Corsair and Cross Rip Oceanfront

Amid the area’s charming vintage motels and upscale beachfront inns, Corsair and Cross Rip Oceanfront sits squarely in the middle. The structural “bones” recall ‘50s-style architecture, however, it’s undergone substantial updates since. Vinyl siding and a stone facade provide a touch of modern Cape style, but little about the decor is memorable. Unfortunately, the lobby and common areas feel as if they were designed in starts and stops. The result is a bland aesthetic without any clear direction, and the style is dated throughout. That being said, this remains a popular pick for families traveling to the Cape year after year, in part due to the family-friendly vibe created by three pools, a lovely soft sand beach, and a sizeable game room.

The area around the hotel consists mostly of cottage-style homes and smaller hotels, which means there are few points of interest within walking distance. However, Route 28 offers some restaurants and retail stores within a five-minute drive. For locally flavored shops, bars, museums, and the Nantucket ferry terminal, downtown Hyannis is 20 minutes away by car. Provincetown -- an artsy day trip at the end of the Cape -- will take about an hour to reach in good traffic.The hotel’s location on the south central coast of Cape Cod means a rental car, or traveling with your own car, makes the most sense. The closest airport, Barnstable Municipal, offers flights to and from Boston, but they are limited and expensive. The two nearest major airports in Boston and Providence are each 90 minutes away by car without traffic. Alternatively, Provincetown Harbor provides direct ferry service to and from Boston -- trips take 90 minutes or three hours depending on the type of boat chosen.

Most rooms feature  curious, mismatched decor that all comes together in a dated package that's quite clean and well kept overall. There are beachy touches, like beadboard and seafoam green wall color in some areas -- cheap, low-pile carpeting, stackable convention center-style chairs, and dated, ‘90s-era wall art all look out of place. Amenities in all rooms are geared toward self-catering travelers. Most feature at least a mini-fridge, while upgraded rooms provide kitchenettes or galley kitchens with ovens, full-size refrigerators, and microwaves. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are also standard, and we found the Internet service to be fast.Rooms are split between eleven categories with a wide variety of sizes and subtle variations. Tiny, entry-level Value Rooms measure a tiny 140 square feet (13 square meters), but manage to pack a queen bed, full bathroom, and a kitchenette or galley kitchen. Mid-range Superior Rooms offer 256 square feet (24 square meters) of floor space with all of the above amenities, plus DVD players, larger kitchenettes, and optional ocean-view balconies. Deluxe Rooms are similarly appointed, but much more substantial when it comes to room to move, with 384-square-foot floor plans (36 square meters). Beds in all of the above rooms feature pillow-top bedding and are well-reviewed as plush and comfortable.A handful of suites spread throughout the property offer similar amenities to the above room categories. However, floor plans are split to allow for separate sleeping and living quarters. The Junior Suites, Townhouse Suite, and Captain’s Suite all include two bedrooms and the most floor space of any rooms on the property.Bathrooms are adequately-sized, and most are clean, bright, and modern. Pedestal sinks, stone tile flooring, warm yellow walls, and porcelain tile showers create a look that’s a step above comparable budget hotels. Brushed nickel fixtures add a touch of sophistication. Many rooms feature one-person whirlpool tubs. Tiny hair dryers and generic bath amenities are standard in all rooms.

The star of the show here is the solid array of features on offer, all of which please the hotel's repeat visitors, many of whom are drawn here by the family-friendly amenities. With a total of three pools (including an indoor pool), a wide beach, and a sizeable game room, the hotel is well-suited to travelers with children.The hotel is situated on a lovely, soft sand beach. While not private, it’s typically quiet, relaxed, and uncrowded. High tide rises to within 40 feet of the property line (12 meters), so the strip of sand is quite shallow. There's no hotel-provided seating on the beach, but guests are free to use the hotel’s beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas. With three pools -- two outdoor and one indoor -- the hotel offers more pool space than almost any budget hotel in the area. Each of the three pools is located in a separate area. The two outdoor pools provide lovely views of the beach from a sizeable pool deck. Adequate patio furniture and umbrellas provide shaded seating around both pools. Situated in a third building across the street, the indoor pool is modest, but clean and well-maintained. A handful of standard lounge chairs and basic patio tables and chairs provide a small amount of seating.Continental breakfast is also a nice perk -- it's included with room rates and offerings are typical cereals, pastries, and other cold items. The breakfast area is quite small for a hotel of this size. The hotel's game room is spacious, though, with entertainment for a wide array of ages. Ping-pong, foosball, and pool tables are all available, alongside a playroom with toys that are more appropriate for elementary-age kids.Self-parking is available in a free, off-street lot and the surrounding neighborhood is quiet, safe, and secure. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.