Cape Cod hotels and motels come in every style, location, and price range. Here are some handy money-saving tips that'll help you choose great Cape Cod lodging that won't break your vacation budget.
1. Location, Location, Location.
Do you have your heart set on an ocean view? Or maybe stepping from your hotel room door right onto the beach? Sounds glorious, and it is. But hold onto your wallet! You'll pay more - perhaps a lot more - for those luxuries.
Location really is everything when it comes to finding affordable room rates at Cape Cod hotels and motels.
To make the most of your vacation lodging budget, think of it this way...
With so many wonderful places to explore and fun things to do on the Cape, how much time do you really expect to spend in your room looking out the window? I bet you'll be out and about a lot more than you'll be hanging around in your room.
And speaking of getting "out and about", why limit yourself to the same beach every day - just because you've paid extra for that beachfront room? Even if you'll only be here for a few days, you'll want to visit more than one beach. (Believe me, you will!) Our Ocean, Bay, and Sound beaches are all very different, and all special in their own way. Visit one of each to get the real feel of the Cape!
So, if budget is a big factor in your vacation planning - think twice about the oceanfront room. Choose a room with a more modest view, or maybe a hotel within walking distance to a beach. With the money you save, splurge on a yummy Cape Cod lobster feast or some really special activities. You'll be glad you did!
2. Check Out "Extras" and Package Deals.
Free continental breakfast. Coupons for lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Free use of bicycles and beach chairs. Whale watching, a round of golf, and organized activities for the kids or even for the whole family. These are just a few of the "extras" and package deals offered at some Cape Cod hotels, motels and resorts.
When you consider the cash you'll lay out for food and activities during your vacation, sometimes it makes sense to choose a hotel, motel or resort that includes some of these extras as part of the room rate. But only if you'll actually use them, of course!
3. Don't Discount the Discount Lodgings.
When you see a room rate that seems impossibly low, do you instantly think: "If it's that cheap, it must be a rathole."?
I'll admit it. I'm often guilty of the same thought process when I'm making our family's travel plans.
But I can tell you - on Cape Cod, you'll find some very nice lodgings at some amazingly low prices.
They might not be the fanciest places in town, and they might not have spiffy decor, flat screen TVs, or 24/7 front desk service. But for 0 per night or less, you'll have a comfortable, clean, friendly place to stay.
So when you're looking at Cape Cod accommodations listings at the online booking services - don't just click right past the low-cost options. Check them out. Read the traveler reviews. Look at all the photos.
Call the lodging's local phone number (it'll probably be a 508 area code). The person who answers will likely be a "local", and might even be the owner. Ask about the accommodations, the area, and anything else that's on your mind.
If the traveler reviews are generally favorable, and you've had a good experience with the person on the other end of the phone when you called...
You've probably found one of our hidden gems!
4. Reserve Early/Reserve Late.
Will you get the best deals on Cape Cod lodging by booking your reservation early or by waiting until the last minute? It's impossible to say for sure.
A couple years ago, when the economy first went into the dumper, we were seeing some amazing last-minute lodging deals... even at some of the more popular Cape Cod hotels and motels that are normally booked to capacity many months in advance.
This year (2010), Cape Cod tourism rebounded with some vigor - and anyone who waited until the last minute to book a room for July or August had a tougher time of it.
Who knows what 2011 and beyond will bring? So my best advice remains: If you're planning to visit the Cape during the summer months, the earlier you make your reservation the better choice of location, rooms and rates you'll have.
Then, once you've reserved a place to stay, go ahead and continue looking for better deals. If you find one - grab it.
(Important: Don't grab the new deal until you're absolutely, positively, 100% certain you can cancel your original reservation without paying a penalty. Most Cape Cod lodgings have very strict cancellation policies... and they do enforce them!)
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