Lodging options on Cape Cod range from abysmal to Zen-inspired, with prices to match. However, while you may get what you pay for when it comes to plumbers and shoes, that's not necessarily the case in the world of hotels (or motels or inns or B&Bs) where value is rather subjective. Obviously, a four star resort will check all of the luxury boxes, but one person's budget Shangri-La might have nothing to do with service or amenities and everything to do with location or cleanliness. Thus, we've chosen two examples of what to expect from a splurge vs. save summer stay on the Cape.
Open from May through October, the centrally-located SeaCoast Inn offers a "Save" opportunity in downtown Hyannis, the unofficial "Capital of the Cape." The well-known village is a walkable transportation hub and so it's entirely possible to arrive by plane, train or bus and spend a completely car-free vacation going to beaches, museums, restaurants, shops, and/or ferrying over to the islands. Rates at the SeaCoast Inn are a reasonable $128-$168/night and include free high-speed internet access plus a continental breakfast.
With four restaurants, two private beaches, 18 holes of golf, two pools, four Har Tru tennis courts, and 120 "lavish guest rooms and suites," the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club has everything you'd imagine in a luxury spread - and then some. Accommodations range from cozy weathered cottages to spacious elegant suites, all stocked with Molten Brown Toiletries and access to a 24/7 concierge. There's also valet laundry, complimentary shuttle service, spa, business center, and 24-hour room service (including a separate children's menu, natch). Rates at the waterfront Harwich resort range from $595-$3,125/night. Yup, we're gonna put that safely in the "Splurge" category.