The Old Harbor Inn

Inside and out, this bed-and-breakfast is an excellent example of classic New England design and architecture. Built in the early 20th century, much of the original atmosphere has been retained, with a good dose of modern polish. A small reception area takes the place of a traditional lobby, although an adjacent room offers a cozy reading lounge with a fireplace, wingback chairs, and rich mahogany furniture. While it lacks a full-service restaurant, daily breakfast is served in a quaint dining area overlooking the outdoor garden. A large, outdoor porch acts as the hotel’s main social space with upscale patio furniture and dining tables. Given the overall quiet, relaxed vibe -- and the fact that all rooms feature only a single bed -- the property is clearly geared more toward couples than families.

The Old Harbor Inn is on a quiet, mostly residential street within a short walk of downtown Chatham. The town is home to a few retail stores, plus dozens of small shops and locally-owned restaurants. Simple hikes are available via several nearby ponds, beaches, and a bird sanctuary all within a 10- to 15-minute walk. The area’s iconic Chatham Lighthouse is roughly 25 minutes away on foot, or just five minutes by car. The lighthouse sits adjacent to the closest beach in town as well.

As it’s tucked into Massachusetts’ far southeastern tip, there are few convenient ways to reach the hotel other than by rental car. The two nearest major airports -- Providence’s T.F. Green and Boston’s Logan International -- are more than 90 minutes away with light traffic. Barnstable Municipal Airport offers a closer alternative, however, flights to and from Boston are typically limited and expensive. Alternatively, travelers can catch the ferry directly to Boston from Provincetown -- a fun day trip in itself -- which is a one-hour drive from the hotel.

The same charming Old World decor seen in the hotel’s common areas is likewise present in each of its rooms, to a homey and cozy end. Each is individually designed with an English Country look in mind. Traditional, chunky, dark wood or white furniture is well-matched with flower-inspired color schemes and fabrics -- some of the rooms we saw came if soft sage green or lavender hues. The look is cohesive and well thought-out, and some rooms are especially eye-catching, like the Eastham Room, which has a dramatic all-over floral print motif. Other rooms have floral-print bedspreads that complement framed art prints depicting gardens and landscapes.

Entry-level Standard and Deluxe room categories offer approximately 250 to 300 square feet (23 to 28 square meters) of floor space. The two upgraded room categories -- Superior and Luxury -- feature approximately 300 to 400 square-foot floor plans (28 to 37 square meters). While every room differs from a design perspective, certain modern amenities are standard in all categories. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges (with free soft drinks and bottled water), and comfortable beds are found in every room. Wi-Fi is also free, and we found the service solid and reliable. Upgraded rooms offer features like iPod docks plus additional high-end additions such as gas fireplaces and two-person whirlpool hot tubs.

The bathrooms are as unique and well designed as their respective rooms. Most feature upscale accents like ornate pedestal sinks or sinks with large granite vanities, elaborate window valances, brushed nickel or polished chrome accents, and a combination shower/tub. Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities and full-size hairdryers are standard in every room.

As a tiny, three-pearl property, the list of common amenities is relatively brief. However, the large outdoor porch and cozy lobby lounge offer more than enough communal space for the limited number of guests at any one time. A well-reviewed, made-to-order breakfast and even an on-site gym round out the list of features.

In place of a full-service restaurant, a dining area adjacent to reception offers a full, homemade breakfast daily. The space is bright and airy, with the bed-and-breakfast's signature country-style decor. A wall of large windows and two glass doors at the rear overlook the porch. Free coffee, tea, and snacks are provided throughout the day, and breakfasts garner plenty of enthusiasm for their quality and selection. It typically includes a variety of home-baked items like breads and pastries plus hot dishes like eggs and bacon. In addition to the breakfast area and outdoor porch, a small room adjacent to reception provides a cozy reading area. The space features a gas fireplace, traditional, dark wood furniture, and magazine and brochures with info about local area attractions.

Surprising for such a small bed-and-breakfast is the tiny basement gym. While the space was originally designed as a quiet reading area, it has since been repurposed to include several cardio machines and a small stack of free weights.

While it’s located in a land-locked section of Cape Cod without direct beach access, the hotel provides guests with free beach towels, umbrellas, and chairs to use. Free off-street parking is also available in a safe, secure lot at the back of the property. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the inn.