Surfcomber on the Ocean

Like many nearby motels, Surfcomber on the Ocean features a classic, bi-level design. The exterior is clad in weathered gray shingles and white trim on the railings and balconies, and the look is fairly classic New England. A central backyard lawn includes a pool and a stretch of meticulously manicured grass that overlooks the beach. The space is large for a small, budget motel. Even with the hotel at capacity, guests are ensured plenty of room to spread out. The adjacent private beach is small, though adequate for hotel's size, and the water is typically calm and swimmable. Like many of its neighbors in the area, this hotel is a calm, laid-back, and humble affair, and it's location outside of downtown Hyannis means the vibe stays relaxed. As most rooms feature two beds, travelers are more likely to find families or couples traveling together.

Situated on a small, private beach, Surfcomber on the Ocean is a 10-minute drive from downtown Hyannis. The town’s popular tourist district offers dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and some museums, including the JFK Museum and Cape Cod Maritime Museum. A few minutes beyond is the Nantucket ferry terminal, with easy access to Nantucket Island for day trips. The immediate area within walking distance of the motel is peppered with resorts, but few other points of interest. Cape Cod is flush with nature, and the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is about 40 minutes east by car, while the scenic beaches at Race Point, outside of vibrant Provincetown at the tip of the Cape, will take just over an hour to reachAlong with a lack of walkability in the area, the motel’s location on Cape Cod’s south central coast requires a car to reach. Nearby Barnstable Municipal Airport is only 12 minutes away by car. However, flights are far more limited than the two nearest major airports: Providence’s T.F. Green Airport and Boston’s Logan International, which are both approximately a 90-minute drive form the hotel, assuming light traffic.

The furnishings in all rooms are simple, clean, and well-maintained. Decor is reasonably modern, with plain wood cabinetry, blond wood IKEA-style end tables and nightstands, generic wall decor like Monet reproductions or beachy prints, and subtle, ocean-inspired accents. The palette includes sea tones like soft blue, greens, and tans, and all rooms are carpeted. The overall look and feel is bright and charming.At just 170 square feet (16 square meters), the entry-level Standard Oceanview Queen rooms are on the small side. However, the remaining eight room categories offer at least 290 square feet (27 square meters) of space -- ample relative to comparable area hotels. At nearly 600 square feet (56 square meters), the sole Oceanfront Efficiency Suite is the hotel’s largest, with two sleeping areas, two full bathrooms, and a fully-equipped kitchen.Standard in all rooms are the essential amenities expected of a two-and-a-half-pearl property, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. All rooms offer some form of a balcony, whether shared in Standard Rooms or a larger private balcony in all Superior and Oceanfront Efficiency Rooms. Upgraded Efficiency Rooms also provide a kitchenette or kitchen with a small refrigerator, sink, microwave, coffeemaker, and basic utensils and drinkware. We found the free Wi-Fi -- available property-wide -- to be fast and reliable during our visit. The beds in all rooms are mostly reviewed as comfortable.Bathrooms are bright, clean, and small, though not cramped. While some bathrooms feature a single-room layout, others offer a split-floor plan where the sink and vanity are separate from the toilet and shower/tub combo. All fixtures are clean, functional, and up-to-date.

The hotel’s communal amenities are limited to its outdoor pool and private beach. As with most budget hotels, there is no on-site restaurant. Because there are also no restaurants within walking distance, most guests will need to venture into downtown Hyannis for dining opportunities.For a 33-room hotel, the backyard area is spacious and includes a heated outdoor pool at its center. Given the short summer season in New England, it’s only open for a brief period each year. Standard patio chairs and lounge chairs ring the outdoor edges of the pool, although there are no umbrellas to provide shade. A tall, white fence surrounds the entire space to add a bit of extra safety for guests with children.At the far end of the lawn, the hotel’s private beach is small, but clean and well-maintained. There is no seating offered directly on the sand. Instead, a row of comfortable, thick-cushioned wooden lounge chairs is set back on a raised step overlooking the water. However, the lack of umbrellas means there is no shaded space to be found in this space either. The ocean water south of Cape Cod ranges from cool to cold any time of year, even in summer. However, it’s typically calm, safe, and swimmable, even for young children.Like most area hotels, free self-parking is provided in a safe, off-street lot. Wi-Fi is also free, but breakfast is not included or provided.