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297 Shore RdCheck Chatham Bars Inn - Cape Cod, MA - Special…
Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
facility: 4 stars
main dining room food: 5 star*
service: 4.5 stars
tavern: 3 stars
bromantic: too romantic for a couple of guys hanging for the weekend'
overall rating: 4 stars due to 5 star food coming out a bit cold
ocean views from cottage rooms are of the inner harbor protected by sand bars and ocean in the distance. beautiful but not rolling surf on sandy beaches.
room was a nice size with fire place and two beds but much of the furniture was hand made econo style (cabin in the woods)
the windows open the salt air came in and the soft beds for a restful and quiet night over Columbus Day weekend when the hotel wasn't particularly busy.
I forgot my shampoo and had to use the little bottles in the bathroom .... they smell great and I bought some of each product for my wife who couldn't make it at the last minute.
at dinner the clam chowder was thick and fresh (found a small piece of shell in chowder that confirmed my thoughts) and the grilled duck was the best duck I had ever had. my bud had the local Welfleet Oysters and Lobster and both were great in his opinion (but he's from Fort Wayne, IN - so keep that it mind.)
So I guess the real question is would I stay here again and I would say a qualified yes. It was great, it was expensive .... and there are just so many other choices out there that I would have to consider trying them out ... but its pretty quiet, pretty romantic but it also seems great for kids as there were a number of very well behaved families with kids about and they were all having a great time.
I was not impressed at all. Was seated in the bar area. We waited 20 minutes before we were even approached by a server. When the server did approach, he was not very friendly.
Food was mediocre at best. Not worth the price.
I will never go back.
This is only a review for the lunch on the deck of the main hotel. My aunt, grandmother, sister, and I decided to stop by for lunch during our recent trip to the cape.
First, the deck seating has the most gorgeous view EVER. The seating is very "cape". We had one two-seat couch with two large, comfy deck chairs. The only negative part is that the table is a rather awkward height and I felt slightly hunched over. Oh well, I didn't mind so much because I was mesmerized by the view.
Our waiter was nice, but forgot a number of things. He forgot my grandmother's tea and when I reminded him about it after our meals had arrived, he looked at me like he had never actually forgotten it (everyone else had their drinks). My aunt asked for salad instead of french fries, but it came with fries. We ordered 3 cappuccinos and they were all incorrect (the decaf one had the wrong milk, etc.) but we didn't say anything. Our desserts took a long time - but, again, the view put me in temporary catatonic state and I didn't really mind the extra waiting time.
For meals, my grandmother had a hamburger: delicious with amazing swiss cheese on top. I had a FANTASTIC dish. It was the perfect lunch size and so, so good - the homemade pasta with a light cream sauce, wild mushrooms, and steak. Un-freaking-believable. My aunt and sister each had a panini, which they said were "just ok". For desserts we had the chocolate cake and berry tart. The chocolate cake was super good and, although the berry tart was a little too much berry for my personal taste, my aunt and sister loved it.
I would definitely go back, although I really hope the service is better next time for the amount I am paying for my meal!
This place is ridiculously nice.
Everything about this hotel is first class. The location cannot be beat. The Spa Suites include huge jacuzzi tubs, steam showers, fireplaces and in-room saunas.
The main building has a really old-school-New Enland tavern, a luxurious lounge and a huge dining room with an amazing breakfast buffet.
The veranda and beach house are also very cool and have amazing views.
This place is expensive, but worth every penny.
After our visit in April, we decided to take another trip to CBI but this time with our 4 year old. April was the slow/shoulder season so the past months have brought with them, warmer weather and lots of out of state tourists. To say the inn was bustling at this time of year is an understatement. Compared to our first visit in April, this visit was like Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Overall, it was a fun filled trip, with very little complaints. Another trip to the spa and it was still fantastic, perhaps even better this time around. We actually got to use their fabulous heated outdoor pool this time. I did feel the deck was rather small for the size of the hotel. During busy season, get there early for an umbrella and chairs. They go quickly. Also, don't bother going early to save chairs then leave for breakfast; if you leave chairs unattended for an extended period of time, the staff will move your stuff.
We rented a cabana for one of our days, which was expensive but did include soda and water. It also was nice to have a nice shady retreat. The cabanas all have privacy curtains so you can close up the space too. Cabanas must be reserved in advance. There is a toddler's pool but I wouldn't classify it a pool as much a smallish circle of shallow water. The big pool does have a zero entry point and water sprays so even little ones could stay in the shallow end of the big pool.
