Meet Cape Cod’s Only Relais & Chateaux

Chatham Inn Relais & Chateaux is an adults-only, 18-room boutique hotel in Chatham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. And while the luxury property is a designated Relais & Chateaux, the inn is understated and unpretentious, like the Cape itself.

Jeff Ippoliti and his wife Kayla have owned the inn for nine years, after scouting for the perfect property. “My wife and I share a passion for travel, and we love Relais & Chateaux properties,” says Ippoliti. “When we travel, we always select a Relais & Chateaux first. Although each property we visited was physically unique, all shared the same sense of warmth, hospitality, and exceptional cuisine. We eventually decided that we wanted to be part of this wonderful association, and started our search for a property of our own in 2013.”

Ippoliti grew up in upstate New York, and each summer his family took a week-long vacation on Cape Cod. “I had always loved the Cape, and Kayla felt the same way when I brought her there the first time,” says Ippoliti. “When the (former) Cranberry Inn became available on Main Street in Chatham, we knew immediately that it was the right place for us,” he says. “At that time it was a very basic bed and breakfast, and would need substantial renovations—essentially a complete rebuild. But it had great ‘bones’ and incredible history.”

The inn was built in 1830, and was the oldest inn on Cape Cod, said Ippolti. It had many things going for it—ideally located on Main Street in Chatham, within walking distance to both the middle of town and the beach, and an existing liquor license, he says. “We knew it would take a substantial investment of money and time, but we acquired the property in 2015, absolutely committed to the idea to bring this historic inn back, and become part of Relais & Chateaux.”

The remodel and rebranding took four years, which included rebuilding everything and opening a fine dining restaurant and wine bar. “The challenge was to bring the inn to modern luxury standards, says Ippolti, “without losing the character and charm of a nearly 200-year-old building.” The design aspects—with lots of white and coastal colors—were helmed by Kayla Ippoliti, and featured in following the renovation. Some of the guest rooms have balconies, wood-plank floors, vaulted ceilings, and some also have wood-burning fireplaces. There are onyx Signature Spa bathrooms with rain showers and spa jets, too.

“After four years of work, we finally realized our dream, and Chatham Inn was invited to become part of Relais and Chateaux in 2019,” says Ippoliti. “A year later, we were awarded the Forbes Five Star designation.”

Ippolti credits the staff at the inn for garnering its Relais & Chateaux designation. “We have such an incredible team at Chatham Inn, some of the most talented, kindest, and compassionate individuals in the world,” says Ippoliti. “Our team is here because they love hospitality, and love creating special moments and lifetime memories for our guests.”

Daytripper experience: the inn has a partnership with Volvo as part of a Volvo Test Drive Program—a Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription is available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis for up to three hours for day or evening excursions.

The inn also curates a rotating showcase of artwork by local artists.

The Piece de Resistance
While the inn attracts overnight guests, it is also home to Cuvée, one of the Cape’s most popular fine-dining restaurants. Helmed by Executive Chef Isaac Olivo, the Chef has had a stellar career, including time in the kitchen at some of the world’s most celebrated three-star Michelin restaurants. His menu is a modern interpretation of New England coastal cuisine, sourced daily from local fishermen, farmers, and producers. The menu changes daily and offers four-course, pre-fixed, and seven-course Chef’s tasting menu options, as well as an exclusive 12-course Chef’s Table Experience.

Also, room rates include a gourmet breakfast (including an amuse-bouche) at Cuvée.

Noble House Hotels & Resorts
Earlier this year, Noble House Hotels & Resorts acquired ownership of the inn. Noble House Hotels & Resorts is a collection of 25 luxury/upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across the country.

“Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux is a unique property and luxury boutique asset located in a world-class, premiere destination which is a strategic market for Noble House in the Northeast,” says Andrew Ladd, Vice President of Marketing at Noble House Hotels & Resorts. “The one-of-a-kind historic property is known for being a prestigious hotel in a limited market with high barriers to entry, and appeals to our target demographic of Noble House customers.”

The property also scored points with its “excellent reputation for service that is highly-rated and awarded with its Relais and Châteaux affiliation as well as Forbes Five Star status,” says Ladd.

Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux is the first Relais & Chateaux in the Noble House portfolio and is Noble House’s first property in New England. It also marks a return to the Northeast for the brand.

As for changes at the inn, Ladd says the company is weighing the options including adding guestrooms.

“The partnership with the Noble House Hotels & Resorts is the natural and ideal next step in the journey of Chatham Inn,” says Ippoliti. “By partnering with such a prestigious and well-run 50-year-old family business, we have access to infrastructure, people, and other assets that would not be possible for us as a single, stand-alone property. It is the best possible scenario for our guests, our property, and our team.”