Falmouth Heights Motor Lodge

The family who has run this six-building complex since 1969 live on the property, and it shows in the lodge's friendly, relaxed ambience. The small lobby, which is primarily for check-in, is pleasantly decorated in a homey way, with nautical-theme art and lots of light streaming in from the large windows. The grassy grounds are where most of the guests hang out when not in their rooms or out exploring the Cape. The grounds cover more than four acres and include lots of towering shady trees that create enticing spaces to stop and rest. A cluster of covered tables sit next to a gas grill, with children’s swings and a wooden swing set for adults nearby as well. The popular pool sits in the midst of the grounds, inviting guests to take a refreshing dip, or make the most of the cocktail hour.

The hotel is located in southwest Cape Cod, about a five-minute drive (or a 20 minute walk) to Falmouth’s Main Street, which is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a quiet neighborhood that’s a three-minute walk to the Falmouth Heights Beach and about a five-minute walk to the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Several restaurants are within a five- to 10-minute walk, with many on the waterfront. The hotel is on the Falmouth Bike Route, which connects to the Shining Sea Bikeway that winds for several miles along the oceanfront. Boston Logan International Airport and Providence’s T.F. Green Airport are both about a 90-minute drive, depending on city and Cape traffic. Provincetown, at the tip of the Cape, is also about a 90-minute drive.

With six separate buildings that have been added to the property over the years, the size, configuration, and decor of the 28 rooms can vary significantly. The Queen Rooms in the original building (Main Lodge) measure 224 square feet, and bathrooms can be cramped, while some of the larger rooms are at least 500 square feet and include private balconies or decks, kitchenettes, dining tables, and sleeper sofas. Generally, the decor is tasteful and traditional (or a bit dated and dowdy, depending on your perspective) and done in light earth tones or soft pastels in blue, pink, or green. Nautical or floral accents appear in the bedspreads, upholstered furniture, and artwork. The matching furniture typically has a light beige or white finish, and floors have brown or reddish-brown carpeting. Beige bathrooms skew small with acrylic shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Some bathrooms have white ceramic pedestal sinks, while others have marble-top vanities or acrylic vanities. Some vanities are placed outside the bathrooms. Some rooms have distant ocean views, while others overlook the grounds. The rooms are exceptionally well-maintained and quiet. Standard amenities include microwaves, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and 32-inch flat screen TVs. Rooms equipped with kitchenettes have sinks and ranges as well. Various bed options are available, including king, a single queen, two doubles, and two queens.

This family-run motor lodge-style hotel offers a nice package of amenities for a budget property. The free continental breakfast includes fruit and pastries. Guests can park (at no charge) right in front of their rooms. The outdoor pool is surrounded by the lovely grounds that span over four acres and include several large shade trees and a picnic area with covered tables and a gas grill for guests' use. It also has a swing set for children and bicycle storage. Bicycles can be rented nearby. The hotel provides towels for use at the pool or nearby beach. Beach chairs also are provided free of charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the six-building complex, and there's a coin-operated guest laundry on site. The hotel also sells ferry tickets to Martha's Vineyard at a discount.