Recommendation on ocean front inns or hotels

I am planning a family trip for 6 (parents, two kids, grandparents) and would like to stay at a nice (but not extravagant) oceanfront inn or hotel. Any recommendations?

Also is any part of the cape better for swimming than others?

Recommendation on ocean front inns or hotels

It seems like a simple question but it requires an oddly elaborate answer. Its best if you’re looking at a map of the Cape as you read my response.

Everything on the Western side of Cape Cod is, obviously, Cape Cod Bay. Generally speaking this is a warmer, gentler area for swimming. If you want a Bay view this is a pretty easy request and you’ve got lots to choose from.

The Eastern side of Cape Cod is made up of two bodies of water. Towards the southern end you have the Sound that is created by the Islands – I’d compare this area to the Bay in that it tends to be warm (even very late in the season) and protected. This is the area that tends to be most commercial and built up – if you want to stay at a big hotel with a green lawn and a big pool and a nearby shopping mall this is the area you want to be looking in. There tend to be lots of bargains in this area but the trade off is you’ve got lots of neighbors.

To the Northern, or Outermost, area of the Cape you’ve got the open Atlantic Ocean – these are the big tall dunes and crashing waves most people think of when they think Cape Cod. But this area along the Atlantic is mostly all protected National Seashore so the few B%26amp;B’s and Hotels that are out there tend to be rather expensive. And the open Atlantic is very cold – I’ll swim in it but only on a very warm day when I’m feeling especially brave. If you want to experience this area I’d plan on booking a Bay View (only a mile from the Ocean out there) and then drive to the Atlantic beaches. There are also lots of fresh water ponds out in this area that are good for swimming too.

I’ve probably over simplified the set up – but I hope that it gives you a little something to work with.

If you want to split the difference I%26#39;d go for Chatham or Orleans as that puts you in an area when you can easily experiance all the sorts of water the Cape has to offer.

Recommendation on ocean front inns or hotels

I think you%26#39;d get a lot more advice that you could use if you would specify the vacation DATES and your BUDGET either per person or per room and if that is for two or three rooms.

Yesterday I saw a family stateroom on a cruise ship called Rhapsody of the Seas that could sleep 8 but it sure would be cramped once you all got out of bed. So, what are you looking for?

Also, when you look at the map of the Cape you%26#39;ll see that the northside villages like Sandwich, Barnstable, Brewster and on up are all on the bay side. Villages like Falmouth, Hyannis, Dennisport etc are on Nantucket Sound. When you see the Atlantic Ocean out by Eastham for instance that is where you will find the big surf and fridge water . While the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches are indeed beautiful I%26#39;m not sure your kids, if they are little , would enjoy that as well as all other options.

Many folks like the beach village of Dennisport (where we have our summer home) due to the lovely beaches lining warm Nantucket Sound and the fact that there are several motels right on the beach. The tidal flats at beaches in Dennis are a treat for kids when the tide is out too. One beach pass gives you access to all the parking at Dennis beaches including lake beaches like Princess Beach at Scargo Lake. Since you suggest that you have a budget see if these accommodations work for you and if you need something less then I would suggest a three-bedroom summer house which could be within a half mile to a mile from the beach for comfort and convenience.

But for beachside check out places like www.colonybeachmotel.com. This is also near some upscale, casual and very casual restaurants right nearby as well as the famous Sundae School homemade ice cream shop that is well-loved by all ages.