Loads of activities for kids of all ages. The hotel has them everyday and they run pretty much all day long. I would imagine that if you were vacationing for a week or so, the kids would not run out of things to do.
We ate at the hotel for our breakfasts, one lunch (poolside) and one dinner on the veranda. Food, overall, was very good but nothing spectacular. They were serving sushi on the veranda and we took advantage of that one night so we could enjoy the warm summer night and the ocean view. (The sushi was standard but the pieces were large.) This brings me to one of my biggest complaints. Service at the pool was very slow and I am sure the volume of guests had a lot to do with it. While always cordial and professional, the service was too choppy -- with specific people doing only specific duties, it felt like there was only two waitstaff for the entire pool area.
The other big complaint I have is the room itself. We stayed in a deluxe cottage room, which sounds like you would have a room in a cottage, right? Well, far from it. It is just a room in a building that is not as tall as the main inn. I've seen cottages around the Cape, and this is not a cottage. The room was not luxurious but adequate and functional. However, for the price they were charging (yes, I know it is their busy season so they can), I wished a little more attention to detail was made (e.g., the "hot" water handle cap was missing"). Necessary? Absolutely not but should it be when you pay a premium price per night?
Despite the grievances, we had a good time and would recommend this place for a nice vacation.
Going to the Cape during the off season has its ups and downs. While you do not get the sometimes… Read more »
This past weekend I had my third stay at the Chatham Bars Inn and still can't say enough for my experiences there.
My first stay:
I stayed in a "Spa Suite" - a lovely building located on the outskirts of the golf course. Anyone staying in a spa suite enjoys access to a private hot tub, heated pool and in-room spa services. The room has an open layout, each with an electric fire place, jacuzzi tub (fits two perfectly - tested the theory this past trip), sauna, and comfy beds with feather mattresses, down comforters, and down pillows.
My second stay:
I stayed in the BayBreeze Cottages. Definitely a family style suite. Big, separate living room with overstuffed couches and a huge flat screen TV...bathroom with tub/shower, big bedroom with window seats and another television.
My third stay:
Spa Suite again...and it definitely is worth the money (if you have it). This time I was in a room meant for more than a couple...which got me thinking...with a jacuzzi tub, sauna, etc...why would a family stay there??? Perhaps swingers? I dunno...it struck me as odd when I walked into this intimate den of relaxation and saw two beds...I can safely say they were equally comfy though!
Downside to the rooms: there is no mini-bar...so pack accordingly!
This is a review for the Outdoor beach grill. The Outdoor Grill offers free valet parking We went for lunch on a labor day Saturday, the place was jammed.
We put our name down and got a drink. The cocktails are not cheap at $14 a drink but very good and strong, just how I like them. The Grill is right on the beach with a huge patio and also offers indoor seating. We sat down about 15 minutes later. I ordered the Lobster roll that was about $25 and was served with fries. My girlfriend ordered a salad with chicken. The food was ok, nothing to write home about, I give it a 7.5 out of 10. You pay for the scenery, It's great to eat right on the beach, cant beat that, especially since there aren't any other (that I know of) restaurants to eat right on the beach in Chatham. So in a nutshell, go for the view, not for the food.
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I am not comfortable in fancy restaurants. I always feel like I have to be extra quiet, I get nervous about which fork to use, and I get annoyed at overly fake waiters. I much prefer a dive bar -- no expectations, no pretentions, no fuss.
The main dining room at Chatham Bars Inn is definitely what I would call really fancy -- fine dining is still thriving here. But it's much less pretentious than I'd expected.
First, the setting is beautiful. The main dining room offers stunning ocean views from every table.
Service is impeccable, but not overly stuffy. Our waiter was a young guy, so I think that helped. He was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely helpful.
The menu was mostly seafood, with a steak option. I had a sweet corn soup that was great. The seafood was fresh and flavorful. In addition to standard dessert options, they had a menu of petite desserts - tiny portions for $3.50 each that are meant for sampling.
Although I was not a guest of the Inn, the property is gorgeous, and the beachside pool area and cabanas look amazing. The cottages look very welcoming and well-kept.
This review is for the outdoor Beach Grill on the ocean. I gave it 3 stars because of the view alone. It is absolutely stunning.
