Stay in Gloucester or Rockport???
 

On our trip to Boston in mid June we will be heading to Cape Anne to visit surrounding towns, spend the night, tour a little more and head back to Somerville on Thursday late afternoon. I have checked out hotels in both Gloucester and Rockport and wondered if anyone had some additional input. I looked at: Eagle House, Wingaersheek, Cape Ann Marina Resort, Captain's Bounty, Vista Motel, and Manor Inn. I would really appreciate anyone's comments from stays at these places as I need to book preety quick here.

Thanks!

Having lived in Rockport, I would stay there. I love both places, but Rockport is smaller, quainter and lots to do on foot. Stay in town. I like the Captain's Bounty Motor Inn-mostly for the location (it's not fancy) -right on the beach, overlooking the Atlantic. I also like Peg Leg Inn (across from the beach)-which may be my 1st choice. You can walk to restaurants, shops, galleries, etc. You can always drive around the entire Cape or just over to Gloucester (great bakeries for Italian bread and pizza). ;;)

Rockport - I can't immediately place any of the hotels you mention in Gloucester. Am laughing, though, at Cape Ann Marina Resort, because if it is really near Cape Ann Marina, it could hardly be called a resort.

Disclaimer - I have never see inside of any of these hotels.

Am very familiar with Rockport and Gloucester - have multiple friends that live there and husband scuba dives in both towns.

Just checked websites of places you mention - based on location and photos, I would go for Eagle House of Captains Bounty.

jbass - Thank you for your input. I will check into the Peg Leg, it sound interesting!
gail - So far, Rockport has my vote. Looked at Bearskin Neck Motor Lodge and Emerson Inn (which is a little more than we want to pay but looks adorable)

I live in Rockport and the Ralph Waldo Emerson is very nice. The Yankee Clipper is also beautiful but neither is an easy stroll into town. If you want to be right in town I recommend The Inn on Cove Hill. It sits adjacent to the harbor in a spectacular 18th century Federal Style building lovingly restored by the proprietress, and my neighbor, Betsy. It's local lore that the structure was built in 1799 by Caleb Norwood with Pirate's gold that he found hidden at Gully Point. The rooms are lovely and one has an especially pretty view of the harbor.
Good luck with whatever you choose and if I can help just ask. Rockport is my favorite town!

Here is a link: http://www.innoncovehill.com/

marcia marcia marcia - WOW! It is lovely! I am going to confer with the DH and my SIL and then contact Betsy.
Thank you!

Is Rockport still a "dry" town? Years ago, working as a camp counselor, we got the day off in Rockport. Couldn't find a drink to save our souls!

Rockport is no longer dry

If you want to be walking distance the "stuff", consider staying in Salem. Lots to do there and and easy drive to Gloucester and Rockport.

Thrilled that I could help, galestorm! The Inn on Cove Hill would make an excellent base for your explorations. Downtown is charming and you are a 2 minute stroll from my favorite place, called The Headlands. It's a rocky point that looks over the most beautiful harbor I've ever seen. Great spot for a picnic. It's at its most beautiful at sunrise and sunset. You are a 5 minute drive to Long Beach and 6-7 minute drive to beautiful Good Harbor Beach, IMO, New England's most beautiful. You can get a cocktail in Rockport now, but only with a meal. Rockport is great for breakfast and lunch but we prefer to take the 10 minute drive to Gloucester for dinner because I think their restaurants are better. Off season (or if it is raining) our favorite place for dinner is The Franklin on Main St. in Gloucester. In good weather Rocky Neck, a little artist's colony on a spit of land in Gloucester Harbor has our favorite dinner spots. The Rudder is good as is Madfish Grille. The Studio Restaurant has a beautiful collection of Emile Gruppe paintings. His son still paints and has a gallary on the neck and he isn't half bad himself. If you eat at the Studio, keep it simple...chowder, bisque, burgers...you get the picture. They have entertainment at night as does Madfish.

Geeze, I should get a job with the tourist board! Any other questions, just ask. You'll have a ball!