Fodor's Expert Review A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay

Name: A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay
Address: 654 S. Orleans Rd.,, South Orleans, Massachusetts, 02662, USA
Telephone: 888-332–3351;508-255–0780
Price range: $$$

654 S. Orleans Rd.,, South Orleans, Massachusetts 02662, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

Kim MacKinnon

This gorgeously decorated inn occupies a 1798 building on a bluff beside a cranberry bog, and many of the rooms look clear out to the bay for which it's named (others face the lush gardens). There's even a small private beach with its own dock. Run by sisters Sandra Zeller and Pamela Adam and Sandra's husband, Bernd Zeller—all of whom have extensive corporate and hospitality backgrounds—the main house has four guest rooms, and two nearby buildings contain another five.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The inn is closed from early October and reopens on Memorial Day weekend.

room

All of the nine bedrooms are named after the boats that you will see sailing on the waters around Cape Cod. Beds have plush comforters and cozy chairs, perfect for reading. Each one is tastefully decorated and has a private bathroom.

YOU SHOULD KNOW No children under age 10 allowed.

Photo: Beetlecat

Photo: Wianno

Photo: Knockabout

bathroom

All rooms have private spa bathrooms with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and luxurious towels.

lobby

A gorgeous, light-filled lounge with plenty of seating and a fireplace is an inviting place to spend time. A second lounge is equally cozy and comfortable.

The inn provides beach chairs and towels to borrow.

Photo: Breakfast treats

dining

The included breakfast buffet includes a delightful variety of fresh fruits, baked goods, smoked fish, cold cuts, fine cheeses, yogurts, cereals and other treats.

Photo: Breakfast treats

Photo: Dining room and breakfast

drinking

At 5 pm, guests are treated to sherry.

Photo: Dining room and breakfast

LOCATION

Getting Around

You’ll need a car to access most of the Cape, but there are two bike rental shops in nearby Chatham, where you can rent bikes to explore the nearby Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Restaurants

ABBA (10-minute drive) offers a creative Mediterranean menu, while the Nauset Beach Club (9-minute drive) specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. Sir Crickets Fish & Chips (9-minute drive) is a popular place for this classic Cape Cod specialty.

Bars

The cozy Chatham Wine Bar at the Chatham Inn on 359 (11-minute drive) offers 32 wines by the glass, while the bar at the Impudent Oyster (10-minute drive) is a great place to enjoy a drink and raw bar offerings.

WHY WE LIKE IT

A Little Inn truly offers a beautiful retreat from the world (no TVs!), with gorgeous grounds, a private beach, luxurious and bright rooms. The innkeepers go out of their way to be helpful (but never intrusive) and guests feel welcomed like old friends. With its own dock and sandy/pebbly beach, you don’t have to go anywhere to enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing and sailing.