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Ocean Front Hotel

by Cynthia
(New York, Westchester)

Question: Hi, hope you can help! I'm looking for a hotel on the beach. I want my toes in the sand outside my room.

A real nice beach with soft white sand and good size waves (my kids are bigger and like the water), walk to restaurants and town would be a big plus. Oh and I am a clean freak so I need a very clean place to stay.

Thanks for any info you may have on my tall order!

Dee's Reply: Hi Cynthia - You're right, it is a tall order to find a waterfront hotel on a beach that has good waves!

The reason it's such a challenge is because Cape Cod's "waviest" beaches are on our Atlantic Ocean coastline within the Cape Cod National Seashore.

As a federally protected area, the National Seashore has had essentially no commercial development since the early 1960s. So, direct Atlantic Ocean-front hotels are virtually non-existent.

However ... if you want spectacular ocean views from your hotel room, and you don't mind walking a couple hundred steps to a great-wave beach, I do have an idea for you: Nauset Knoll Motor Lodge in Orleans.

Nauset Knoll is a retro 1960s motor lodge that sits up on a knoll (hence, the name!) overlooking Nauset Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

The rooms are very basic (some might call them "spartan"), but the property is beautifully kept. I've visited Nauset Knoll and met the manager, and I have to tell you I was soooo impressed with the pride he takes in customer service - including keeping the rooms and the grounds in tip-top condition. And the location is definitely the stuff of dreams!!

Oh, one more thing. If you do stay at Nauset Knoll, most of the restaurants, shopping, activities, etc., will be a short (5-10 minutes) drive away. But there's a fantastic snack bar at Nauset Beach that serves all sorts of food, along with the best onion rings you'll ever taste. It's a great option when you don't have the ambition to drive into town!

If Nauset Knoll interests you, I'd recommend that you check as soon as possible to see if there's a room available for your dates. Those who know and love it tend to make their reservations way in advance, so it can be tough to find an opening in high season.

Here's where you can see what visitors who've stayed there have to say:

Nauset Knoll Reviews

And here's a link to the hotel's website for photos, reservation information, etc.:

Nauset Knoll Motor Lodge

Finally, if for whatever reason Nauset Knoll doesn't work out for you, just let me know. There are plenty of other places on Cape Cod where you can have your toes in the sand just a few steps from your hotel room door. You might have to sacrifice a little wave action, but I have no doubt that we can find lodging in a beachfront location that you and your kids will love!

Best Regards,

Dee

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