We are going to spend 3 days in Cape Cod during our New England trip this summer. From my readings it appears that Chatham is a lovely town that we would enjoy--charm, nice beaches, good restuarants and shopping. I am looking for a nice place to stay that is suitable for young children under $300 a night. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really don't want to stay in a motelsque kind of place. I would love a kind of resort, but something charming too. Thanks for the advice.

Yours is a difficult quest. Chatham is a town that can provide everything you desire but you have a lot of restrictions.

The Hawthorne comes the closest to your requirements. It has a private beach, a 5 minute walk to Chatham Center for shopping, dining etc. and it's 2003 rates were in your range but they won't take children under eight.

The Chatham Bars Inn is a resort with everything, private beach, walk to Chatham, accepts any-age children but you won't find much here if anything under $300 in Summer. Ditto for Wequassett Inn which is another fine Resort with private beach but you will have to drive to Chatham Center.

This only leaves Chatham Wayside Inn. It's right on Main Street in Chatham Center but I don't know their policy on children or their rates. Staying here you would need to drive to a Chatham Beach with parking or walk to the Shuttle bus to Chatham Light Beach.

Good Luck

Thanks Gene. I appreciate your help. I know I have tall order to fill. I checked the Wayside and they did havea room that met our needs and price range, but they said they could not accommodate my family (saying something about stairs too steep for kids). I found an option that looks like a good possibility. It's a room at the Pleasant Bay Village. Do you know anything about it? Thanks again for your help.

We stayed last summer with our 11 month old child at the Sandpiper Beach Inn in Harwichport, just down the road from Chatham. It was right on the beautiful beach, and the room we had was a suite with an adjoining side room that was great for the baby (and for us). Included breakfast, and really ideal in every respect.

Stayed at the Chatham Bars Inn last June. Thought it was nice (with lots of charm) but WAY overpriced.

Ken

You certainly won't go wrong staying at Pleasant Bay Village. Their location and setting facing Pleasant Bay is outstanding.

It's only a 10 minute very, scenic drive down route 28 to Chatham Village
and about the same time up route 28 to to the town of Orleans with more beaches, attractions and restaurants.

FYI A friend of mine stayed at Pleasant Bay with her 2 small children a couple of years back and she raved about it. I hope that you have a wonderful time.