There’s still time to experience a luxurious and romantic getaway on Cape Cod at off-season prices.

The Ashley Manor Bed and Breakfast, located in the historic Village of Barnstable and Barnstable Harbor, has two luxury suites guaranteed to inspire the romantic in all of us. This bed and breakfast, itself, dates back to 1699.

The Canterbury Suite has two gorgeous rooms and a full bath. The bedroom has a elegant Queen bed and a working fireplace. The cable TV is “hidden” in a cherry armoir. The adjacent sitting room has an antique desk and two sitting chairs. The bath has a two-person Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. The off-season rates vary from $175 to $195. In-season rates are about $235.

The King George’s Suite is a second-floor corner suite. It has a very warm and cozy feeling because the traditional architecture has all kinds of nooks and crannies. But don’t fear, you won’t feel cramped in this spacious room, with eight windows,  that has a King Bed and seating area in front of a fireplace. The private bath also includes a two-person Jacuzzi whirlpool. The off-season rates vary from $175 to $195. In-season rates are about $235.

A three-course gourmet breakfast is served each morning - either on the terrace or infront of a roaring fire. Each day the breakfast is different - start with freshly ground coffee, teas, juice and fresh seasonal fruit or baked fruit as first course. Entrees may include French toast, pancakes, waffles and various creative egg dishes. Cranberry pie or Blueberry-Peach-Raspberry Crisp are house specialties! If you have special dietary needs, please let the Ashley Manor Inkeepers know ahead of time and they will work with you to accommodate your needs.

And in the afternoon, before or after dinner enjoy a complimentary cordial - brandy, port, or hazelnut sherry - in the library.

If you love to play tennis, bring your racquet. There’s a private court in the backyard.

Ashley Manor is truly a special place to stay on Cape Cod. The historic structure and location, the romantic suites with fireplace and jacuzzi, and elegant gourmet breakfasts and cordials in the library will make for a romantic and gracious visit to Cape Cod. Play some tennis in the backyard and you’ll feel like your at an English countryhouse in the 1930’s. (You know like we watch on PBS!)

Click Here to visit the Ashley Manor website.

If you stay at the Alexander Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast in Mashpee on Cape Cod, you can bring your dog too! And that’s not something that most Cape Cod bed and breakfasts allow. In fact the owners really seem to like having dogs visit.

The Alexander Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast does have a few rules. They provide crates for your convenience and if you leave the dog in the room, you have to put your dog in the crate. There’s also a dog food and water bowl in the bathroom.  There is also a kennel down by the pond, so you can enjoy the pond and keep your dog safe. Of course if your dog barks and bothers other guests you’ll have to keep the dog with you. I’d give them a call at 508-419-1584 to get all the details.

That aside the Alexander Hamilton House is a lovely bed and breakfast, with a private beach on the Ashumet Pond offering two very private guest suites.

The Carriage House Suite is a spacious one-room suite with a King bed, double whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace, and private bath. And even free broadband wi-fi. Rates. Memorial Day thru Columbus Day Weekend, and holidays and holiday weekends all year $275 a day for double occupancy. Off season $225. Single person discount Monday through Thursday except holidays at $100 a day. There is a two night minimum on Friday and Saturday, 3 nights on long weekends

The Family Suite has two bed rooms, both of which have a Queen bed and a Day bed. These bedroom share access to a single bathroom. There is a sitting room with cable TV and a screened-in porch.  Additional amenities include radiant heat, central air conditioning, WiFi, private entrance, dining area, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, clock radios, coffeemaker, and electric tea kettle. Rates. Weekly rental June - August $1800. September - May, $250 per night for use of one bedroom or $300 per night for both bedrooms up to four person occupancy. Over four people, $25 per extra person per night.

Click Here to visit the Alexander Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast website.

Stay at the Romantic Honeysuckle Hill Bed and Breakfast In Barnstable Starting at $159 during April.

