Wayside Inn?

Question

Hi folks, I’ve posted earlier on my itinerary. This post is specifically to help me decide between two hotels.

2 nights in the cape with my husband and two kids ages almost 12 and 14.

Village Cape Cod off highway 6A in Yarmouth or Wayside Chatham

OR one night in each?

I love the idea of staying in a charming inn such as Village with who seem to be the nicest people (think my family would enjoy the homey nature so hard to find in most hotels)

But I am drawn to the Wayside as it appears to be charming in its own right even though it’s not as cozy and a more managed hotel. The upside to the Wayside is its proximity and ease of walking to Chatham plus easy drive around in that area should we like to see P Town.

Perhaps one night each is too hectic? And we should stay in either for both nights? Which would you choose please?

Answer

Both the Village Cape Cod in Yarmouth and the Wayside Inn in Chatham offer great experiences, but they each bring a different vibe to your stay. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one might be better suited for your family’s preferences and schedule.

Village Cape Cod (Yarmouth):

If you’re looking for a more “homey” and charming experience, the Village Cape Cod seems like a fantastic choice. It’s a cozy inn that will provide a more intimate atmosphere with a personal touch. The owners and staff are known for being very friendly and accommodating, which can give your family a special, warm feeling that you don’t often find in larger, more commercialized hotels. The Yarmouth location, off Highway 6A, is close to several nice attractions and beaches in the mid-Cape area, making it a great base if you want to explore.

Pros: Homey, personal atmosphere, great for families who prefer cozy, intimate spaces.
Cons: It’s further from the more popular tourist hubs like Chatham and Provincetown, so if you want to be closer to those areas, it might feel a bit out of the way.

Wayside Inn (Chatham):

The Wayside Inn in Chatham is definitely charming, though it offers a bit more of a managed hotel experience. It’s a little more upscale and features beautiful grounds, as well as being a short walk into the town of Chatham. This could be appealing for families who want easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions. The main advantage is its proximity to Chatham's picturesque shops, restaurants, and its coastal setting, plus the ease of driving to nearby places like Provincetown. If you enjoy walking to local attractions and having everything nearby, the Wayside could offer the convenience you’re looking for.

Pros: Walking distance to Chatham, easier access to attractions in the outer Cape, more centrally located for driving around to places like Provincetown.
Cons: It’s a bit less cozy and more like a traditional hotel, so it might lack the homey, intimate feel you’re looking for.

One Night at Each or Two Nights in One Place?

It’s understandable to be tempted by the idea of staying one night at each place to experience both, but it could end up being more hectic than relaxing. Moving between two hotels in just two nights can make the trip feel rushed and could leave less time for you and your family to truly enjoy the Cape.

One Night at Each: If you do this, plan on a very busy, action-packed schedule. You’ll have to check out and check in again, which could disrupt the flow of your trip. It might be more tiring, especially for your kids, and could take away from relaxation time.
Two Nights in One Place: Staying in one place for both nights would allow you to really settle in and explore the local area without the stress of moving. If you choose Village Cape Cod, you can enjoy a more homey, quiet atmosphere while being a short drive from many great destinations. If you pick the Wayside Inn, you’ll enjoy more convenience and proximity to shops and attractions while still having a charming experience.

Which Would I Choose? If your family enjoys a more personal, cozy vibe and doesn’t mind a bit of driving to nearby attractions, the Village Cape Cod in Yarmouth is a fantastic choice. It sounds like a wonderful place to relax and unwind with a more intimate feel. However, if you prefer to be closer to the action, walkable areas, and enjoy a bit more convenience, The Wayside Inn in Chatham would be a great option, particularly if you plan on visiting Provincetown or the outer Cape.

Overall, I would recommend sticking with one hotel for both nights. It will give you more time to relax and explore the area without the stress of constantly packing up and moving. If you’re leaning towards a charming, homey experience, the Village might be the best fit, but if you’re after convenience and easy access to more attractions, Wayside is a great choice.