Centerville Corners Motor Lodge
$$-$$$ • 1338 Craigville Beach Rd., Centerville• (508) 775-7223, (800)242-1137• www.centervillecorners.com

A short walk from the delightful warm water of popular Craigville Beach on Nantucket Sound, Centerville Corners Motor Lodge is ideally located in the lovely, whaling Captain's Village of Centerville. From here you are within minutes of the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport, the ferryboats to the islands, elegant restaurants, and the Main Street historic district of Hyannis. Kayakers will delight in paddling the nearby Centerville River. Bring your bikes; from the motel you can peddle into Osterville or Hyannis with relative ease.

This 30-year old lodging blends Colonial charm with gracious, modern amenities. Your host, Jeff Komenda has been in the hospitality business most of his life and it shows. Each spacious room is equipped with color cable TV, direct dial telephones, two double beds, newly tiled baths, and individually controlled air conditioning. Each day, in season, a bountiful continental breakfast is served in the motel's coffee shop. Their indoor heated pool and saunas overlook the large, private grounds which Jeff encourages you to use for picnics, barbecues, croquette, badminton, or just relaxing with your favorite book.

Additionally, Centerville Corners Motor Lodge is right across the street from the legendary Four Seas ice-cream parlor and just a short stroll to the 1856 Penny Candy Store and the Centerville Historical Society Museum. Dogs are permitted with prior approval. Golfers should ask about the motel's package deals.

Trade Winds Inn
$$-$$$ • Craigville Beach Rd., Craigville (Barnstable)• (508) 775-0365, (877) 444-7966 (toll free)• www.twicapecod.com

Set upon a hill that runs down to Craigville Beach on one side and Lake Elizabeth on the other, this inn on 6 acres provides some of the very best views of Nantucket Sound. You can choose from three buildings housing 35 rooms--the Ocean View in the main building offering (you guessed it) spectacular ocean views, and the Sea Breeze and Sea Shore buildings without ocean views. All the rooms at this motel-with-a-bed-and-breakfast-feel have air conditioning, and a good many of them come with a patio or balcony.

Tucked away along the east end of Craigville Beach, it is just a five-minute drive to the fine restaurants of Hyannis, the Cape Cod Melody Tent (see our Arts chapter), the ferries to the islands, and Hyannis' Main Street shops. The inn serves a continental breakfast in season and a patio with umbrella tables. Enjoy Trade Winds' private beach on Nantucket Sound (complimentary beach chairs are provided), putting green, and outstanding, friendly service. Open from April to the end of October, the inn's off-season rates are nearly half of summer rates.

Anchor In
$$ • 1 South St., Hyannis• (508) 775-0357• www.anchorin.com

You can't get much closer to Hyannis Harbor than this! The Anchor-In offers a great location with outstanding views, super rooms, immaculate grounds and a delightful staff. Just 60 feet from the water's edge in downtown Hyannis, the Anchor-In is within walking distance of restaurants, island ferries, excursion boats, and shopping. Hyannis Marina, many boats, and a public boat launch are within sight. Most of the 43 rooms, whether economy, deluxe, or executive, have a private deck and a harbor view and sleep four comfortably. Four executive rooms can accommodate six, and two of those executive rooms also feature Jacuzzis. All rooms are spotlessly clean, comfortable, and attractively furnished; two rooms are fully wheelchair accessible. A large private pool and lawn, complete with a huge grounded anchor to support the inn's name, overlook the harbor.

Owners Rex and Pat Arnett have operated the inn for close to two decades, and the couple continually updates the decor and furnishings. Open year-round, the Anchor-In caters to international guests from around the world (primarily the UK, Germany, France, and Canada) who are often surprised and delighted to see their country's flag flying from the Anchor-In poolside flagpole --just one more added touch of hospitality. Children under 10 stay free.

