Fodor's Expert Review Belfry Inne & Bistro

Name: Belfry Inne & Bistro
Address: 6 Jarves St., Sandwich, Massachusetts, 02563, USA
Telephone: 800-844–4542;508-888–8550
Price range: $

6 Jarves St., Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

This one-of-a-kind inn is comprised of a 1901 former church, called the Abbey; an ornate wood-frame 1882 Victorian, called the Painted Lady (a term for ornate Victorian era homes painted in many colors); and an 1827 Federal-style house, called the Village House. With its great location, on-site restaurant and bar and great service, it’s a lovely place to stay in Sandwich.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The Village House rooms, while quite comfortable, are less interesting than the other options.

room

The décor is a nod to the buildings' respective histories: the Painted Lady's 9 charmingly appointed guest rooms, for example, are named after former inhabitants. Some have gas fire places and whirlpool tubs in the bedroom or the bathroom. The six luxurious rooms in the Abbey, named for the six days of the creation, have king-size beds and balconies. Some have gas fireplaces. The three rooms in the Village House have a floral theme and Cape Cod décor.

If it's available, splurge on the Tuesday room: the incredible stained-glass \"compass\" window will take your breath away.

bathroom

Bathrooms in the Abbey all have two-person whirlpool tubs. In the Painted Lady, some bathrooms have whirlpool tubs or jacuzzi. At the Village House, bathrooms have showers.

lobby

There is a common area on the second floor of the Abbey, with couches, chairs, books, coffee and a computer for guests to use.

dining

The Bistro serves dazzling, globally inspired dishes in a striking setting, the main part of the church. Live music and creative fare makes for a lovely dinner. The Next Door Burger Bar serves up a variety of gourmet burgers. For guests of the inn, breakfast is included and served in the Bistro.

drinking

A great wine and cocktail selection and tapas are available on the first floor of the Painted Lady; look for regularly scheduled wine flights and tastings.

LOCATION

Getting Around

You could easily park and enjoy Sandwich’s restaurants, galleries, shop and beach on foot, though you’ll need a car to explore other Cape attractions.

Restaurants

For something different, the Dunbar House Restaurant & Tea Room (6-minute walk), which overlooks Shawme Pond, serves lunch and a traditional afternoon tea service. On Friday and Saturday nights, tapas and dinner are served in its wine bar and English tavern. For a romantic dinner, the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa (2-minute walk) has an excellent restaurant with American fare, while its casual Tavern at the Inn, an authentic replica of the 200-year-old tap room where Daniel Webster made regular visits serves soups, sandwiches and lighter fare.

Bars

Horizon’s on the Bay (5-minute drive), right on Town Neck Beach, is a great place to enjoy a drink and watch the sun set. Another spot to enjoy the views is the Pilot House Restaurant and Lounge (20-minute walk) which is located at the Sandwich Marina on the Cape Cod Canal and has lovely water views.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The unique rooms, especially in the Abbey, are beautiful and different---and most importantly, comfortable---and the inn’s restaurant and wine bar are quite appealing. Service is top notch and the location is perfect for exploring Sandwich on foot or by bike.