Green Harbor Waterfront Lodging

As an older property, the rooms, common areas, and furnishings here all feel well-worn, though not dirty or dingy, and that draws plenty of enthusiastic guests year after year. The hotel’s tiny size means that staff often interact with guests on a personal, first-name basis. Don't expect high style here -- this a modest property through and through, and the design of the hotel is similar to the many bi-level motels that run up and down both sides of the Cape. The marine color scheme adds a touch of Cape Cod flair, and the large, waterfront “backyard” features a heated pool and a inlet beach, and it all feels quite homey. The lawn includes dozens of patio sets with umbrellas and shared-use barbecue grills that all create an atmosphere akin to a large, neighborhood party in the summertime. Overall, the vibe is laid-back, quiet, and ideal for families looking to bring their children -- and their dogs -- on an affordable waterfront vacation.

Situated on a quiet, unassuming residential street in the southwestern Cape, there’s little within walking distance of the hotel. However, several chain and local restaurants, and Mashpee Commons shopping center, are within a five-minute drive. The ferry docks to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are less than 20 minutes away, making for easy island day trips. On the back side of the hotel, the small beach and adjoining dock facilitate kayaking and fishing trips in the harbor.Given the hotel’s location in residential Cape Cod, the most convenient form of airport transportation is likely to rent a car. There are no simple public transport options that connect Falmouth directly to either of the two closest airports. Providence’s T.F. Green Airport is approximately 90 minutes away while Boston’s Logan International is at least a two-hour drive. However, these times depend entirely on high season traffic, which can easily double the commute.

Decor in all rooms is simple, quaint, and typical of Cape Cod cottage-style motels. Furnishings and fixtures -- including floral bed linens, brass accents, dark traditional furniture, and industrial carpeting -- are clearly dated. The carpeting in some rooms also showed some wear. Sea-themed wallpaper borders or stucco walls in many rooms contribute to the cottage-like aesthetic, and wall art is the soft-hued kind often found in older properties. That being said, things are mostly well kept and clean, making the overall experience a pleasant one.All rooms provide a solid list of amenities. At a minimum, each offers a mini-fridge or refrigerator, microwave, air-conditioning, and a modest flat-screen TV. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property, and we found it to be reliable during our stay.Most room categories -- including Waterfront Guest Rooms and Beachside Guest Rooms -- are similar in size, layout, and appointments. All provide shared balconies or patios with views of the water, but Beachside Guest Rooms are situated within steps of the beach. Beachside Studio with Kitchen Rooms are similarly appointed, but with a slightly larger floor plan and a full kitchen complete with a stove, microwave, sink, and dining counter. The hotel’s Three-Bedroom Cottage is a free-standing home that offers all of the above, plus a separate eat-in kitchen and a living room with a fireplace. The unit also features a private yard, outdoor deck, and backyard grilling area.Bathrooms in Beachside units feature a split-design with a sink and vanity exposed to the room while the toilet and shower are behind a door. Waterfront Guest Room bathrooms are similarly appointed but contained in a single-room layout. Floor space in all bathrooms is tight. Fit and finish is typical of a value hotel, with nothing particularly memorable about the decor. Shower/tub combos and reasonable amounts of counter space come in all bathrooms.

As a smaller motel, Green Harbor Waterfront Lodging features a short list of amenities. Most of these -- including two pools, a grill area, and a harbor beach -- lie in its large “backyard” area.The modest beach is clean, basic, and appears geared more toward water sports than swimming -- canoes and paddleboats are provided. A small dock offers an easy launch point for boaters looking to access the sea and there's a boat ramp as well. Aside from a few plastic patio chairs and a handful of tiki torches, there are no other furnishings or beach amenities. Depending on the season, the staff occasionally hosts bonfires on the sand.A large, clean, heated pool marks the center of the hotel’s outdoor space. Basic lounge chairs and plastic deck chairs are provided. Adjacent to the pool, an expansion deck provides additional lounge chairs and a couple of patio sets with umbrellas. In a separate, fenced-in area, a small kiddy pool offers additional play space for travelers with children. Unfortunately, the space was entirely empty during our stay with no chairs, toys, or umbrellas of any kind. The family friendly vibe is upped by lots of grills and patio sets that are arranged on the hotel's large lawn. The hotel is among the area’s most pet-friendly with only a nominal fee required for up to two leashed pets. Ample free self-parking is available in a large, off-street lot. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.