The food, however, left much to be desired. Our food came out cold (sad cold french fries) and the sandwiches were pre-made, so I could not order the veggie sandwich without cheese.
Also our waiter was terrible. We ended up waiting at least 25 minutes after our food was cleared to get my check.
I would recommend going simply for the view. Probably better to just grab a drink and skip the food.
We went for lunch expecting a slightly over the top meal. Fish and Chips on the bland side and other half had Ham and Gruyere Cheese Panini that was ok. Very basic for such a high end establishment..
This review is for the main dining room- and I wouldn't really recommend going out of your way to eat there- don't get me wrong, it's good, but you're paying for the view (which you can't even see if its a) dark outside or b) you're not near the window). The food is good but not great, and if you're spending $30-50 bucks a head or more, it really ought to be outstanding. Also, what's up with the retirement center decor? Really? Those chairs look like they came right from a nursing home, right along with the carpeting. They do have an incredible wine list, but believe me, you will pay up the wazoo for it. We were all pleased with our dinners and desserts but not really blown away by anything. Stick to cocktails on the porch.
We were in chatham for the weekend and decided to check out the bars inn for drinks/apps since we decided not to say there- rate was $700+ for the night. Great place for drinks and apps on the veranda- great view of the ocean. Place is beautiful, very 1920's-ish. Servers were great and sushi was pretty good too, top notch service.
This place has been on my wish list for a long time. Always waiting for the right romantic weekend to give it a whirl. As I'm perpetually single, I finally said screw it and offered to pick up the tab for a recent family visit. I am very, very, ver picky about everything, especially hotels. Consider me impressed.
I opted to give the place a try off season so I didn't break the bank. For people who stay off-season, you should be forewarned that some amenities will not be available to you. However, the cape in the off-season is what it's all about for me.
I had a room in one of the outlying cottage buildings. There were only about 4-5 other rooms in the cottage, so it's pretty quiet and not a lot of traffic moving by your room (especially if you have an upper floor). Each cottage had it's own outdoor space with chairs overlooking the ocean. From any of the buildings, it is an easy walk down to the beach and the amentiies that are down there (on season).
The room was very comfortable and spotless. In the room mini-bar, nice size tub, flat screen TV, and fireplace (gas).
Tried the tavern for dinner. Nice, casual meal. I definitely want to check out the other restaurants next time.
I really liked the place. But, I could also see how those who are less picky with hotels might not appreciate it, so not for everyone. For out of state people, I really like the Chatham location for easy proximity to both ends of the cape. If you don't stay at the hotel, definitely worth giving it a drive by or checking out one of the hotel restaurants.
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A perfect weekend to experience utopia! Still "offseason" so the crowds weren't there yet. CBI sits on a bluff atop the Atlantic Ocean and on a clear weather weekend like this last, it doesn't get much better than this to be here. The breathtaking views of the sunset from the Veranda while enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail were amazing. Had dinner in the Main Dining Room which is 5+ star! The service was top notch and the food was delicious. A great "escape" if you want to experience heaven right in MA.
Spent Christmas day through the end of the weekend at the Chatham Bars Inn. This was my second stay at the CBI. First time was back in February for a surprise B-day getaway and this one was planned. My girlfriend and I love this place in the off-season as it is quiet around town. And it is very expensive during the season.
The room we stayed in was the same as the first room. A SPA SUITE. So, if there was ever a perfect hotel room, I would say this is it. A room with a Sauna, Steam Shower and Jacuzzi Tub (Water shoots straight down from the ceiling from a mounted faucet, HOW COOL IS THAT?) The service is very friendly and nice. The room is modern with comforts of luxurious Frette Linens.
The spa suite makes it very hard to leave the room. You want to go from Sauna to Steam Shower to Tub all day.
The main building has a restaurant and a tavern and an enormous gingerbread town on display for the holiday, complete with trains running through the display. The staff is friendly and very willing to help. They even allowed us to stay an extra day. They have a house taxi that will drop you off anywhere in town and come and get you. Our driver was really nice and gave us good info on the SQUIRE, another fav of ours.
Looking forward to many more visits to the Chatham Bars Inn.
"if you're fond of sand-dunes and saaaalty air; quant little villages here and theeere"....
Ah, The Cape; how I miss you! You are different from the sand and sea along Long Island's Gold Coast; more charming than Malibu's surf, more wondrous than St Barths....and the perfect little historic place to see it all from if you are not fortunate enough to have a cottage out on Cape Cod? The Chatham Bars Inn. Perfect, beautiful, excellent; great restaurant as well.