The Honeysuckle Hill Bed and Breakfast is a great place for a romantic getaway on Cape Cod. It has 5 beautifully decorated rooms with antiques and beautiful linens. If you’re a smoker, the Honeysuckle Hill Bed and Breakfast does permit smoking on the porch and grounds. That is if none of the other guests object. Children must be at least 12 years old. No Pets.

As the summer season nears, room rates are starting to increase, but you can still save a lot of money if you travel to the Cape in April. As you read the rates don’t forget state and local taxes, minimum stay requirements. On the plus size is a four-course gourmet breakfast included in the room rate.

The Magnolia Room - located on the first floor - has a beautiful pineapple four-poster Queen bed, private bath, a seating area, and wi-fi. Room rates vary from $149 to $179. April rate $159.

The Honeysuckle Suite - located on the second floor - has peaceful views to large gardens. It has two bedrooms and a private bath. One bedroom has a Queen Bed and the second a Double bed. You’ll enjoy designer linens and authentic Amish quilts. The room rate varies from $149 to $189. April rate $159.

The Morning Glory Room - located on the second floor - is bright and cheerful - with white wicker furniture and Queen bed on an oriental rug. From the room you can enjoy views of the front garden. The bathroom has views of the rear garden. Rates vary from $149 to $189. April rate $159.

The Wisteria Room - located on the second floor - is decorated in beautiful blues and provides views to the English gardens. You’ll have your own private entrance, romantic seating area, a brass King bed, walk-in closet. To create a romantic getaway - request champagne and truffles. They’ll be waiting for you! Room rates vary from $159 to $214. April rate $174.

The Honeysuckle Room - located on the second floor - is decorated in hushed golden tones with lots of sunny windows, with Queen bed,  walk-in closet, and private bath. Room rates vary from $149 to $189. April rates $159.

At Honeysuckle Hill, a four course breakfast is included in the room rates and is served in the sunny dining room. The menu changes daily and offers such gourmet treats as Eggs Benedict, Grand Marnier French Toast and French Crepes. Fruits in season, a choice of juice and freshly baked muffins, breads or coffee cakes accompany the entrée. Homemade granola, a specialty of the Inn, is always available. Early coffee and tea, along with the morning newspapers, is served on the front porch. There is also a guest refrigerator stocked with beverages. You’ll also find beach supplies such as towels, beach chairs, and umbrellas.

So give Innkeepers Freddy and Ruth a call at 508-362-8418 or visit the Honeysuckle Hill Bed and Breakfast website.

Oyster Cove Bed and Breakfast in Wellfleet Offers Panoramic Harbor Views

If you want to sit on a private deck and watch the sunset over Wellfleet Harbor during your vacation, then please consider the Oyster Cove Bed and Breakfast. It is a spacious and contemporary home  located on a quiet private drive overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. Children are allowed. It is a non-smoking bed and breakfast.

The Oyster Cove Captain’s Studio is the perfect place for a romantic Cape Cod getaway. You get a 180 degree view of the Wellfleet and a private outdoor deck, with a private entrance. From Oct. 21 through May 20 the Captain’s Studio goes for about $225/night. Other times it’s about $265.

The Oyster Cove Beach Suite, with 3 bedrooms, can hold up to six persons. It’s a great place for family reunions and wedding groups. Amenities include Kitchenette and large Living/Dining room, Cable TV and Broadband Wi-Fi, Refrigerator and microwave oven, Private bath, Private deck with electric grill, Private parking and direct outside access. Rates for the Beach Suite. One or two people pay $235/night from Oct. 21 through May 20. Six people pay $395. Other times it ranges from $295 to $495.

For both of these suites there may be minimum stay requirements. Things can change, there’s the tax to think about. So check out the Oyster Cove Bed and Breakfast website.

The Stone Lion Inn in Wellfleet has rates as low as $110 during April.

