While Cape Cod and the islands are popular summer destinations, the peaceful calm and untouched beauty that linger in the off-season reveal a region that is ideal for weddings, family reunions, and weekend getaways. Larger groups looking to discover quintessential New England in autumn or the holiday season will find a variety of chic cottages and cozy family hotels available at the most desirable spots on Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, and Nantucket.
Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Cape Cod’s quintessential family beach retreat on Buzzard’s Bay, is home to the most family-friendly accommodations on the Cape: a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight guests and provides plenty of indoor and outdoor space for entertaining. It features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a spacious living room, open kitchenette, washer and dryer, expansive deck, and a private backyard ideal for family games and entertaining. Surrounded by privacy hedges, the yard is designed for outdoor entertaining. Guests can enjoy an open-air breakfast on the deck’s dining set, take a sunset stroll down Old Silver Beach and roast marshmallows in the backyard fire pit under the stars. Fall rates for Sea Crest’s cottage start at $649 per night.
Harbor View Hotel, Martha’s Vineyard’s most storied landmark located in the heart of Edgartown, has five spacious Captain’s Cottages containing 18 luxury suites with up to three bedrooms. Named for Edgartown sea captains, the cottages are fitted with interiors that evoke classic Vineyard style and breezy seaside ambience, gas fireplaces, pull-out sofas to accommodate extra guests, wet bars, washer/dryers and the latest in entertainment technology. Kitchenettes are equipped with small refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee machines and kitchenware. The cottages, along with the hotel’s expansive indoor and outdoor venue spaces, make Harbor View Hotel the prime location to host weddings, anniversary parties or large business meetings. Fall rates for the Captain’s Cottage suites start at $679 per night.
Harborview Nantucket, the region’s premiere oceanfront hotel, is comprised of 11 fully furnished cottages that take the stress out of planning multi-generational family trips and group getaways. Located just steps from the harbor, the waterfront enclave is home to a private beach and expansive lawn for a stunning seaside ceremony and tented reception. Cottage accommodations range from one to four bedrooms and boast full kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, washer/dryers, exterior balconies and beautifully appointed interiors designed in Nantucket’s tradition of simple elegance. While serenely private, the hotel’s close proximity to downtown provides guests hassle-free access to fantastic restaurants and nightlife. Fall rates start at $550 per night.
Kelley House, Martha’s Vineyard’s iconic establishment and one of the oldest hotels in America, offers comfortable and welcoming accommodations spread amongst four classic houses and cottages that are equipped with all of the necessities. The hotel’s intimate atmosphere keeps large groups in close quarters while also providing guests with ample privacy to unwind after draining days together. And, its prime location in Edgartown provides guests with easy access to the beach, the Food and Wine Festival in October, holiday season chowder festivals, art fairs and the best shopping values. Fall rates start at $135.