Hotels in Cape Cod???

[anbouk]

Any recommendations for a hotel in Plymouth or Cape Cod? We are planning a trip for a long weekend with three children. Hoping someone is from that area and can help us plan this out.

 

[jackie101]

http://www.baysideresort-hotel.com/cape_cod_packages.asp

We stayed here with the kids & it was great.

Look under
Hyannis
yarmouth
dennis
falmouth
those are all good towns

 

[clori]

We enjoyed our stay at the John Carver Inn in Plymouth. We walked to things like Plymouth Rock, Mayflower replica, Wax Museum etc and the girls loved the slide at the hotel pool. www.johncarverinn.com

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

I don't know what you are planning to spend but the Red Jacket Beach Resort or Riviera Beach Hotel are both on the high side , but they are both on the ocean and have kid themed pool areas .Also in a nice area with lots to do in the area. Worth looking into if you don't mind spending the extra money!http://www.redjacketresorts.com/riviera_beach_resort/

Happy Planning

 

[lindsmom]

I would recommend either the Cape Codder resort:


http://www.capecodderresort.com/pack_family.php

they have a great wave pool in case there's bad weather. They also have some decent package deals.

Or my sister stayed at the marriott courtyard:

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hyacy-courtyard-cape-cod-hyannis/

The location is only so - so (right next to the mall) but the room she had was nice enough, and the pool was great. Since it's in Hyannis it's very central.

The Hampton Inn just built a new hotel in Yarmouth - I'm not sure if they have finished the pool area yet but you could call to find out.

 

[3boymthr]

The question back to you and becomes what are you planning on doing while here?

Do you want to go to Plimouth Plantation, see the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock? Then you definitely don't want to go too far down the Cape and almost definitely not over the bridge. In which case there are some nice hotels right in Plymouth (though I have to admit I've never stayed in them as it's only 45 minutes from home). Getting over the bridge at peak travel times can be a traffic jam riddled experiece so this is something you want to take into consideration when planning your trip.

http://www.visit-plymouth.com/lodging.htm

There are some nice beaches north of the bridge so don't be concerned if you also want to hit the beach. Plymouth is also close to the cape cod canal bike path for a quick walk or bike ride. Plymouth is close to Sagamore Beach which is the state park at the head of the canal bike path. Admission to the state park is $7/day. You can also access the canal bike path at other locations along route 6 without paying as well as in Buzzards Bay underneath the railroad bridge. There is a location in buzzards bay right across from the parking lot where you can rent bikes, but it is also a really nice place to just take a walk.

If you want to hit the national seashore then I recommend this hotel:

http://www.covebluffs.com/

Not fancy but homey, clean, and plenty of room for the whole family. Convenient to the national beaches and about 1/2 hour from Provincetown.

If you want to go to the middle cape and hit the beaches than the previous recommendations will definitely serve you well.

 

[anbouk]

Thanks everyone for your replies!!! This is a wonderful start! We plan for a 1nite in Plymouth, so far to visit the rock, perhaps take a boat and do some whale watching. I understand there are some nice seafood restaurants. So the hotel recommendations here would be appreciated. The next day we will drive to the Cape (heard Hyannis is nice for family) and stay for two days, one of which we would like to take a ferry and go over to Marthas Vineyard. Does anyone recommend doing that? What else can we do at MV? Thanks for your help!!!

 

[ZeroToHero]

Thanks everyone for your replies!!! This is a wonderful start! We plan for a 1nite in Plymouth, so far to visit the rock, perhaps take a boat and do some whale watching. I understand there are some nice seafood restaurants. So the hotel recommendations here would be appreciated. The next day we will drive to the Cape (heard Hyannis is nice for family) and stay for two days, one of which we would like to take a ferry and go over to Marthas Vineyard. Does anyone recommend doing that? What else can we do at MV? Thanks for your help!!!

Hey, I'm going to the Cape for the first time ever this week - leaving on Thursday, coming back Monday. And yes, I've lived in Mass my whole life, but I've never gone to the Cape.

