and koi pond.
What makes this property so special is that you can enjoy all of the on-site amenities or simply relax and unwind in the luxurious accommodations.
When it comes to things to do on property, Chatham Bars Inn offers many reasons to never have to leave.
From family time at the pool, clambakes with Chef Chadwick, or a round of competitive tennis on the courts, to complimentary bike rentals, spa treatments, and children’s programs, there is so much to do here.
We recommend a stay in Ocean Spray, one of their signature oceanfront cottage suites with private front patio overlooking the Atlantic.
The pet friendly accommodations (which our English bulldog adored) feature a living room with built-in window seating and a gas fireplace, a separate wet bar, and spacious bedroom.
A spacious grassy area out front provides the perfect spot for four-legged friends to roam.
When it comes to dining, there are numerous options here that range from casual fare to elevated cuisine. The family-friendly property’s restaurants are all resort casual, although diners may certainly dress up if they prefer.
Their signature restaurant, STARS, boasts stunning seaside views from their formal dining room that features Norman Rockwell’s “Spirit of America” hanging above the fireplace. The menu here offers a variety of fresh produce harvested from their 8-acre Chatham Bars Inn Farm in Brewster.
Get started with a sampling of fresh Chatham oysters, before moving on to a decadent local crab cake topped with fresh fennel and dill accompanied by a tasty sea urchin aioli. The Atlantic halibut with poached asparagus and morel mushrooms arrived as a work of art almost too pretty to eat.
STARS also offers a three-course menu that features daily specials like grilled asparagus salad, beef Wellington and lemon citrus cheesecake. The restaurant is open for dinner and breakfast (with a full brunch and menu service offered).
The Sacred Cod offers more casual tavern fare for lunch and dinner.
A bustling bar serves up local drafts while the comfortable dining room with sumptuous leather chairs offers a cozy spot to snack on lobster tacos, crispy calamari, hand-tossed pizza, and heartier dishes like fish and chips, a dry-aged Sacred burger, and lobster mac and cheese.
Popular dining options during the warmer weather include the coveted outdoor Veranda overlooking Chatham Harbor, the Beach House Grill for a New England clambake, and Bayview Terrace where you can enjoy live entertainment around the fire pits. This summer, the resort will be unveiling their new South Lounge Bar featuring a reclaimed wooden bar from the 1800s, a grand fireplace, and French doors that open up to the newly expanded Bayview Terrace where you can sip on 1920s Prohibition classic cocktails.
The resort is ideally situated just a quick walk away from the quaint shops and restaurants lining Chatham’s popular Main Street. If you prefer driving, be sure to request a complimentary ride in one of the property’s on-site Lexus vehicles or take one out on your own for a fun test drive (for up to four hours). Their partnership with Lexus also allows existing Lexus owners to enjoy a room upgrade, daily continental breakfast, and even a resort credit.
The property recently launched an exclusive experience package to benefit 4ocean, an organization dedicated to removing thousands of pounds of trash and plastic from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines. Available now through December 22, 2025, the package includes two nights in luxury ocean view accommodations, a guided tour of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, two eco-friendly spa treatments, tickets to the Cape Cod Natural History Museum, and a sustainable dinner for two at any of property’s restaurants.
Chatham Bars Inn is located at 297 Shore Road in Chatham, Mass.
