A big, comfortable bed, a warm seat by the fire, a hot cup of coffee and a delicious meal — all await you at a great bed-and-breakfast, but they are only the beginning. When such a wonderful B&B happens to be in a highly desired vacation locale — such as Cape Cod, MA — the result is a trip for the ages.

There are more than 250 bed-and-breakfasts on Cape Cod, which makes choosing the best of the best very difficult. Each of the gems on this alphabetical list could be No. 1 on anybody’s list.

Brewster by the Sea Inn & Spa, Brewster

A little slice of heaven along historic Route 6A, this B&B is a quiet and beautiful getaway destination. Innkeepers Donna and Byron Cain put love and care into every inch of the property, from a lovely welcoming flower and chocolate on the bed to the alfresco breakfast on the deck when the weather is nice. Breakfast is always freshly made, healthy and, of course, delicious.

The Cains strive to give guests a world-class experience with a little Southern hospitality, since they hail from Houston. It all comes together inside the walls of the inn and stretches outside to the pool, hot tub and gazebo with beautiful views of the night sky. Their loving care extends to helping guests find activities off the property, offering dining suggestions or providing maps for nearby running and walking routes.

Captain David Kelley House, Centerville

On picturesque Main Street in the village of Centerville sits this inviting sea captain’s house. The 1835 home has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, complete with crown molding, historic wallpaper, Oriental carpets, nautical art and lovely antiques. Each of the 6 rooms is brilliantly decorated, some with floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and private entrances. Innkeepers Rick Garceau and Tom Nortz complete the fabulous experience at the Captain Kelley House with breakfast and the “Great Scone Wars.” Rick creates masterpieces such as cranberry-orange-nut and gingered-lemon curd scones, while Tom responds with delicious entries including morning glory and summer berry scones. No matter which one guests choose, they cannot go wrong.

The Captain’s Manor Inn, Falmouth

This inn has the Southern-plantation style of New Orleans, a rare feature on the Cape. Innkeepers Trish and Kevin Robinson work tirelessly to make sure that Captain’s Manor and its 8 guest rooms remain elegant yet comfortable, with hand-painted murals, classic four-poster beds, rain showers and reclining chairs. The acre-plus manicured garden and the Bistro with refreshments help make this a perfect vacation getaway.

The inn is just a short stroll from many wonderful restaurants and boutique shops in quaint Falmouth Village. It even allows guests to take towels and chairs to the nearby beaches.

Lamb and Lion Inn, Barnstable

This classic Cape Cod inn with the spirit of a small luxury hotel is a fixture along historic Route 6A. It is operated by Ali Pitcher and Tom Dott, who are lifelong hospitality professionals and former Relais & Chateaux owners.

The property is unique because it is a B&B with 10 rooms, but they all have separate entrances, giving guests lots of privacy. The historic charm is evident in those rooms that are in a converted barn and horse stable. For visitors who enjoy being spoiled, there are amenities such as a solar-heated pool, a year-round hot tub, a spa and a yoga studio. There are also the very popular, complimentary, self-guided driving tours. Greatly discounted whale-watch tickets and island tickets assure that Ali and Tom’s hospitality extends beyond the walls of the inn to the rest of their guests’ vacations.

Liberty Hill Inn, Yarmouth Port

This inn, built in 1825, sits on the spot where the first “Liberty Pole” was erected in the days just before the American Revolution as a way to set up secret meetings around the towns.  Innkeepers John Hunt and Kris Srihadi create a fantastic vibe, making guests feel as if they are visiting old friends. Whether it’s the homemade goodies baked by Kris in the newly renovated kitchen or a tune being played by John on the piano, Liberty Hill brings engaging warmth. The Main House has a classic appeal, while the Carriage House was converted from an old barn. The winding, narrow upstairs hallway in the Carriage House and the windows put in while Beethoven was still alive mix with the flat-screen televisions and hot tubs in a delightful mash-up of times and cultures. Liberty Hill has a smartphone app as well, which proves that it is cutting-edge as well as elegant and relaxing.

A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay, Orleans

Sisters Pamela Adam and Sandra Arnold, along with Sandra’s husband, Bernd Zeller, take care of their visitors on-site and off. They go out of their way to make sure that guests have the chance to see more of Cape Cod than just what lies along the highway. They direct people to the more scenic areas of the Cape, giving an added dimension to any vacation. There are 9 rooms, most with spectacular views of either Pleasant Bay or the lush backyard garden, complete with a small pond and fountain. Breakfast is served outside if the weather allows, and the views are a perfect complement to the delicious European-style buffet. There is also a private dock on Pleasant Bay for a little further escape.  

The Old Harbor Inn, Chatham

Judy and Ray Braz have owned this ever-evolving gem since 1996. Their care and attention to detail shine through when meeting them. Originally built by Dr. Carroll Keene in the early 1930s, the house has been renovated and improved many times, and the Brazes look to make the Old Harbor Inn as close to a perfect getaway as possible. There are 12 rooms, 3 with Jacuzzi tubs, all with flat-screen TVs and refrigerators. The staff — led by the indispensable manager, Tanya Ivanova — serves more than just breakfast, baking many homemade treats that are available for guests almost anytime they desire.  

The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn, Harwich

Innkeepers Annabelle and Simon Hunton have worked hard to transform the 8-room bed-and-breakfast that they took over into a one-of-a-kind “boutique inn.” They have used their experiences in England and across Europe, as well as in the US, to create a contemporary interior design that makes their inn different from most. Where many inns have a classic feel when it comes to furnishings, Platinum Pebble has a more modern panache. In addition, it offers an outdoor pool and fireplace, access to yoga and Pilates, loaner bikes and even the option to have your breakfast served in your room.

Whalewalk Inn & Spa, Eastham

A quiet country road on the Outer Cape is the setting of this farm-turned-inn. It is one of the most secluded B&Bs on Cape Cod, yet it’s very close to many of the popular attractions. Whalewalk was a farm up until 1953; the 6 buildings and 16 lush rooms are spread out over a 3-acre compound. The breakfasts are unique and imaginative, while the spa allows guests to remain relaxed all day. Some of the rooms include fireplaces, whirlpools and even kitchenettes for those who would like to dine in. It is less than a mile walk to the beaches on Cape Cod Bay and only a 10-minute drive to the National Seashore headquarters. Innkeepers Elaine and Kevin Conlin pride themselves on maintaining an inn that is accurately restored to its original 1830 appearance and making Whalewalk an escape within an escape on the Outer Cape.

8 Dyer Hotel, Provincetown

            Beginning as a private home in the late 19th century, 8 Dyer did not become a bed-and-breakfast until 1996. Innkeepers Brandon Quesnell and Steve Katsurinis have created a perfect combination of contemporary and traditional in 1 beautiful setting. The historical exterior of the home is juxtaposed with the whirlpool tubs, flat-screen TVs, marble baths and wet bars inside the modern rooms.

            Brandon is a chef trained at the Culinary Institute of America, making breakfast here a can’t-miss affair. The choices are seasonal, so return visits are definitely encouraged. The scenic views of historic Provincetown are enhanced in the rooms with private decks on the second floor, and 8 Dyer also helps travelers arrange outside excursions, such as dune tours, and procure tickets for shows.