If you're going to Hyannis, you could go on the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory tour. It's free, really short, self-guided, but I think they have free samples at the end, and then there's the store, which has a whole bunch of yummy stuff, I hear. (I'm definitely going, because it sounds fun, and I love chips.)

And I have been to Martha's Vineyard, it's lovely. I don't remember much of it aside from the bugs in my room at night and feeding ducks, but I had a great time (I was about 7 or so). I'm sure the tourism website has lots of ideas of what to do!

 

[perriwinkleblue]

The Hilton Garden in at exit 5 in Plymouth may fit the bill for a one night stay. They have "room service" from the 99 restaurant which was fun to our kids. The hotel has an indoor pool and is near an indoor play area (a plus if it is rainy).

Lobster Hut is my favorite Plymouth seafood restaurant. It's just an order-at-the-counter place but we love to take our trays and sit outside to watch the boats. From Plymouth Rock, you can take a pleasant walk through Brewster Gardens Park to a nice ice cream stand at Jenney Grist Mill (c.1636).

If you make it to Sandwich on the upper Cape, Greenbriar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen on Rte. 6A and the State Fish Hatchery on 6A are great places (at the hatchery you can feed the fish which is a lot of fun for younger kids). IMO, Seafood Sam's at Town Beach is also a good fried seafood place. Sandy Neck is a beautiful local beach - but the Cape has SO many great beaches! Sandwich and Dennis are our favorite towns.

It's been awhile since we've been to the Vineyard, but I think it's a worthwhile day-trip. You can take the Steamship Authority Ferry from Hyannis or Falmouth. We prefer to go from Falmouth. The Island Queen is another Falmouth ferry to the Vineyard and parking for the Island Queen is a little less stressful. IMO, you don't need to take your car over. You can walk or take the friendly Island buses. It's pretty easy to get around. Do a search of "Martha's Vineyard with kids" - you'll get lots of great ideas.

Enjoy your trip

 

[eeyoresmom]

I'm not sure I would stay a night in Plymouth just for the rock. People had chipped at it for years and now it is very small and unimpressive. Can you maybe stop to see it and continue on ( if you're not doing the plantation or Mayflower) ? I would definately NOT MISS going further out on the cape to the National Seashore beaches. Cape Cod is entirely different depending on how far out you are. Hyannis and the rest of the first 1/3 to 1/2 are more developed ( mini golf, fast food, TRAFFIC!, etc) Lots for the kids to do besides the beach. the further out you go, the less attractions and stores etc, there are, but it is far more beautiful. I would stay where you are planning to, but drive down further and at least go to one of the National Seashore beaches.

 

[JoyG]

If you're interested in reading it, my travel blog has a 7 day trip report on my vacation to Cape Cod two summers ago. (link below)

We stayed mid-cape in Centerville (near Hyannis), we took a day trip to Martha's Vineyard, went whale watching, took a pirate cruise, went to the JFK Museum and the Mashpee Children's Museum, did Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower 2. It was an awesome vacation.

 

[lindsmom]

If you're interested in reading it, my travel blog has a 7 day trip report on my vacation to Cape Cod two summers ago. (link below)

I just checked out your blog - you've got some great info there! You got a GREAT deal on your condo @ Craigville...

I saw your list of to - do's if you get back here, and I just wanted to mention that zooquarium is definitely NOT worth it... even those of us who live here only go if we have a really good coupon, a cloud day, and NOTHING else to do. So you didn't miss anything there

 

[LeslieG]

Tell me more about the whale watching. I've been thinking of doing this for awhile now, but I'm concerned how far out you have to go to see them, like an hour trip each way.

 

[JoyG]

I just checked out your blog - you've got some great info there! You got a GREAT deal on your condo @ Craigville...