If you’re hankering for a luxurious romantic getaway on Cape Cod, then you really should check out the Stone Lion Inn in Wellfleet. It’s even better if you’re an art lover, because I would say that Wellfleet is definitely the art gallery center of Cape Cod. Art lovers could also check out the exhibits at the Cape Cod Museum of Art. I love the location of the Stone Lion Inn beause it’s right in the Wellfleet Central District near the art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Beaches are just a short drive away. But it’s really nice to be able to stroll without worry about parking in this sometimes congested area.

The Stone Lion Inn is housed in a 19th century Victorian which was home to Sea Captain Freeman Atkins Snow. All guest rooms have Queen beds and private baths. The homemade breakfast  includes homemade muffins - always their signature scones, a hot egg dish, fruit, yogurt, two kinds of juice, cereals and, gourmet coffee. Free wi-fi is available on the grounds and in rooms. The house and landscaping are truly beautiful.

During the quiet season both the basic Queen Room and Deluxe Queen Room go for about $110 to $130. In May and June this increases to a basic Queen Room going for about $140 to $160. And the Deluxe Queen goes from about $155 to $175. But if you’re planning on a holiday weekend rates will probably be higher and there are minimum stays, children must be at least 6 years old. You can’ t bring air mattresses and the Inn does not have rollout cots or the like. And as always things can change without notice. So if you’re interested check out the Stone Lion Inn website.

SPRING 2009 Directory of Affordable Cape Cod Motels, Hotels, Inns, Bed and Breakfasts and Resorts

I’ve received quite few requests for just a list of affordable places to stay on Cape Cod. So that you can just get an idea of what’s available this Spring. Okay so I’ve started to make such a list. It’s really hard to make categories, because one hotel’s standard room with fridge and microwave, is another’s kitchenette. So I’m just listing the place and town and rates I’ve found, and you click on the name of the motel to get all of the details.

The rates quoted are daily and usually for 2 persons. Sometimes kids under certain ages stay free and sometimes they don’t. Complimentary breakfasts, even just coffee, are a real budget saver in my book.

What’s affordable? That varies from person to person, but Leo and I are probably the cheapest people on the planet when it comes to travel. Well we like to go lots of places and the less we spend the more places we can go! We usually like to stay in the $50 to $60 range with a fridge and coffeemaker. (If rooms don’t have them, we bring ours! The coffeemaker not the fridge). That means we do a lot of off-season travel and I spend a lot of time online and calling around.

It’s also how this blog happened. Leo decides to go somewhere and then he says “Why don’t YOU check it out online and see what you can find?” I’ve developed quite a rep in the family for find great places. So now I get lots of requests for help. A blog was a convenient way to share info.

So I hope this helps you find a great spot get away for a few days.

Save $25 on at the Isaiah Jones Homestead Bed & Breakfast in Sandwich until May 15, 2009.

The Isaiah Jones Homestead Bed and Breakfast is located at 165 Main Street, in Sandwich, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. This elegant bed & breakfast is housed in a 1849 Victorian complete with carriage house.  I go by it every day on my morning walk and always enjoy the beautiful landscaping.

There are several Spring savings options available.

SAVE $25 There’s the Save $25 on your stay between March 6 and May 15, 2009. You must refer to Spring9 when you call to make these reservations.

FREE UPGRADE If you book two nights in a Traditional Room at the regular rate, they’ll offer you a free upgrade to a luxury room depending on availability.

SPRING FLING PACKAGE You get 2 nights in a room of your choice, a gourmet breakfast each morning, dinner for two at the fabulous Belfry Bistro (I’ve eaten here, to die for food!), round-trip tickets to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, and gorgeous Spring flowers in your room. Starts at $475. Beverages taxes and gratuities aren’t included. And you can’t combine the Free Upgrade and Spring Fling.

All guest rooms at the Isaiah Jones Homestead have private bathrooms, king or queen beds with luxury linens, either fireplaces or glass front stoves, several rooms have whirlpool baths. There are bathrobes, hair dryers and bath products. There is central air conditioning if needed. There is a total of seven guest rooms. Rate vary from about $150 to $275.  The Isaiah Jones Homestead website has very good pictures of their rooms. But  this is subject to seasonal change and holidays, and in the travel industry rates change without notice. So call Innkeepers Don and Katherine Sanderson at 508-888-9115 to check on rates, specials, and availability.

