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.

Memorial Day Weekend is the start to the official summer season on Cape Cod. It used to be the weekend when we would welcome back all our regular summer residents and the tourists would arrive. While that line has seemed to blur in recent years, this weekend is still a major deal around here. And because of that Cape Cod motels and other lodging rates are higher on that weekend. But you can still find affordable deals on Cape Cod on Memorial Day Weekend.

Here are a few that I’ve found so far. Just know, that these numbers can go up or down without notice depending on the economy and weather.  So if you find rates that you like, I would definitely make the reservation and lock them in. Don’t forget state and local taxes and minimum stay requirements. There may be additional charges for individual motels and hotels. So you should always call to confirm.

The Town Crier Motel in Eastham has rates available for Memorial Day Weekend starting at $129/night. Double occupancy. 2 children under 15 can stay free. Extra adults and children are $15 each. It’s $10 each for adults and children 13 and over. An additional $5 for children 12 and Under. Room amenities include color / cable television, microwave, refrigerator, hair dryer, coffee-maker, direct-dial telephone, FREE wireless internet and individual Heat/AC control.

The Earl of Sandwich, on Route 6A in Sandwich has posted that its Memorial Day rates are $85 for a room with a Queen bed and $89 for a room with 2 Double beds. All rooms have either Queen or Double beds, air conditioning, refrigerators, private bath, cable/color television, telephones, and WiFi. Many rooms have canopied beds. A continental breakfast is included in your room rate.

The Carleton Motel in Falmouth rates for the Memorial Day Weekend period are $99.95 for a room with a Queen Bed and $119.95 for a room with two Double Beds. There may be a 3-night minimum stay requirement for Memorial Day Weekend. Amenities include Continental Breakfast, Outdoor Pool, Barbeque Areas, Kids Playground Area, Free High-speed Wireless Internet; In-room Fridge/Microwave/Coffeemaker.

For more info on Cape Cod lodging please check out these directories: Chatham Hotels and Inns, Falmouth Hotels and Inns, Hyannis Hotels and Inns, Sandwich Hotels and Inns.

SAVE FROM 10% to 50% when you stay at the Cape Cod Harbor House Inn

From April 17 through June 4.  Here’s the deal on the Midweek Madness Rates
10% off first night
20% off second night
30% off third night
40% off fourth night
50% off fifth night

You can choose any time of room and any day, and the length of your stay. Saving apply to mid-week rates, your stay must be continuous, holiday weekends are not included, AND YOU MUST MENTION THIS OFFER - SRPING/FALL MIDWEEK MADNESS SPECIAL, WHEN YOU CALL TO RESERVE. Here’s the number 800-211-5551.

So what kind of rates are are we looking at? A Standard Ground Floor Mini-Suite from April 17 to June 24, runs from about $119 to to $139 during the week. On the weekend figure about $144 to $164. That’s an approximation. So it’s best to call and figure it out with them. There are also 4 more kinds of suites that you can inquire about - Quee Mini-Suite, Deluxe Queen Mini-Suite, King Mini-Suite, and the Harbor Suite.

The Cape Cod Harbor House Inn is located on Hyannis Harbor, a short walk from the Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard Ferry Lines, deep sea fishing charters, sailing and kayak rentals, pirate ship adventures, narrated tours of the harbor and Hyannisport (think view of Kennedy compound), as well as lots of shops and restaurants. It’s within a block of two beaches.

The other thing that I like about the Cape Cod Harbor Inn is that they have a shuttle to the bus terminal. So if you’re an urban dweller, who usually depends on public transportation, you don’t have to go to the expense of renting a car. Outside of Hyannis, there really isn’t much public transportation t speak of on Cape Cod. Here’s the website of the Cape Cod Harbor House Inn

Tidewater Inn School Vacation Rates start at $69 a night during School Vacation Week.

The Tidwater Inn has just announced special rates for School Vacation Week - which in Massachusetts is from April 17 to April 26. Stay from Sunday through Thursday at the rate is only $69.99 a night. On Friday and Saturday the rate increases to $79.99.

Rooms at the Tidwater Inn have cable TV, Iron and Ironing Baord, Blackout Drapes, Clock Radio, Coffee Maker, Balconies and Decks, Refridgerator, Hair Dryer, Individually controlled heat and air conditioner.

The Tidewater in is located at 135 Route 28 in West Yarmouth visit the Tidewater 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.

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.

SAVE 5% If you mention “SUMMER BREEZE”, make your reservation by May 31, and stay 6 or more nights at the Captain Farris House during July or August - you’ll receive 5% off your total stay! But you must mention “Summer Breeze” when you book! Their phone number is 1-800-350-9477.

AMENITIES The Captain Farris House is a beautiful bed and breakfast located in the Bass River village of South Yarmouth. Some of the amenities include Large private bathrooms, most with Jacuzzis; Cable TV with VCR and in house video library; Complimentary popcorn, and soft drinks; Direct dial in-room phones with data port; Individual heat controls, and window unit, Air-conditioners; Private Entrances, Bathrobes, hair dryers; iron, and ironing board; Gilcrest & Soames bath amenities; Fresh Flowers, chocolates; Lots of fluffy towels; Some rooms have fireplaces, and sundecks; Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels available; Laptop available for guest use. WIFI on site; Complimentary Evening Cordials.

