October 2007 weekend--perfect!

Posted by Travlling from New York on 11/8/07

CBI is on the water and you are going to smell salt air, in and out of the hotel. (Souvenir shops sell bottles of "Cape Cod Air" in the village.) I stayed with my spouse and kids in a Master Suite--room 36, with 270-degree views. Two flat-screen TVS. Two small terraces on the water. Beautiful. On the third floor of the main hotel, northern wing. Only weird thing was the lack of a minibar and strange espresso-maker I couldn't figure out. Had to run down to the lounge for (compliementary) coffee. The hotel was busy even though it was October, (thanks to global warming?) with one conference but mostly weddings. I was happy we made dinner reservations in advance of our trip--staff members were directing guests without reservations to the Squire restaurant in town. CBI didn't even have room in the Tavern! In October! We had a car and drove in to Chatham for a trip to Candy Manor (best candy on the Cape!), the bookstore, and then for a drive to Nauset Beach in Orleans. Maybe if it were summer, or didn't have kids, we would walk. If you're shelling out for CBI, bring or rent a car. CBI's actual beach is not spectacular--although the view is. Main dining room breakfast is great, Tavern dinner good, especially the low-carb entree and the spa-sized desserts. Service was good-natured in accomodating the reality of travelling with 3 children. Very kid-friendly for such a beautiful old hotel.

Expensive and over rated at best

Posted by mscsoccermom from New England on 8/6/07

I stayed there for 9 days in one of the best suites and let me tell you I was disappointed. While the service for me was good, the rest of my group was not given the same treatment as they were in "lesser" rooms. The front desk did not know that we were all together - so the treatment should have been the same. There were rooms around the corner from me that were worse than dorm rooms - and in late fall in the rain - the heaters did not work. Very expensive and they do not come through with what they offer in the package. They offered our group an item from their production company and 2 years later they do not have it completed and will not respond. I guess it was a way to get us to sign on the dotted line with no way to get it now.. They were also bought out(I was told my a worker there) and will not do group packages any longer, although- I guess they feel they can sustain themselves with true tourists and no company business - good luck - I hear they are already rethinking this move. You would think if you spend hundreds of thousands at their place they would call you back when you were looking at space but after numerous calls, they never returned a phone call or e-mail which helped them lose our business. Customer Service has a whole different meaning I guess. The rooms, for the price, should not smell as much of the water or beach. My room overlooked a roof that had pools of water on them (good thing I did not want to go out on one of the patios - it must have been nasty) I expect that at the lower end hotels at the Cape - but we were told we were at one of the best places at the Cape.... I read 1700 for a meal from one post - no way would I pay that - it is not worth it...they are good but not that good in my personal opinion. For a New England feel try Cranwell Resport in Lenox, MA - what a nice time and great food - their chef is wonderful... Good Luck if you book there.

Very disappointed

Posted by Christina from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on 8/10/06

We just returned from a 7 night stay in an ocean view cottage at CBI. We had the the first floor room in Cape Rose cottage and let me tell you there was no ocean view. The room had no balcony but a grassy outdoor area that was too wet to sit in. Even though the bathroom was large it had a pedestal sink and a small glass shelf so there really was no room for toiletries and other things you need for a 7 night stay. Cape Rose cottage is right next to the laundry area so we constantly had big CBI trucks loading and unloading linens at all hours of the day and night (yes, even at 2a.m., 4a.m., etc. all throughout the night) right outside our window. So, at $540 per night with a 7 night minimum in August we were very disappointed with our "ocean view cottage room". The food at the resort is mediocre at best and very expensive. The beach is not an ocean beach but a bay beach and not really very interesting. The sand bar across the bay is a real ocean beach but you have to take a boat to get there (CBI does provide the boat ride for a price, of course) but beware it is very much like a deserted island with no restrooms so if you have kids that could be an issue. I will say we did like the children's programs offered by CBI which are offered at no extra charge for hotel guests. The facility was nice and the staff really entertained the kids so that was a nice feature of the hotel. Chatham is probably the nicest town on the Cape so I think CBI feels they can charge an arm and a leg just to be there but really after a couple of days you've seen it all and it can be quite boring. Just know before you book a room here to ask exactly where it it located on the property and be specific about what you want.

almost hate to tell the truth

Posted by s from DC on 6/8/06

I love the place. Relaxing and beautiful. I almost hate to tell the truth about it because I want it available when I can take some time off. It will appeal to those that want relaxation, quiet calm, and beauty on vacation. A hot, trendy,and exciting spot it is not.

FABULOUS!!!! (ignore ALL bad reviews)

Posted by Mike from Boston on 3/10/06

CBI IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!! Please disregard any negative comments made about the hotel. Chances are, all of those people who complain are all the stuck up, rich, Yankee loving people from New York who come north every summer and try to take over Cape Cod. (They just don't realize that the world does not revolve around them, and that it never will.) In reality, CBI, and the entire town of Chatham for that matter, is the IDEAL summer vacation destination. Great for people of all ages. CBI has great service, great food, great amenities, and a SPECTACULAR view of the harbor. Sure, may be a little pricey, but if you're looking for the vacation of a lifetime for you and your spouse and/or family, BOOK TODAY!! YOU WONT REGRET IT!! ;-)