I saw your list of to - do's if you get back here, and I just wanted to mention that zooquarium is definitely NOT worth it... even those of us who live here only go if we have a really good coupon, a cloud day, and NOTHING else to do. So you didn't miss anything there

Thanks for reading it! I had almost as much fun planning that vacation as I do planning a Disney one! I'm glad I didn't miss anything with the zooquarium.

 

[flakypuff]

Hey, I'm going to the Cape for the first time ever this week - leaving on Thursday, coming back Monday. And yes, I've lived in Mass my whole life, but I've never gone to the Cape.

If you're going to Hyannis, you could go on the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory tour. It's free, really short, self-guided, but I think they have free samples at the end, and then there's the store, which has a whole bunch of yummy stuff, I hear. (I'm definitely going, because it sounds fun, and I love chips.)

And I have been to Martha's Vineyard, it's lovely. I don't remember much of it aside from the bugs in my room at night and feeding ducks, but I had a great time (I was about 7 or so). I'm sure the tourism website has lots of ideas of what to do!

The CAPE CODDER is a great place with the kids. They have a huge wave pool. At night you can toast marshmellos by the fire. There is also a Hearth and Kettle rest. right in the hotel.

The suggestion above about The Cape Cod Potato chip Factory tour is fun.
We have done it many times. (we used to have a summer home in Yarmouth)
That tour is free and yes you get free samples at the end.

The ALL SEASONS in Yarmouth is nice for a family. Huge pools inside and out.
game room and they have free ice-cream and popcorn most nights.

The Seamist Resort in Mashpee are condo styles. They also have 2 large pools. A minature golf on site (free)..tennis and a playground.

Try Craigslist. There are some good values for condos.
Also, you can purchase most tickets for 1/3-1/2 off so make sure to do
your homework first...like boat tours and childrens fun....lots of discount
books you can pick up.
10 FREE Things to do
on Cape Cod
1. Cranberries! Take a tour at Ocean Spray Cranberry World, 225 Water Street in Plymouth and taste some FREE samples. Call 508-747-2350 for more info.

2. Hit the Harbors and watch the commercial fishermen unload their catch at the end of the day.

3. Wonderful Windmills. Go out and see one of our windmills.

4. Go for a walk on a boardwalk.

5. Go for a drive along Route 6A and see the quaintness of Cape Cod. There are many terrific shops along the way...

6. Good Tidings. Discover what natural wonders live in our tidal pools.

7. Hit the Trails. The short, self-guided nature walks at the Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham or Wellfleet are well marked for a relaxed, scenic walk.

8. Go on a Picnic! The Cape has many beautiful places to bring your sandwich and blanket. Find a secluded area at a park or beach, spread out and enjoy.

9. Climb Scargo Tower in Dennis. Don't forget your camera; the view is breathtaking!

10. Discover our lighthouses. These lovely landmarks have fascinating histories and are perfect subjects for photographs.



here are a few discounts

http://www.capecoddiscounts.com/PrintCoupon.asp?id=1051
http://www.capecoddiscounts.com/PrintCoupon.asp?id=1021
http://www.capecoddiscounts.com/PrintCoupon.asp?id=1089

http://www.capecoddiscounts.com/PrintCoupon.asp?id=1069

 

[anbouk]

Awesome! Cannot believe the number of replies I am getting. I would personally like to thank each and everyone here! This is a whole lot of info to absorb. Sounds like a nite is probably not worth spending in Plymouth and just do a drive thru the Cape and stay there for the duration of our vacation. JoyG...off to read your blog!

 

[3kidsfordis]

Have you given any thought as to when you will be traveling? It is best not to go on a Saturday morning through late afternoon. The traffic is horrendous as most weekly cottage rentals change over on Saturday afternoons. I am most familiar with the Dennis/Yarmouth areas in the mid-cape. I generally rent cottages and haven't found a hotel I really like. The American Host and Town and Country were two places I've stayed. both are very cheap and you get what you pay for. The Riviera and Red Jacket are both pricy but right on the water. They also have loads of kids activities in the summer.