Click here for information on all Sandwich Bed and Breakfasts.

Aaron Burbank’s Windfall House Bed and Breakfast Room Rates as low as $85/night Until May22.

I walk past this beautiful 1818 colonial home almost everyday. It is located in the heart of the Sandwich Historic District at 108 Main Street, and I think it would be a real treat to stay here for under $100 a day.  Room rates until May 22 vary from $85 to $125. It would indeed be a gracious experience. A candlelight breakfast and afternoon tea are included in the rates.  Enjoy the many historic features of this meticulously restored home.

The guestrooms have either full-sized or queen-sized beds and are furnished with antique and period pieces and decorated with fresh flowers. They have either a private or shared bath. You can check out the rooms and details on the Aaron Burbank’s Windfall House website. Rates are subject to change without notice, so innkeeper Ted Diggle a call at 1-877-594-6325 to confirm.

CLICK HERE to see a directory of Sandwich bed and breakfasts.

Plan a Romantic Getaway at the Chatham Inn, located in Chatham, Cape Cod for as Little as $139 a day Until May 7.

The Chatham Inn has six luxurious guest rooms in two historic structures - the Main House and the Carriage House.  Not only is it gorgeous, it’s a foodie’s paradise. On their website they list the food included with your guest room. There’s a snack basket available ALL day with snacks such as pretzels, nut, and chips. Then there’s the guest fridge with bottled water and sodas to wash down all the snacks. In afternoon there’s warm home-baked cookies. And when you’ve stuffed your tummy full, there’s a hammock to nap in! Oh, I forgot to describe the gourmet breakfast that includes Upside-Down Apple French Toast, Baked Eggs Florentine, or Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes, in addition to homemade muffins, breads, cereal, etc. etc.

The Chatham Inn is about a mile from Chatham Light Beach and a half mile from Chatham Center. Leo, my husband and I, would have to do some serious walking so I could indulge in the snacks and food. (Leo has more will power than I do.)

Okay back to the room rates. Until May 7, Main House Rooms 1 &2 go for about $139. Room 3 about $149.  In the Carriage House, all three guess room are $169 a day. Things are subject change, there may be minimum stays. Children must be 10 or older. No Smoking. No Pets. So give them a call at 800-355-8868. Or visit the Chatham Inn website.

CLICK HERE to see our directory of more charming Chatham Inn and Bed & Breakfast establishments.

The 1750 Inn at Sandwich will host 3 Gourmet Weeknds this Spring.

As you read Cape Cod for Tourists, you’ll soon see that I’m a foodie. I love trying restauants and going to wine tastings and shopping for unusual food products. So these gourmet weekends or Cape Cod Culinary Capers as they’re called at the 1750 Inn at Sandwich caught my eye.

First you get to stay in one of the luxurious rooms at the 1750 Inn at Sandwich. There are 5 romantic guest rooms, some with fireplaces. Then you have a wine tasting and hors de oeuvres on Friday Night. Saturday afternoon from noon to 3:00 you have a cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Gert Rausch at the Aqua Grille. The restaurant is located at the Sandwich Marina, I’ve eaten there many times. Chef Rausch a good cook, believe me! Then at 7 pm you return for a 3 course gourmet seafood dinner.

The Cape Cod Culinary Caper gourmet weekends are scheduled for March 20 & 21, April 17 & 18, and May 15 & 16. The approximate cost is for a guest room with a fireplace $469, without a fireplace $429. The prices will vary depending on the seafood used in the meal. And the meal beverages, tax, and gratuities are extra.

So give Innkeepers Jan and Charlie Preus a call at 508-888-6958 to get the details on their gourmet weekends. Or check out the 1750 Inn at Sandwich website.

Please CLICK HERE to see a listing of Sandwich Bed and Breakfast Inns.