Days Inn
$$-$$$ • 867 Mass. Rt. 132, Hyannis• (508) 771-6100, (800) 368-4667

Open from mid-February to the end of November, this 99-room Days Inn offers a central location convenient to shopping, restaurants, and the airport. Just down the road in one direction is the Hyannis Golf Course; in the other direction is downtown Hyannis with its Kennedy Museum and Memorial. On-site are two pools (indoor and outdoor), a whirlpool, and an exercise room featuring treadmill and Nautilus. Of the rooms here, five are wheelchair accessible. An on-site coffee shop serves complimentary coffee from 7 to 10 AM. A complimentary continental breakfast is also served. The inn is adjacent to the Cape Cod Mall and is a favorite accommodation for families as well as business travelers. Off-season rates drop significantly and the Days Inn also participates in several discount programs.

Harbor House Inn
$-$$ • 119 Ocean St., Hyannis• (508) 771-1880• www.harborhouseinn.com

You will enjoy the best of everything that Hyannis has to offer at the Harbor House Inn. They are directly across the street from Hyannis Harbor, Cape Cod's most scenic waterfront area. All the units at the Harbor House are minisuites, each with either two full, two queen, or a king-size bed. Large, light, and modern, Each unit also contains a separate full kitchen, remote-control color TV, and individual heat and air-conditioning. Interestingly, each suite also has windows with screens and a screen door should you wish to enjoy the salt breeze off the harbor--you don't find that too often on Cape Cod. The inn is also a 100 percent nonsmoking accommodation. A continental breakfast is offered each morning. Within a short walk of the inn is downtown Main Street with its great shops, boutiques, fine restaurants, and lounges. It is also a very short walk to the ferries to the islands.

Your hosts, Pam and Ken, are both long-time Cape Codders and are more than happy to recommend area attractions or anything else that will make your stay more enjoyable. The inn is open April to November.

Hyannis Harbor Hotel
$$-$$$ • 213 Ocean St., Hyannis• (508) 775-4420, (800) 676-0000• www.hyannisharborhotel.com

Breathe in the salt air, bathe in the sun, and watch the boats sail in and out of Hyannis Harbor while you relax on the sundeck by the beautifully landscaped outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. If it's raining, how about a dip in the heated indoor pool or a workout at the spa? At the Hyannis Harbor Hotel, you're directly across Ocean Street from picturesque Hyannis Harbor, just steps from the island ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard as well as fishing charters and sightseeing excursions. You are also only a short walk to Veterans Beach, the JFK Memorial, JFK Museum, downtown shopping, and many harborside restaurants.

A lot of effort has gone into ensuring that each of the 108 rooms has a Cape Cod style. Airy and open, many of the rooms offer balconies overlooking the scenic harbor and the inviting outdoor pool area. Open from early May to late October, the hotel allows children 18 years and younger to stay free when accompanied by an adult.

HoJo Inn
$$-$$$ • 447 Main St., Hyannis• (508) 775-3000, (800) I-GO-HOJO

This year-round 40-room inn is about halfway down Main Street, Hyannis, where restaurants, entertainment, and shopping opportunities are just footsteps away. The harbor and the ferry to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are no more than a leisurely half-mile stroll (and there's plenty to do and see along the way). In the other direction is the Cape Cod Melody Tent (see our Arts chapter), is a 15-minute walk. Ideal for both families and couples, the inn has an indoor heated swimming pool and a whirlpool where you can relax after a day on the golf course or at any of the nearby beaches. The rooms have one or two double beds. Meals are available until early evening at the on-site Duck Inn Pub cocktail bar. Business guests can use the meeting facilities.