ROOM RATES. During the summer season from May 21 to October 17 room rates vary from $185 to $245. In the off-season room rates vary from $140 to $165. This all depends on which room and when you visit. It’s always best to call ahead and verify rates and availability. In the travel industry things can change quickly.

CLICK HERE to visit the Captain Farris Inn website and see for yourself how beautiful it is.

The Whalewalk Inn is offering 40% off Room Rates during April, May and the First Two Weeks of June.

If you’d like to stay at a really upscale, beautiful, romantic Cape Cod Inn and Spa, but would like to stay on a budget, this is your chance. You have to be willing to stay 3 nights, from Sunday to Thursday. I think this would be a very good use of vacation and personal days! And if you’re a teacher, bring your lesson plan book, and receive complimentary champagne! This cannot be combined with off-season rates.

It’s always a challenge to report room rates, because of all the variables. Generally Off-Season Rates range from $190 to $305 per night. In-Season rates range from $220 to $365. Off-Season rates begin the Tuesday after Columbus Day Weekend and end the Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend. You should always call ahead to verify rates and check availability, and how it all fits together with the 40% off discount. The Whalewalk Inn phone number is 800-441-1281.

There are 16 gorgeous guest rooms, in 6 buildings, spaciously scattered over 3 acres. So there’s lots of options. All of the rooms have private baths and are air-conditioned.

And don’t forget there’s a spa! You’ll find a fitness facility with cardiovascular and weight training equipment - treadmill, elliptical trainer, recumbent bicycle, and Bowflex system. I would be on the elliptical, while Leo, my husband, would love the heated, in-door resistance pool, where you swim against the current. You get to pick how strong you want the current to be. Then we would both hang out in the Swedish-style Sauna. Yes, I can dream on!

CLCK HERE check out the Whalewalk Inn Website, and see how romantically gorgeous it is. If you have a spring wedding annersary or special birthday coming up, I’d say book now!

The Maple Street Inn is the Perfect Place for Romantic Getaways on Cape Cod.

The Maple Street Inn is a charming spot located in West Barnstable. If I didn’t live on Cape Cod and wanted to romance my husband, this would be on the short list.

Engagement Package. In fact the Inn even has an Engagement Package, where you get to pop the question in romantic style. After you check in there’s a couples’ massage in the Hydrangea Suite. Then dinner at one of the best restaurants on Cape Cod. While your eating, the staff prepares your room, turning down the bed and putting a padded oyster shell (with the engagement ring) on your beloved’s side of the bed. The whole bed is sprinkled in silk rose petals. And there’s even roses, champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. If you have other things you would like included the Maple Street Inn staff is willing to customize. Of course this could lead to additional charges.  In the Off-Season the cost for this romantic night is $555 plus the cost of dinner. But it’s always best to call and check rates and availability - 508-362-2980. Things change without notice in the travel industry

The Maple Street Inn is small and unique in with only three rooms - The Hydrangea Suite ($175 - $225 a night), The Garden Room ($140 - $175), and the Beach Rose Room ($150-$200). Again call them to verify rates and availability.

What really attracts me to the Maple Street Inn, is their emphasis on stress reduction and relaxation. Who doesn’t need more of that? They offer Wellness Spa Services which includes all kinds of massages and body lotions and treatments. My tired feet would love one right now!

So here’s the Maple Stree Inn website. I bet you’ll be as impress as I am.

Romantic Cape Cod Getaway Starts at $155 a day at the Dunscroft By-The-Sea Inn.

The Dunscroft By-The-Sea Inn is just what I picture when I think of a romantic Cape Cod inn. It is located on the right on the ocean with a private, 2-mile, ocean-front beach - only 150 yards from the inn. Are you celebrating your anniversary or an important birthday this Spring? Make it very special with a weekend at the Dunscroft By-The Sea Inn.

Dunscroft has 8 beautiful roooms - with the rates varying for every room. It’s hard to tell exactly what the rates are and they vary according to season. But for the Spring I selected dates that would correspond to Patriot’s Day Weekend to give you an idea. Room rates varied from $155 to $275. Nancy and Laura ($275/day), Penelope ($225), Emily ($175), Leona and Julie($195), and Amy ($155). There is also Clara’s Cottage - a 700 sf cotagge - ($325).

Rooms with fireplaces - Clara’s Cottage, Nancy, and Laura.
Roooms with jacuzzi - Clara’s Cottage, Nancy, Penelope, Emily

The atmosphere is described as “Cape Cod Southern Hospitality.” If I wanted a quiet romantic Cape Cod Getaway this would be it! You can call them at 800-432-4345 to confirm the rates for your dates and to get information on any specials. You can visit the Dunscroft By-the-Sea website and see pictures of the beach and each room.