Cape Cod Hotels

Cape Cod Hotel Reviews

Dozens of heritage buildings now welcome overnight guests, so you can bed down in a former sea captain's home or a converted church. Scores of rental homes and condominiums are available for long-term stays. Several large resorts encompass numerous amenities—swimming, golf, restaurants, children's programs—all on one property, but often lack the intimate charm and serenity of the smaller establishments. Large chain hotels exist in very small numbers in the region; the vast majority of lodging properties are locally owned. You'll want to make reservations for inns well in advance during peak summer periods. Smoking is prohibited in all Massachusetts hotels. For more information on the state-park camping areas on Cape Cod, contact the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (617/626-1250 www.mass.gov/dcr/forparks.htm).

Condo and House Rentals

Many travelers to the Cape and the islands rent a house if they're going to stay for a week or longer rather than stay at a B&B or hotel. These can save you money; however, some rentals are luxury properties, economical only when your party is large. Many local real-estate agencies deal with rentals, and most specialize in a specific area. Be sure to book a property well in advance of your trip: prime properties are often rented out to the same people year after year. Rental choices are often more abundant in the smaller, quieter towns, such as Yarmouth, Chatham, Wellfleet, and Truro, or Up-Island on Martha's Vineyard. One-bedroom rentals on the Cape range from $500 to $1,000 per week, depending mainly on the proximity to water and views. Expect rentals on both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to be significantly higher than those on the Cape, simply because there are fewer options.