Hyannis Inn Motel
$-$$ • 473 Main St., Hyannis• (508) 775-0255, (800) 922-8993• www.hyannisinn.com

The Hyannis Inn Motel is located right in the center of downtown Hyannis. Family-run for more than 42 years, this motel is a good choice for active visitors who want easy access everything Hyannis has to offer. With its reasonable rates and comfortable accommodations, it also appeals to visitors looking for an inexpensive Cape Cod vacation. Everything you will need is within walking distance--shops, attractions, island ferries, excursion tours, and whale watching--while beaches are but a few miles away. The 77 rooms are clean, well-maintained, and all feature what you would normally expect, like remote-control cable color TV, direct dial phone with data ports for your computers and voice mail, individual climate controls, and outside decks. They also have larger, deluxe rooms with sofa and refrigerator. For your special enjoyment, there are a limited number of whirlpool rooms. Swim a few laps in the heated indoor pool, enjoy the sauna, and relax on the sun deck. You can start your day at their Bluebird's Restaurant, which serves breakfast and unwind later in the day at the Elbow Room Cocktail Lounge serving good cheer. They do have a wheelchair-accessible room. Children younger than 14 stay free. The motel is open from the beginning of February to mid-November.

Hyannis Travel Inn
$-$$ • 18 North St., Hyannis• (508) 775-8200, (800) 352-7190• www.hyannistravelinn.com

With 83 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and an oversized whirlpool (large enough for all your friends and then some), this well-maintained 31-year-old Hyannis facility is a good value for couples and families who want to be close to the many Hyannis attractions. Minigolf, the Cape Cod and Hyannis Railroad, shops, restaurants, beaches, and the John F. Kennedy Museum are all within a five-minute walk. Slightly longer walks will get you to the island ferries, the Hyannis waterfront district, and the Cape Cod Melody Tent (see our Arts chapter). Amenities include a continental breakfast with coffee, muffins, bagels, and juice plus discount coupons for area restaurants. The motel is closed for 10 weeks between Thanksgiving and February.

International Inn
$$$ • 662 Main St., Hyannis• (508) 775-5600• www.cuddles.com

How does a cuddle and bubble sound to you? We suppose that would depend upon who's asking the question. Described as the most romantic accommodation in the Hyannis area, the International Inn is as centrally located as it is romantic: You'll find it at the west end of Main Street, just a short stroll from the Cape Cod Melody Tent (see the Arts chapter) and all the shops and sites along the popular main drag of Hyannis. A favorite spot for couples celebrating wedding anniversaries, the Inn's Cuddle and Bubble Plaza Suite is a sought-after getaway around Valentine's Day. This three-room suite includes a romantic king-size canopy bed, a wet bar, and an even wetter 5-by-7 foot sunken Jacuzzi. Besides bubble-laden Jacuzzis, the International Inn boasts the Gazebo Garden Room Restaurant, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and saunas for men and women.

Ramada Inn Regency
$$-$$$ • 1127 Mass. Rt. 132, Hyannis• (508) 775-1153, (800) 676-0000• www.ccrh.com

This 196-room Ramada has a lovely glass-walled pool area visible from the front lobby, and right off the pool is an inviting lawn with lounge chairs and an attractive dining room that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's central location makes it convenient for shopping and fine dining, in fact the Ramada Inn Regency is only a short walk to the Cape Cod Mall and 100's of other shops and stores in the numerous other plazas along Mass. Rt. 132. Those not in the shopping mood will enjoy the Ramada's convenient location, near just about everything else in Hyannis, and close to State Rt. 6 which takes you anywhere else you may want to explore.

The Ramada, which is open year-round, offers 20 post and beam design loft suites, 16 with efficiency units. Each suite is 2-stories with a king-size bed on the first floor and a double-bed sofa on the second floor, two bathrooms and an outside deck. They don't have a health club on the premises, but if you show your room key at a nearby health club you have access to all their equipment. There's a good-size game room for the kids and across the hall, a lounge for the adults. Open year-round, the Ramada Inn Regency welcomes children age 18 and younger free when they accompany an adult.

Sheraton Hyannis Hotel & Resort
$$$ • West End Rotary, Hyannis• (508) 775-7775, (800) 843-8272

It is safe to suggest that the Sheraton Hyannis Hotel and Resort is the premier hotel accommodation in Hyannis. Directly across the street from the Cape Cod Melody Tent, it is a convenient accommodation for the Tent's star performers. This topnotch resort is considered one of Massachusetts' premier gold resorts featuring an 18-hole par 54 golf course-a spectacular 2600-yard course. If you are a golfer, look into their golf packages featuring unlimited use of the course. A full-service hotel/conference center, Sheraton Hyannis offers everything from concierge and shuttle service to a beautiful 60-foot indoor pool and Seafood Cabana serving lunch and refreshments.