My favorite beach is Mayflower beach in East Dennis. A very pretty beach with soft sand. At low tide there are loads of tidal pools to play in-great for little kids. The area of Dennis/Yarmouth on th Nantucket Sound side (Route 28 side/side closet to Vineyard) has warm water and calm beaches. However beaches can be full of seaweed-especially West Dennis beach. In the evening, West Dennis beach is a nice place to go with a picnic supper and some kites as you can park right at the beach wall-so no hassle lugging your stuff. Beach fees were about $10.00 a day but check an see what time they stop charging if you are going in the evening. (I think parking is free after 5).

I went whale watching for the first time last year out of Barnstable Harbor. (this is in Hyannis on the Route 6A side of the cape.) It was a high speed boat that flew. It was one of the most enjoyable times we ever had. I could not believe how close we got to the whales and how many we saw. It was truly magnificent and I highly recommend it! Look for coupons in magazines at every store/restaurant/ or tourist info place.

There is lots of great seafood everywhere! On route 28 in Yarmouth, we like Salty's. It is low key with a fenced in patio area with picnic tables you can eat at. Great for kids. For a quick lunch we go to the Dog House on Lower County Rd in Dennisport. Outdoor picnic table seating and hot dogs/burgers/onion ring type of food. For pizza, we like BZ's in Dennisport Center-they have Wi-Fi here!

Have a great time!!!

 

[perriwinkleblue]

Having spent many happy childhood summers on the beach in Plymouth, I have to say that I think it's worthy of a night's stay. In addition to Plymouth Rock (which really does have an amusing "colorful" past) there is Plimoth Plantation and The Mayflower II. Maybe a snooze for some kids, there are also some great historic sites like Burial Hill, 1677 Harlow Old Fort House, the 1649 Courthouse and the 1647 Spooner House. Plus, a Stellwagen Bank whale watch from Plymouth is a great way to spend the day. Plymouth also offers more touristy - but fun- lantern tours and "pirate" cruises.

Anyway, just had to put in a good word for "America's Hometown". Regardless of where you stay, have a great trip.

 

[jessily]

I lived on the Cape until I was 7 and we've been back most years for vacation. It's a great place! We were there a few weeks ago, and unfortunately got rain most days. We love to visit Provincetown, the National Seashore, and bike on the rail trails. Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville (near Hyannis) is a can't miss for us.

The Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory can be fun, but it's a very short visit. It's a walk through, self-guided tour down a short hallway. You can see some of the machinery at work and read about the process on the walls. I wouldn't go out of my way to get there, but it's a fun trip if you are in the area.

The best thing we did this year was a Seal Watching Excursion. We used to go with this company: http://www.outermostharbor.com/. They no longer do seal watching apparently, but if you call they are able to give you the number of a man who takes people out on his boat (sorry I don't have the info). It was a wonderful trip and we saw literally hundreds of seals.

Have a great trip!

 

[3boymthr]

Just wanted to post a couple of quick comments about Martha's Vineyard. You mentioned that you were thinking about going out there for the day.

We like to take the ferry from Wood's Hole in Falmouth - it's just easier parking wise.

The ferries dock in either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. There are cute shops and places to eat in both places but they probably won't keep you occupied for a full day. One thing to keep in mind - you probably won't be able to take your car. Taking your car requires an advance reservation and they usually book up months in advance. You can take bikes but again that sometimes requires advance reservations. You can rent cars and bikes on Martha's Vineyard but I would make reservations ahead of time if you want to rent a car. Bear in mind that you should definitely budget for one of these expenses if you want to see more than one town on the island. The towns are more than walking distance apart.

One weird but popular stop on Martha's Vineyard is the graveyard - many people like to visit John Belushi's grave and leave little tokens .

Last time I was out there that like the MK, Vineyard Haven is dry (no alcohol).

Another can't miss tourist spot on the island is the black dog restaurant. T-shirts from this restaurant are a popular souvenir.

One last piece of advice. Make sure to keep that ferry schedule handy. You don't want to miss the last ferry home .