Summertime on Cape Cod can be what dreams are made of, especially if you are staying at the Chatham Bars Inn. Arguably the most luxurious resort on Cape Cod, the Chatham Bars Inn does not disappoint. Lets find out why you should book a room or better yet a “spa suite” at good ole CBI.
Getting There
Every Bostonian shudders at the words “Cape Traffic”, however, if you are smart and head down at a slightly “off” time, like Thursday morning, the trek from Boston to the old whaling city of Chatham isn’t actually that bad. Even with a little traffic here and there, you will make it there in 2 hours. And compared to the horrors of Hamptons traffic, I don’t think that’s too bad.
Chatham is the elbow of Cape Cod, and is smack dab in what we call the “lower cape”. With stretches of sandy beaches and plenty of oyster and clam shacks to go around, Chatham is about as “Cape Cod” as you can get.
Chatham Bars Inn
New Yorkers always complain that there aren’t enough decent hotels on Cape Cod, and before I stayed at the Chatham Bars Inn I tended to agree. However, once you have stayed in a “Spa Suite” at CBI, you you won’t be looking around for other places to stay.
The property is more compound rather than traditional “hotel”. There is the “Main Inn”, which houses reception, 3 different dining options, and dozens of ocean view rooms and suites, including the Presidential Suite. Then there are the cottages, offering multiple bedrooms, perfect for family getaways. And finally, where we stayed, the adults-only “Spa Suites” offer a unique experience where each room has its own sauna and oversized whirlpool tub. Oh and these suites also have access to a private pool.
Dining
With so many dining options on property, it will hard to pull yourself away. But downtown Chatham is so charming that I highly recommend at least venturing out once during your stay. Bluefins is a local favorite for an upscale sushi experience. With many creative rolls and dishes offered, it is definitely a crowd pleaser and with all the local seafood readily available, it is a sushi lovers hot spot.
However, if you are staying at CBI, you need to check out the many different types of dining options available. Just like the accommodations, no detail is spared. Even starting at breakfast, you can expect well executed food, stellar service and that charming Cape Cod ambiance. Oh and don’t forget your Sperries and Jack Rodgers, the dress code is most certainly “Cape Cod smart casual”. At breakfast, some winners were the lobster crepes and the corned beef hash. The green smoothies are a great addition to the menu as well.
For lunch, definitely make time to head down to the Beach House for a seaside experience that reminded me of any upscale oceanfront restaurant on the Riviera. Seafood is definitely a strength: a heaping lobster roll and a a bottle of rose will make for that magical Cape Cod afternoon. Oh and finish it all off with one of the indulgent desserts.
And for the main event—dinner at STARS. This summer Chatham Bars Inn has partnered with Jody Adams for an exciting new menu. The menu features a New England/Mediterranean fusion that delights the palate. Each dish is well executed and is honestly just scrumptious.
What to Do
In between all that fabulous dining, you should try to squeeze in some other activities here and there. Of course, there is the private beach club and outdoor pool. Which on a sunny August day is just what the doctor ordered.
But there is so much more to do, there is the world class spa. But for the more adventurous types, I highly recommend the “Oyster Harbor Cruise”. You hop on the hotel’s Regulator and jet over up the coast to “Chatham Shellfish Company” to pluck some oysters right from the source and then learn how to shuck them. So much fun for the raw bar fanatic.
And finally, if you want to do something back on land, the hotel has a partnership with Lexus and has serval luxury vehicles that you can test out and take out for the day to explore around the cape.
Chatham Bars Inn is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, head to the Cape this summer (or fall!)!