Most of the Sheraton's 224 rooms have views of the golf course or an attractive courtyard, and offer double, king and suite units. On premises you'll enjoy the Silver Shell Restaurant as well as the Yacht Club lounge featuring entertainment on the weekends. On site health club, which has free weights, Nautilus equipment, step and pool aerobics classes, sauna and massage, as well as the premier health spa on Cape Cod. Off-season midweek rates are about half the in season amount. Ask about their holiday and weekend packages. It is open year-round.

Americana Holiday Motel
$ • 99 Mass. Rt. 28, West Yarmouth• (508) 775-5511, (800) 445-4497• www.americanaholiday.com

Conveniently located along Mass. Rt. 28 in West Yarmouth, near the Hyannis line, is the Americana Holiday Motel. This completely renovated motel has 153 rooms, all newly decorated, each with a full-size private bath and air conditioning. A dozen or more beaches are close by, yet the Americana boasts three (yes, three) swimming pools--one indoor and two outdoor. The motel also has a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool bath to help you unwind. There's an on-site putting green and shuffleboard court for the adults and a game room and playground to keep the kiddies entertained. This family-owned and operated establishment also has a coffee shop on-site serving free coffee all day and a continental breakfast each morning (which, during the off-season, is free with your stay). The Americana's attractive rates become incredible during the off-season (from the beginning of April to mid-June and from early September to mid-November) when they dip down into the high $20s and low $30s! Dinner discounts are offered at select local restaurants and the first two children in your party younger than 12 stay free. The Americana is open from the beginning of April to mid-November.

Bayside Resort
$$-$$$ • 225 Main St., West Yarmouth• (508) 775-5669, (800) 243-1114• www.baysideresort.com

The Bayside Resort hotel is one of Cape Cod's newest additions to the Mass. Rt. 28 line-up in West Yarmouth. Each comfortable room has been completely redecorated. Refrigerators, cable TV with free in-room movies, and movies on demand make you feel at home. Many of the rooms have a sundeck and overlook Lewis Bay, where you can view one of the most beautiful inlets on the Mid-Cape. They also offer romantic Jacuzzi suites for two that would make for a super getaway with that special someone. There is an oversized whirlpool and sauna in the indoor pool area that also boasts a fully equipped fitness center. Bayside has the advantage of a pub, especially one within steps of the indoor tropical pool. Outside, the picturesque pool area has a great view of Lewis Bay and they have filled the large deck area with plenty of lounge chairs for your relaxation. They have also created the ambiance of the beach without leaving the resort with an outdoor beach volleyball court and a sandy beach park, a perfect place to both start and end your day. Bayside Resort is open year-round.

Cape Point
$$-$$$ • 476 Mass. Rt. 28, West Yarmouth• (508) 778-1500, (800) 323-9505• www.capepointhotel.com

Centrally located along West Yarmouth's popular Mass. Route 28, the Cape Point is an attractive accommodation with pretty flower gardens and reasonably priced rooms for families and budget-conscious travelers. A waterfall in the lobby greets you upon your arrival. The facility includes a lovely outdoor pool, a regal indoor pool with a balcony overhead, a children's pool, Jacuzzi, exercise room, and video game rooms to keep the kids entertained. This family-oriented facility offers discounts if you're traveling with children. Standard rooms have 2 queen-size beds, cable TV, refrigerator, and telephone. Deluxe rooms offer the same amenities but are approximately one-third larger and have a love seat-sofa that pulls out to a single bed. They also seemed to be located closer to the indoor pool. Two-bedroom family suites offer an extra special touch without taking an executive-size bite out of the family budget. Wheelchair-accessible accommodations are available. Open year-round, the inn also has a coffee shop and a lounge, the Sports Loft, on-site.