Had one of the worst restaurant experiences here, ever, and this place aint cheap! Way too many college people poorly trained, horrible kitchen.
Gorgeous place. The outside porch and lounge is A GREAT place for a drink, very cozy inside and out. Again you have to suffer the waitstaff.
I've also had brunch there and felt is was OK. Dont go here for the food, go for a drink and the KILLER views.
Same for the bar across the street on the beach. Iffy service, bees everywhere because of spilt booze, but a great view!
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I didn't stay here but I recommended it to my very picky friends. (Picky, picky, picky.) They loved it and we are still friends.
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I love this place! I can only dream of having a wedding celebration here. It's splendifourous!
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A friend of mine organized a retreat for her company here, and when the hotel offered to let her group use the special rate for the adjacent weekend, we decided to take advantage and have a mini Cape Cod getaway.
She arrived on Wednesday, and upon checking into her room, immediately called me. "It's two stories!" she said gleefully. "There's a bidet!"
"Did they accidentally give you the bridal suite?" I asked. Nope. Apparently the Chatham Bars Inn is just that awesome.
So Saturday afternoon I picked up my Zipcar - a Prius, with which I promptly fell in heart, incidentally - and got on the road, only losing 45 minutes or so due to my complete and total inability to drive without a navigational system (seriously, how can one highway simulataneously be three separate highways?...ridiculous).
Indeed the hotel room was two stories. Upstairs, there was a living room and a half bath, and downstairs, there was a big bedroom and a bathroom that was literally half the size of my apartment. And everything was name brand or otherwise over-the-top and luxurious. Tempur-pedic mattresses. L'Occitane bath and body products. Multiple flat-screen hi-def TVs. The most insane shower I've ever experienced - basically, you stand in the middle and have water shot at you from 360 degrees. And yes, the aforementioned bidet.
Oh, and did I mention that you basically walked out the door and onto the beach? Amazing.
It's a good thing it was off-season and freaking cold out, because after grabbing dinner downtown, no nightlife could compare to just going back and hanging out in that glorious room.
The Beach Grill is phenomenal. The service is overwhelmingly attentive, and the food is excellent. They have a nightly clambake during the summer that I'd love to try.
We spent the weekend at Chatham Bars Inn for one of our best friend's wedding. Everything was great. Our row of cottage suits near the water, the laoccitaine products, the food, and the employees were all so friendly. There just was nothing bad about the hotel. We had other friends who stayed in the main hotel and they said their rooms were great too. I hope I can find a reason to go back one day.
Restaurant: We had spectacular breakfasts in the Chatham Bars Inn's dining room. My husband had the buttermilk pancakes two days in row; he claims they are the best he's ever had. I'm not always partial to pancakes, but these were light, fluffy and delicious. I got the cinnamon oatmeal and it tasted just like rice pudding! Breakfast is expensive, yes, but the view of the ocean on a clear, sunny morning is worth every penny.
Hotel: My husband and I stayed in the "Fox Run" suite for our anniversary, and the room was gorgeous. Rooms are very nicely decorated and the bathrooms are appointed with L'Occitane toiletries. We had one major problem with the hotel, however: the Tempur-Pedic beds. Our bed was so uncomfortable. My parents actually stayed at the CBI as well, and they transfered from a suite to a tiny room in the main hotel just to avoid the mattress (and, even though they had a great stay otherwise, they said that they wouldn't return if the entire hotel switched to tempur-pedics). We actually woke up with stiff backs from the bed. When I'm paying a high rate for the room, I want to be darn sure that I sleep well!
My husband and I got married here and had a wonderful wedding. It's a beautiful place and the food was amazing. If you are in Chatham but you aren't staying at CBI, I at least recommend going to the veranda at sunset for apps. and drinks. You won't be sorry!!
I felt the Chatham Bars Inn staff was horrible, they couldn't make a proper drink. The bartender Zack thought he was the coolest thing since fried rice making low brow remarks about his guests. Way to help your place loose three stars Zack!
I must say its a beautiful venue and has a great view of the ocean. They have very nice smelling hand lotion in the bathrooms.
Chatham, MA
Category: Restaurants
Chatham, MA
Category: Restaurants
Chatham, MA
Category: Restaurants
Osterville, MA
Category: Restaurants
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