The Masthead Resort

The helpful, friendly, even playful front desk staff and the stunning gardens were real highlights. The Masthead Resort is also very well located, with a bay view and easy access to town. I can see why some reviews call the rooms lovely and updated, but ours was neither. I’d suggest staying at this inn only if you make sure to get one of the good rooms. Inside, our room was disappointing. The bed was squeezed into such a narrow space that the only way to get in was from the foot. There wasn’t room for a nightstand, so nowhere to put a phone, glasses, or anything else. The closet looked like a worn-out storage space and could be made decent for little time or money. The furniture was shabby, some of it surprisingly so. The lamps were rickety, and several furnishings were well overdue for replacement. We weren’t expecting the Ritz Carleton, but I’ve seen better pieces at local garage sales. We were unhappy with what the Masthead offered indoors. A few days after we got home, Mast head emailed asking for feedback. I sent the comments above and asked for a reply, but never heard back. Apart from the women at the front desk, the place doesn’t seem to put much effort into making guests happy.

We won’t be returning. I booked a Labor Day stay through Amex and missed the location’s unusual 90-day cancellation policy, or possibly no cancellation policy, when 30 days is standard. That part was on me. A death in the family meant we had to leave the cape about 12 hours after arriving. I asked whether they could refund one of the two unused nights and both days of the parking fee. The front desk couldn’t help and referred it to the owner, who never answered or returned my calls. It stopped being about the money, though I still have an Amex dispute pending over the parking fee. It’s about the basic decency of returning a call. The parking arrangement was also unclear and cost another $90 for the weekend, charged separately before arrival. We were told to park at the Provincetown Inn, but they don’t monitor or validate the supposed arrangement with Masthead. It seemed suspicious. If you want gracious hosts, I’d choose the Land's End Inn. About a year ago, we missed a night there after a car accident, and they refunded the unused night without us even asking. Class.

We were five people in Richards Cottage 35 at Masthead resort. The cottage was clean and tidy. Downstairs had a kitchen, living room, eating nook, and full bathroom; upstairs were three bedrooms and another bathroom. There’s a private stretch of beach just beyond the small yard. The kitchen is narrow, with space for maybe two people. The counter, sink, faucet, and appliances seemed fairly new. There’s a microwave, pots and pans, an oven-safe roasting pan, a cutting board, an ice tray in the freezer, and a drip coffee maker with coffee packets. We’d called before the trip to ask about a cookie sheet and were told there was one, but there wasn’t, so we used the roasting pan. The knives need sharpening, the drawers are hard to open without pull handles, and we couldn’t find scissors. There were only four forks, so someone used a large serving fork. No paper towels, foil, or plastic wrap, though two kitchen towels were supplied. There’s no ice maker. The living room has a couch that seats three comfortably and four chairs, but one chair was so uncomfortable nobody wanted it. I’m not sure the fireplace works: it was full of cobwebs, with no wood or instructions. We stayed in January, so it would have been nice to use. There’s a TV, but it takes two remotes, and no WiFi information was provided. The downstairs bathroom, with its small shower, is basically in the living room. There were plenty of towels between both bathrooms. The hotel soap I used was quite drying. The shower is cramped if you’re overweight, has just one small shelf, and makes shaving your legs difficult. The eating nook has a rectangular table and two benches, probably enough room for eight adults. The stairs to the second floor are extremely shallow and steep, and some steps have no handrail. Anyone with mobility issues may struggle. I wear a size 10 slipper, 8.5 in men's, and half my foot hung off each step. Upstairs, the bathroom had a new sink, tub, and toilet. The tub looked like it had a hookup for a handheld shower wand, which would have been useful so we didn’t have to use the downstairs shower. Neither bathroom had hand towels or air freshener. There was a hair dryer in the cabinet under the sink. My friend and I shared the room with two twin beds. The beds and pillows were comfortable. There were three outlets, but two were taken up by lamps, plus one chest of drawers, a small closet, a mirror over the dresser, and just one nightstand. No alarm clock. I can’t speak to the other two bedrooms. The door wouldn’t close. Maybe the doorway had warped over time or there was too much paint, or both. I wasn’t sure it would open again if shut. Light came in underneath and along the side. The skylight and small window both had shades. It snowed about an inch during our visit, but nobody cleared the path or put down salt or sand. It was slippery while we carried our things to the car.

We’re back at The Masthead for a second year, and the setting is still a highlight. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and it’s an easy walk into town for shopping and dinner. The sunsets and sunrises are beautiful. We’ll be back again!