Green Harbor
$$$$ • 182 Baxter Ave., West Yarmouth• (508) 771-1126, (800) 547-4733• www.redjacketinns.com/greenharbor

Since it is surrounded by saltwater on three sides there's really no sense in mentioning the wonderful water views (oops! we just did). Almost as beautiful as the water views are the lovely 8-acre grounds of grass and sand and gardens bursting with flowers. As for the accommodations, the 50 units here range widely in style from a single room with a kitchenette to a four-bedroom suite with a fireplace and full kitchen. Some units are in separate cottages; others are in the main motel building. Some rooms have decks and patios while villas have decks overlooking the ocean. An oversize outdoor pool and deck offer a change of scenery for those who have been spending time down on the private beach. An on-site minigolf course keeps the kids in the swing of things, while bikes, canoes, and rowboats are all available. The angler in you will enjoy the jetties off the beaches. Or just pull up a chair and relax watching the tide rise and fall. Green Harbor is open May to mid-October.

The Mariner
$-$$ • 573 Mass. Rt. 28, West Yarmouth• (508) 771-7887, (800) 445-4050• www.docksidehotel.com

This is a Cape golf resort of the most unique kind. You see, the golf portion of the package includes a challenging nine-hole minigolf course. A putter is all you need, and that's provided. So are the golf balls. And the cost for a round is minimal, much less than the other miniature golf courses in the area. As for the motel itself, it has 100 clean, air-conditioned rooms with in-room refrigerators and safes for all the valuable sand dollars you'll find combing the beaches of Nantucket Sound. At the Mariner you'll also find a 50-foot heated indoor pool, a 55-foot heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas, and a barbecue area. Yarmouth's Sea Gull Beach is only a five-minute drive away, and Hyannis (and the island ferries) is no more than 10 minutes down Mass. Rt. 28. There are numerous dining opportunities within a couple of miles, from casual to fine dining. The Mariner is open from early February to early
December.

Tidewater
135 Mass. Rt. 28, West Yarmouth$$ • (508) 775-6322, (800) 338-6322• www.tidewaterml.com

A well-respected 100-room motel, the Tidewater is on 4 acres bordering a conservation area overlooking Mill Creek Bay and Mill Pond. One mile east of downtown Hyannis, it provides a location central to the many attractions of Yarmouth, island ferries, and the airport. Ideal for families and couples, this lodge has amenities that include a large indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool, hot Vita spa, sauna, coffee shop, and a game room that has table tennis, darts, and board games. Beaches are a short drive away, as is just about everything else, from movies, mini-golf, and restaurants to outlets and shops. A large outdoor grassy area has picnic tables, a recreation area with volleyball net, sandbox, swings, and play equipment for kids. The rooms feature remote
control cable TV, with movies, telephone,
and individually controlled heat and air conditioning. Enjoy one of their new deluxe Jacuzzi rooms as your day comes to an end. The rooms, which have two double or one king-size bed, are clean, nicely furnished, and have refrigerators. Most of the property is nonsmoking. Wheelchair-accessible rooms as well as bed-
and-breakfast packages are available. There
is no charge for children younger than 12 staying with an adult. Tidewater is open year-round.

All Seasons Motor Inn
$$ • 1199 Mass. Rt. 28, South Yarmouth• (508) 394-7600, (800) 527-0359• www.allseasons.com

Voted the Best Mid-Cape Motel nine years in a row by the readers of Cape Cod Life, this high-quality resort has earned its reputation for excellent service. All 114 rooms have remote control color cable TV with VCR's, refrigerators, coffee makers, hair-dryers, and individually controlled air conditioning and heat. Many of the rooms have private balconies or patios that overlook the outdoor pool and garden courtyard, and all rooms are now smoke-free. An indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, exercise room, game room, and solarium are all accessible from your room through indoor corridors. You can also enjoy breakfast in their skylight dining room or greenhouse. Poolside lunch is available in season. All Seasons' location allows for easy access to many of the Cape's favorite attractions. Warm-water-sound beaches and fine dining are close. The popular golf courses of Yarmouth and Dennis are within a short distance. The All Seasons Motor Inn has a spacious 3-acre setting with gorgeous gardens and well-manicured lawns. Six wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. A year-round facility, the inn offers low off-season rates.

