Kingfisher Oceanside

Like many older Cape Cod motels, Old Landing Motel feels dated and broken in. The modest architecture, weathered wood-shingle siding, and mismatched furniture throughout creates an eclectic blend of New England beach and Key West decor. A small outdoor pool area furnished with only a few plastic seats provides a bit of private, fenced-in relaxation space. The property offers little in terms of a social scene, and the atmosphere is quiet, relaxed, and low-key. There's no restaurant or bar plus the nearby public beach is a three-minute walk away. As all rooms feature a single king or queen bed, travelers are more likely to share the property with couples, though families on a budget do find their way here as well, making use of in-room futons. 

Located on a residential street in south central Cape Cod, Old Landing Motel is surrounded by small homes and other hotels. A handful of restaurants -- including a cafe across the street -- are within walking distance, and the nearby public beach is steps away. A number of additional attractions are within a 15-minute drive, including several hiking trails, whale watching tours, and the Salt Pond Visitor Center, where travelers can familiarize themselves with the area's outdoor riches. Chatham, near the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, is a 20-minute drive to the east. Vibrant Provincetown, at the end of the Cape, is about an hour away by car.

Because the property is situated on a suburban Cape Cod street far from any city center, the only realistic form of airport transportation is via rental car. The area’s two nearest airports -- Boston’s Logan International and Rhode Island’s T.F. Green Airport -- are 90 minutes and two hours away by car respectively. City traffic can increase, even double, these drive times substantially during the summer months as Route 6 bottlenecks at the Sagamore Bridge (and elsewhere).

Each of the 16 rooms is bare bones and typical of older, cottage-style motels. Walls are adorned in bright, Key West-inspired colors, while beach-inspired lamps, signs, and other accents pepper each space and add a bit of charm. The carpeting, seating, and other furniture is an eclectic mix of IKEA-esque pieces and what appear to be yard-sale finds. The initially cheerful appearance belies a good deal of wear in some units, though, and we saw walls and ceilings that were cracking and flaking away in the Motel Room that we visited.

In-room amenities are stripped to the bare essentials, including a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and a modest flat-screen TV. The addition of mini-fridges in each room is a nice touch, particularly in a hotel of this class. Free Wi-Fi is also available in all rooms and common areas, and we found the service to be reliable.

Both room categories -- Motel Units and Oceanview Rooms -- are similar in floor space, layout, and appointments. The former are situated on the interior, road-facing side of the property with parking lot views, while the latter offer views of the water and Sea Street Beach with small, shared balconies. All rooms feature a single king- or queen-size bed which are well-reviewed as comfortable. With a basic pullout futon, each room can accommodate a total of four guests.

Bathrooms in all rooms are basic and small, though not cramped. The decor is clearly dated, with mismatched tile on the floor and walls, aging faucets and fixtures, and a simple, functional shower/tub combo. Like the rooms, the bathrooms are clean.

As a tiny, two-pearl hotel, the list of common amenities at Old Landing Motel is short. Beyond the nearby public beach and small pool, guests looking for dining, shopping, and additional attractions will need to venture off the property.

The strip of sand immediately near the hotel is part of the larger Sea Street Beach. The wide, public, soft-sand beach is clean and regularly staffed with lifeguards during the summer. While the water is frequently cold any time of year, it’s typically safe and swimmable even for children. Unfortunately, the hotel does not facilitate chairs or other beach amenities, so guests will need to bring their own.

The hotel’s only pool is small, basic, and clean. The surrounding deck offers the bare essentials, including a few plastic Adirondack chairs and ottomans. The lack of umbrellas means the deck is mostly exposed to the sun. However, a number of nearby trees provide some shaded space late in the day.

There is no on-site dining or bar service. A mini espresso bar in the lobby provides guests with free coffee drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.

Free parking is available in an adequately-sized off-street lot. Day and night, the surrounding neighborhood is safe and quiet. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.