Bluegreen Vacations The Soundings Seaside Resort

With pitched roofs, gray shingle siding, and sharp white trim, this hotel looks every bit a small, New England coastal boutique from the outside -- to be sure, it's a nice departure from the area's frequently dated lodgings. Simple, nautical-inspired touches -- including handsome black-and-white maritime photos, barrel end tables, and old-school map accent walls -- create a look that is distinctly Cape Cod. The interior is tastefully designed in a way that’s modern and not over-the-top, though clearly a step above many of the area’s comparable hotels. The social scene is quiet and reserved throughout. Two sizable pools, a hot tub, and a wide beachfront collectively provide more than enough space for guests to relax without feeling crowded. Rooms are split between one- and two-bedroom floor plans, meaning visitors are just as likely to find couples as traveling families on the property.

The hotel is tucked along Cape Cod’s south central coast in a quiet, mixed community of beach homes and small- to mid-size hotels. Aside from a handful of restaurants in the immediate area, there is little else within walking distance. However, the hotel is only a five-minute drive from Dennis Port's well-developed Main Street with plenty of chain restaurants and stores. The Hy-Line Cruise terminal (with island ferry service) and Hyannis’ quaint, tourist-centric Main Street are both approximately 20 minutes away by car.

As it’s not convenient to any major airport, the hotel does not offer airport transportation. T.F. Green Airport in Providence is approximately 90 minutes away by car while Boston’s Logan International is a little farther. Coupled with a lack of attractions or points of interest in the immediate area, most travelers will likely want to rent a car to get around. Barnstable Municipal Airport is just 25 minutes away, however, flights to and from Logan Airport are expensive and limited.

The decor in all rooms is simple, yet elegant, and employs subtle nautical touches in tasteful ways. Rich materials -- like dark hardwood flooring, oversized wood-slat headboards, and granite countertops -- create a look that combines cottage elements with modern accents. We particularly liked the reclaimed wood furniture, anchor-tie hardware, and sharp bedside lighting. Unlike many of the dated hotels in this part of the Cape, this hotel's beachy color scheme -- soft tans, dark browns, and plenty of blue-gray -- makes rooms feel home-like in a classy and polished way.

The hotel’s entry-level Studios feature a single, open room and are larger than average for a three-pearl property. One-Bedroom Standard and One-Bedroom Presidential Rooms provide almost twice as much space. Floor plans in the Two-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Presidential Elite Suites are comparable to modest-size apartments. All rooms offer either a balcony or patio, and many provide ocean views.

Rooms feature modern, upmarket amenities that are a distinct step above most of the area’s basic, vintage hotels. Gas fireplaces, large, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are all standard. In addition, all rooms include kitchenettes with full-size refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, and coffeemakers. Beds are almost universally reviewed as comfortable, but guests will have to make them on their own as daily housekeeping is only provided for an extra fee.

Bathrooms in every category are clean, bright, and beautifully designed. Granite vanities, high-end tile flooring, and brushed nickel fixtures all add high-end touches not typically found in a hotel of this category. Most rooms feature a glass-and-tile walk-in shower, while some offer an additional shower/tub combination.

For a 78-room hotel, Bluegreen Vacations The Soundings offers a large amount of communal space, though the lack of an on-site restaurant may disappoint some travelers.

At the rear of the property, a wide strip of sand provides one of the area’s most beautiful hotel beaches. The sand is clean, well-maintained, and powder soft. Depending on the time of year, guests frequently spot seals swimming just offshore. Cape Cod is well-known for its cold ocean water, no matter the time of year, but it’s frequently calm and swimmable even for children.

The hotel features two pools, including a heated Courtyard Pool and a Beachfront Pool. The former is smaller and situated in the courtyard adjacent to the lobby with a medium-size hot tub nearby. The latter is larger, with a sizeable sundeck and great views of the beach and ocean. Dozens of Adirondack and plastic lounge chairs provide ample space for relaxing. Unfortunately, the number of umbrellas is limited, meaning the shade is too.

Adjacent to the small reception area, a lovely reading lounge provides the hotel’s only real indoor communal space. The room is decorated in an eclectic, modern beach aesthetic, with striped hardwood flooring, an oversized nautical chart wall mural, and a bold, yellow leather couch. With a gas fireplace, a large flat-screen TV, and a coffee/tea station, it’s a cozy space, especially in winter. A small adjoining room offers additional seating, as well as two basic PC workstations.

A large, off-street lot provides more than enough space for guests to self-park. As the neighborhood is quiet and mostly residential, the lot is safe and secure any time of day. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.