Best Western Blue Rock Motor Inn and Golf Course
$$-$$$ • Off Great Western Rd., South Yarmouth• (508) 398-6962, (800) 237-8887• www.redjacketinns.com

This is like dying and going to golfers' heaven. We've golfed here dozens of times and still we've yet to master this devilishly tricky par 54 course with a number of water holes. The Blue Rock Golf Course has 18 holes, a pro shop, golf school, driving range, and putting green (see our Golf chapter for more information). The Blue Rock is a 40-room motel with either double or deluxe king accommodations. Rooms have temperature control and panoramic views of the golf course. After you've hit the course you can hit the heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, Grille Room restaurant, or on-site lounge. While you're waiting for your tee time, enjoy some tennis or a good book on your private patio or deck. Off site you have access to a nearby private beach and biking paths. The inn is open from April to the end of October. There are golf packages (and other packages) available.

Blue Water
$$$-$$$$ • S. Shore Dr., South Yarmouth• (508) 398-2288, (800) 367-9393• www.redjacketinns.com

At this oceanfront hotel you can choose from among two swimming pools, a putting green, a tennis court and, of course, the comfortably warm waters of Nantucket Sound. This facility has a dining room lounge that serves breakfast and lunch and offers entertainment. Rugosa roses and sand dunes enhance the attractive well-kept grounds. The 83 units include clean, attractive rooms with two double beds, some efficiencies, three cottages, and a house with an in-room whirlpool. Some units are wheelchair-accessible. During the summer Blue Water offers children's activities. Ask about the Blue Water's terrific package deals throughout the year.

The Dunes Motor Inn
$-$$ • 170 Seaview Ave., South Yarmouth• (508) 398-3062, (800) 237-5070• www.thedunescapecod.com

Resting just 300 yards from the beach, The Dunes is a hidden Cape Cod treasure. The facility has 34 guest rooms, all decorated in Cape Cod scenes, and two cottages. The rooms have two double, king-, or queen-size beds, private baths, air conditioning, cable television, and in-room phones. Efficiency units have two double beds along with a full kitchen set-up and there's even a two-bedroom family suite. An on-site coffee shop serves a continental breakfast for a minimal charge. There's a heated outdoor pool available and if that's not enough, the refreshing waters of Nantucket Sound are just a short walk away. The Dunes enjoys a high volume of repeat clientele during the summer and off-season. Speaking of the off-season, they offer a three-night package including breakfast for only $99--that's a tough one to beat! The Dunes Motor Inn is open from May to Columbus Day.

Gull Wing Suites
$$ • 822 Mass. Rt. 28, South Yarmouth• (508) 394-9300, (800) 676-0000• www.ccrh.com

If you are looking for more room and want to stay in a suite, Gull Wing Suites has 136 contemporary mini-suites with a sitting area, color TV, refrigerator, wet bar and individual climate control. It is perfect for budget-conscious families who want extra room and deluxe treatment. Open year-round, the Gull Wings is a comfortable family resort with clean, comfortable rooms and a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, Jacuzzi and a game room for the kids. It also offers you a great location from which to visit area attractions, historical sites and beautiful beaches. The Gull Wings welcomes children 18 and younger free when accompanied by an adult.

Ocean Mist
$$$-$$$$ • 97 S. Shore Dr., South Yarmouth• (508) 398-2633, (800) 248-MIST• www.capecodtravel.com/oceanmist

The Ocean Mist is so comfortable that when we recently visited this lovely oceanfront resort we didn't want to leave. You can feel the tension slip away as you look out at the open expanse of blue water before you, where sailboats 5 miles away appear to perch on the very surface of the water. The warm waves of Nantucket Sound lap at the shore outside your door as you awake in the morning to another fun-filled day on Cape Cod. The beautiful view is perfectly complemented by the quality of this clean, attractive motel where summer memories are made.

