Featured Stories & Articles from Cape Cod Travel Magazine: Waterfront & Wallet Friendly

Oceanside accommodations: perfect for the family and easy on the wallet

 

Falling asleep to the sounds of the surf and awaking to the sweet smell of salt air is a luxurious experience on Cape Cod, but the thought of staying seaside with a family can be worrisome to the wallet, so what’s a family to do? Cape-wide there are hidden gems right along the coast that have big water views, but not necessarily the expected big price tags. If you’re looking for an affordable and family-friendly waterfront property, check out these great destinations.

 

Upper Cape

Located on five lush acres overlooking a sparkling bay, Cape Wind Waterfront Resort in Falmouth is a unique seaside destination, with stellar views and comfortable accommodations offering refrigerators, wi-fi and cable TV, and a friendly staff on hand, ready to serve. Kids will love it here; playing horseshoes and badminton or walking down to the dock to enjoy free-of-charge paddle-boats. Close to Falmouth Village and its shopping, restaurants, beaches and ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Wind offers all the convenience expected at a resort, including babysitting to allow mom and dad a night out.  

Mid-Cape
Anchor In Distinctive Waterfront Lodging, located in the center of Hyannis, but tucked away from busy Main Street, is widely recognized for its warm customer service and spotless accommodations. This affordable year-round destination is within walking distance of public beaches, island ferries, Main Street shopping, and the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. Also right on the harbor is the Hyannis Harbor Hotel, with spectacular views of the busy working harbor and guestrooms and suites with a crisp, modern feel. The on-site restaurant, The Salty Cod, offers harbor-view dining with an affordably priced menu packed with classic Cape Cod cuisine. Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, along with an evening fire-pit on the patio, provide a great way to wind-down from a tough day at the beach.

In Yarmouth and Dennis, the reasonably priced waterfront options continue. The Beach House at Bass River offers an intimate hotel setting with just 26 rooms, all featuring a patio or balcony with views of the ocean, and a private beach open only to hotel guests. Complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily and ‘planning discounts’ are available by booking a season ahead.

Part of the Red Jacket family of resorts is the Best Western Blue Water on the Ocean in South Yarmouth. This property, with its own private beach, is so family-friendly that they even welcome pets, not to mention their great “Kids Klub,” available during the summer months. With indoor and outdoor heated pools and a variety of accommodations, this hotel is well suited for a variety of needs. The resort serves breakfast daily, and has a poolside grill open during the summer months.

If you’re looking for a historic location with a taste of times gone by, look no further than the Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis. Adjacent to one of the town’s most popular beaches, along with the inn’s own private sandy spot, the Lighthouse Inn is a true Cape Cod tradition. Tennis courts, mini golf, heated swimming pool, a playground and the “InnKids” summer program are just a few of the amenities. Accommodations include cottages with fireplaces, guest rooms and individual suites. The Lighthouse Inn offers a full sit-down breakfast, lunch and dinner in a vintage knotty pine dining room with panoramic ocean views. The main house is still a working lighthouse and inquisitive guests can take a tour all the way up to the lamp!  

In Dennisport, sharing the same spectacular views of Nantucket Sound are two beachfront properties, the Three Seasons Resort and the Corsair & Cross Rip Oceanfront Motel. These two family-friendly options both offer private, sandy beaches right out their front doors. The Three Seasons features waterview rooms and an outdoor heated pool and goes the extra mile for its guests with beach umbrellas and chairs. The Corsair & Cross Rip are family owned and comprised of four buildings on three acres right on the beach. The comfortable rooms with updated bathrooms, many with whirlpools, offer kitchenettes or stand alone fridges, along with duvet covers and memory-foam mattresses. For larger families, guesthouses with multiple rooms are just steps away from the beach. In addition to the two outdoor beachfront pools, the Corsair & Cross Rip offers a recreation center with an indoor pool, full game room and a stocked toddlers’ area to keep everyone entertained, even on the occasional rainy day. Complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily.

Lower Cape
If the charm of Chatham is more your speed, there are two stunning properties to consider. The Chatham Tides Waterfront Motel is a long-time family owned property, with an off-the-beaten-track feel, just 5 miles from the center of Chatham. It offers private beachfront access and vast views of Nantucket Sound from motel rooms, suites and townhouses perched on a picturesque hillside. Within walking distance to the center of town, is The Hawthorne. This meticulously landscaped property, also with a private beach, offers magnificent views of Chatham Harbor from most of its motel rooms as well as a two-bedroom cottage, situated 50 feet from the water. This classic Cape Cod property offers a ten-percent discount for stays of seven nights and longer.

Outer Cape
Although quite popular, the Outer Cape still manages to seem rather secluded offering a more natural Cape Cod experience, with sandy dune-lined roads and private oceanfront properties situated along the shores of Cape Cod National Seashore. Just a short trip from picturesque Provincetown are four waterfront treasures, all located in North Truro. Each provides lovely accommodations and breathtaking views, and each has their own individual style. Outer Reach Resort sits high on a bluff with impressive views. It is a pet friendly destination with the seasonal Adrian’s Restaurant serving breakfast and dinner daily. Sitting right on its own private beach, Kalmar Village offers individual cottages and motel rooms, many with the classic knotty pine look, surrounded by lush lawns. Top Mast Resort offers various styles of beach or pool front accommodations, and features the new Beach Point Health and Swim Club equipped with an indoor salt water pool, hot tub, kids’ pool, steam room, sauna, and much more. Over at Sandbars on Cape Cod Bay you’ll find a small hideaway featuring spacious, beautiful guestrooms, many with sliding glass doors that open directly onto the beach, providing a front row seat for memorable sunsets.

If the classic “location, location, location” mantra is a prime consideration when you’re planning a get-away for the family, consider any of these resorts and hotels when it’s time to make a reservation. They not only offer all the water views you’re looking for, they provide a relaxed family-centric atmosphere without exorbitant prices, especially in the fantastic shoulder seasons.