International Inn and Suites on Cape Cod

Many Cape Cod hotels embrace their vintage roots in a charming way, but the International Inn and Suites is clinging to its history for dear life. Everything about the decor is stuck in a time warp circa the mid-1980s. Garish floral carpeting, dated Victorian furniture, and bold, red, heart-shaped whirlpool tubs are just a few examples of decor that's in dire need of an update. We also noted a distinct lack of attention to detail during our stay, including peeling wallpaper, light fixtures that were missing bulbs or simply not working, and old, dirty air-conditioning units.

The hotel’s two communal areas -- a large restaurant and bar plus an outdoor pool -- could provide substantial space for socializing. However, many guests complain that both close suddenly and without any explanation from the hotel (as was the case during our visit). The budget nature of the property attracts a wide range of guests drawn by the comparably low rates for the area, meaning visitors are just as likely to see couples as they are families.

Located in the heart of Hyannis’ tourist district, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the many locally-owned restaurants, bars, and shops along Main Street. The JFK Museum and Cape Cod Maritime Museum -- two of the town’s most popular attractions -- are each within a 10-minute walk. The Nantucket ferry terminal is 20 minutes away on foot, or just five minutes by car, providing convenient access to the island for day trips. Kalmus Park Beach, on Hyannis Harbor, is a little under 10 minutes away by car.

Most travelers will likely need to rent a car or bring their own to travel to, from, and around the area. The two largest airports -- in Boston and Providence -- are each roughly 90 minutes away by car. Drive times can increase substantially -- and sometimes double -- in heavy traffic. Alternatively, the area’s tiny municipal airport in Barnstable is less than 10 minutes away by car, though flights to and from Boston are limited and typically expensive.

The decor in every room is dated almost to the point of parody. The gaudy wallpaper, brass accents, and cheap furniture seem like relics from the hotel’s grand opening. A few new furnishings, appliances, and paint jobs can be found in some rooms, hinting at the owner’s efforts to update the property, but these all fall short. Expect to see lots of vintage, and none of it charming -- floral-print everything, mismatched curtains and chairs, and dark burgundy or navy color palettes all make plenty of appearance throughout many of the hotel's rooms.

In-room amenities are on par with what many would expect of a two-pearl hotel. Dated micro-fridges, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning are all standard. However, the appliances in many cases appear at least a decade old, if not more. Free Wi-Fi is advertised as available throughout the property, though the service never worked during our stay. Beds in many categories receive poor marks for cleanliness and comfort.

The property features eight room categories, most with a distinct layout. Entry-level Regal and Regency Rooms feature similar one-room floor plans that are comparable in size to most budget chain hotel rooms. Mid-range suites offer more floor space and similar appointments that are clearly targeting honeymooning couples -- including large televisions (tube-style in some cases), oversized bathrooms, and four-poster king beds. The flagship Crown Victorian and Plaza Suites offer similar appointments in a more garish package -- expect to see marble showers, faux-Roman columns, and sunken (sometimes heart-shaped!) hot tubs surrounded by full-length mirrors are all out of place in any 21st-century hotel. All but the entry-level Regal Rooms feature a hot tub that accommodates at least two guests.

Bathroom layout and amenities are as varied as the rooms. Entry-level rooms feature small bathrooms -- similar to comparable budget chain hotels -- with shower/tub combinations. Mid-range and top-level Suites offer larger bathrooms with dual sinks and tile shower stalls with dual showerheads. Drop tile ceilings don't do much to up the charm factor, and we saw discolored grout in several bathrooms.

The International Inn and Suites offers few communal amenities, and those that it does offer -- including an outdoor pool, and a restaurant and bar -- are frequently closed or out of service.

Like most of the common areas, the outdoor pool is dated and in need of repair. Mismatched lounge chairs and cheap patio furniture litter the terrace and a handful of umbrellas provide little shade. Weeds sprout from cracks in the cement and the pool water is often dirty. Many guests complain of frequent closures -- as was the case during our visit -- even in the height of the summer.

The only on-site restaurant, International Inn Bar & Grill, is a relatively modern space compared to the rest of the hotel. The large, open area features a tall, central chimney column rising to the height of the two-story cathedral ceiling. A bar on the street-side of the column wraps around two sides and features several televisions. Breakfast is a typical buffet menu and not included with room rates -- complaints about its quality are rampant. The dinner selection includes a mix of bar food (burgers, pizza, and pasta), along with local seafood-centric favorites. During warmer months, an outdoor patio situated along Main Street opens to provide alfresco dining. Curiously, the restaurant is not open for lunch.

The hotel lacks a dedicated business center. However, a small desk tucked under the lobby staircase provides a single PC workstation. A large, off-street lot provides ample space for guests looking to self-park. As noted, Wi-Fi is technically free, but didn't work when we visited.