Ocean Mist's 63 rooms are either deluxe or loft suites. The beautiful, contemporary deluxe rooms feature wet bars or efficiencies. All have individual heat and air conditioning controls and remote-control cable television. Their loft suites feature dramatic cathedral ceilings and wet bars. Most have skylights and two private balconies with panoramic views of the ocean. Ocean Mist has a heated indoor pool and a coffee shop. Restaurants are close by, and Hyannis shopping and dining, golf courses, and historic sights are within a few miles.

Red Jacket Beach Motor Inn
$$$-$$$$ • S. Shore Dr., South Yarmouth• (508) 398-6941, (800) 672-0500• www.redjacketinns.com

An award-winning resort, the Red Jacket takes its place among a select group of the Cape's premier resorts know for exceptional accommodations and service. Located on a fabulous sweep of private Nantucket Sound beach, the Red Jacket has everything, including a 1,000-foot sandy waterfront beach as well as frontage on Parker's River salt marsh. Water views are everywhere: from the dining room, outside swimming pool, and of course, the rooms, some of which are practically on the beach.

If it's land sports that you prefer, their tennis courts and basketball and volleyball courts are sure to please. Their jogging route provides an excellent view of the oceanfront as you wind past a lovely garden gazebo during your workout. A great place for families, the resort offers a supervised children's program of sports and activities. Kayaks are available for rent. In addition to their private beach, both the outdoor and indoor pools are heated. They also have a whirlpool spa and sauna to add to the enjoyment of your stay. You can also elect to stay in one of 13 cottages.

Surfcomber
$$$ • 107 S. Shore Dr., South Yarmouth• (508) 398-9228• www.surfcombermotel.com

There's nothing better than taking your vacation right on Nantucket Sound. The Surfcomber provides peace and quiet right by the water's edge. Sunbathing and swimming will be your occupation for the week, yet if you ever tire of saltwater swimming, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool within earshot of the ocean waves. Four rooms look right out over the water. Many rooms offer private balconies overlooking the well-maintained grounds and pool, and approximately half of the rooms are efficiencies with a sink, fridge, and four-burner stove. The staff is friendly and often know the guests by name since so many visitors return year after year. Surfcomber is open from May to Columbus Day.

Colony Beach Motel
$$$ • 413 Old Wharf Rd., Dennisport• (508) 398-2217

With its charming Colonial architecture and Cape Cod allure, this motel right on the sound is a perfect place to start the summer. You can choose from 47 rooms including oceanfront and ocean-view efficiency units with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, motel units, or non-efficiency suites with a living room. Among the amenities are a private beach and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Children 3 years of age and older are welcome. It's open mid-May to mid-October.

The Corsair and Cross Rip
$$-$$$ • 41 Chase Ave., Dennisport• (508) 398-2279• www.corsaircrossrip.com

These two Dennisport motels, resting side by side on Nantucket Sound, form a family-owned and operated oceanfront resort on 3 acres of prime Nantucket Sound real estate. Together, they offer an abundance of amenities including two outdoor pools (one at each facility) and two large sun decks overlooking the ocean. Recreation buildings across the street feature an indoor pool, a game room, a toddler area with plenty of toys, a barbecue area, and an outdoor play area for the kids.

There are many types of rooms from which to choose. All rooms at the Cross Rip, except for the economy units, have kitchenettes. You may want to go for a two-room oceanfront suite. The Corsair offers minisuites with two double beds and a galley kitchen, and ocean-view suites featuring two rooms, a galley kitchen, and two baths (in the Captain's Suite). Open from late March through October, the complex also offers a pair of four-bedroom houses for rent across the street with access to all the amenities.

The Garlands
$$$, no credit cards • 117 Old Wharf Rd., Dennisport• (508) 398-6987

At The Garlands along Old Wharf Road, just off Lower County Road, the waves of Nantucket Sound curl and crash right below you. In fact, the front-facing units are a few feet away from the water, and as you stand upon the private wooden deck of your VIP unit it is not too difficult to imagine yourself aboard a ship at sea.

The Garlands offers 20 rooms, four of them right on the ocean. Those are the VIP suites, with unsurpassed views of Nantucket Sound. All the rooms have color cable TV, full kitchens, and daily maid service--all at very reasonable rates considering the proximity to the ocean. After Labor Day you can get some great bargains here--even the waterfront units drop into the low- to mid-$$ range! Children 6 years of age and older are welcome. The Garlands is open from mid-April to mid-October.

The Edgewater Beach Resort
$$-$$$ • 95 Chase Ave., Dennisport• (508) 398-6922www.sunsol.com/edgewater

You can't help but hum Patti Page's ode to Cape Cod as you stroll along the sandy path through swaying beach grass to the warm waters of Nantucket Sound. Memories of summer vacations past come rushing to mind, bringing a smile to your face and telling you that more memories are about to be made.

Situated on more than 5 acres of waterfront at the farthest reaches of Dennis-port, The Edgewater offers 89 units, all with balconies and views of either the ocean in all its glory or the attractive central courtyard and putting green. Some of the units have kitchenettes, but, for those staying in the other 73 units, there are many fine restaurants within a 10- to 15-minute drive. The Edgewater has, arguably, the finest pool in the area, a magnificent oversized indoor-outdoor pool, complete with a whirlpool and sauna. A note on the pool: Half of it is glass contained with a sliding glass door that cuts the inside portion off from the outside portion in the event of inclement weather. Also on-site are a fitness center and two shuffleboard courts. Ask about their Indian summer packages. The Edgewater Beach Resort is open from early March to mid-November.

The Pelham House
$$$ • 14 Sea St., Dennisport• (508) 398-6076, (800) 497-3542• www.capecodtravel.com/pelhamhouse

For more than 60 years, the Pelham House has been a fixture at the end of Sea Street creating wonderful memories--the reason being it has everything you want in a Cape Cod vacation: a beautiful, private sandy beach on the warm waters of Nantucket Sound, 35 modern ocean-view rooms with private decks, a large saltwater swimming pool, tennis, free breakfast, and warm hospitality. There's also a bar for poolside or before-dinner cocktails. All rooms include color cable TV, individually controlled heat, private baths, and refrigerators. Most rooms have two double beds; deluxe beachfront rooms have two queens, and king and queen-size beds are available in the penthouse suites.

The owners, the McCarthy and Hutchinson families, pride themselves on the individual attention each guest receives. In particular, Bob McCarthy Sr. makes sure that each day is a "new" production at the Pelham House Resort. The passion he exudes for his resort is infectious. You'll almost feel like part of the family immediately.

The resort is ideal for family reunions, conferences, meetings, and especially, weddings in the spring and fall. In true Cape Cod fashion, a large tent is erected for these happy occasions on the resort's expansive lawn on a knoll overlooking the sound. Open April to November, rates vary with season. Ask about their seasonal packages, which include full breakfast buffets.

The Soundings
$$$-$$$$ • 79 Chase Ave., Dennisport• (508) 394-6561• www.thesoundings.com

A huge complex right on the water, the front section of its main building is distinguished by Colonial architecture accented with four Greek Revival Doric columns. The Soundings has two swimming pools to complement its 360 feet of waterfront--one a heated indoor pool and the other one actually on the beach with a poolside snack bar to boot (boy, life is tough!). Other amenities include sauna, Jacuzzi, a putting green where you can loosen up before playing Dennis' two 18-hole golf courses (see our Golf chapter), and an on-site coffee shop serving breakfast to start the day off right.

This oceanside facility has 100 rooms, each with individually controlled air conditioning. Room options are plentiful: You can choose from pavilion rooms at the inner courtyard, deluxe ocean-view, and deluxe on-the-ocean rooms, efficiency units, and a penthouse with a full kitchen. The Soundings' season runs from May 1 to mid-October and families are, of course, most welcome. During May, June, September, and October, the Soundings offers customized golf packages.