Cape Cod: Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (September 2008)

August 29-September 1
Hyannis Harbor Hotel Link to my review

September 1
Atlantic Motel Link to my review

September 2
MGM at Foxwoods Link to my review

Cape Cod: MGM at Foxwoods (September 2008)

We spent a great (unplanned) night here. The rooms are in a tower of at least 28 floors (we were on the 25th). Rooms were very comfortable, with a king bed, chair/ottoman, desk, etc. Flat screen TVs, rainfall shower heads, deluxe toiletries (although the conditioner bottle left a little to be desired), nice towels, robes, and bedding. Mini-bars are weighted, so don't even touch if you don't plan to buy. The outdoor pool is lovely, with several cabanas for rent ($199 on weekdays, $299 on weekends) and include deluxe seating areas, TV, mister/chiller unit, refrigerator. Plenty of chairs by the pool, and well-staffed. Quite a few restaurants surrounding the casino floor, Shrine (Asian), Alta Strada (Italian), Juniors (NY deli/cheesecake), Tom Coliccio's CraftSteak, plus a food court and other take-out options. A few higher-end stores, also a gift shop/sundries shop. Concierge service, valet parking available. Connected to the original Foxwoods Resort/Casino by indoor moving walkways/escalators. As far as amenities/shopping, I liked the "old" Foxwoods area better than the MGM area, but I really prefer the Mohegan Sun to both of those.

Cape Cod: Hyannis Harbor Hotel (September 2008)

As the name states, it is RIGHT on the harbor, so if access to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket is in order, this is the place! Hy-Line Ferry is right across the street, with Steamship Authority just steps further. We felt really unfortunate in the room that we were assigned--directly over the laundry room and also next to the rear entrance, so it was VERY loud at all hours of the day and night, without any privacy. We did not book the most expensive room, and it was obvious that there were much nicer accommodations than we were given (even within our own room category). Rooms had a DVD player, TV, refrigerator, clock radio, hairdryer, safe. Some (decent) toiletries provided. Linens acceptable and modern, but not luxurious. The owners have done much to update what looked to be an older property. In addition to adding a new lobby area, they added a great outdoor patio, with comfy chairs and couches and an open firepit. The indoor and outdoor pools looked adequate, with two additional baby pools as well. The bar/restaurant area looked fine as well, but there were better options (in our opinion) steps away. We ate at the Black Cat and Spanky's Clam Shack, which were both good. There is a breakfast/cafe across the street adjacent to the ferry, as well as an evening Raw Bar. (The hotel breakfast was either $7 for continental or $11 for a pitiful buffet; the selections and prices across the street were much better.) Parking is free, which saves you about $15 to $17 per day.

Cape Cod: Atlantic Wareham Motel (September 2008)

We spent one unplanned night here when our car broke down on the way home from a weekend in Cape Cod. While I wouldn't have stayed here otherwise, the motel was perfectly acceptable. Our room was clean, with a king-size bed and small table and chairs (more comfortable club chairs than simple dining chairs). Decor seemed a bit different for every room, but was modern and up-to-date. Not the finest mattresses or linens, but more than adequate. There is a small outdoor pool, but you must request access because the owners keep it padlocked. The motel is two story, with all non-smoking rooms (but you can smoke outside on the porch/upper walkway). TV, phone, iron/board, hairdryer provided, but very limited/basic toiletries. Without a car, we were still able to walk to a number of places, including a convenience store, pizza shop, and Chinese food restaurant right around the corner. Also close by are a Chili's and a Ninety-Nine Steakhouse, and a strip mall with a Wal-Mart, grocery store, Blockbuster (although there is no DVD or VCR in the room), TJ Maxx, liquor store, fast food outlets, and a water park (seasonal). Look for this hotel’s website online at www dot atlanticmotel dot net--for such a small property, they have an extensive website with good links. AAA discount available.

Wareham: Ninety-Nine Steakhouse (September 2008)

At Wareham's Ninety Nine Restaurant, you can snack away on tasty pub grub. Whether you have something to celebrate or just need something to take the edge off, the drink menu at this restaurant won't disappoint. The restaurant's founder, Charlie Doe, had an idea to create a restaurant that was more than a place that served great food. Charlie wanted to give locals a place where they'd always feel at home. A place where they could get no-nonsense food at down-to-earth prices, and where they'd be treated right by people who had a passion to serve. The culture at the Ninety Nine Restaurants was instilled by Charlie Doe long before a mission statement was ever written down on paper and is still evident today. At the Ninety Nine, guests, team members, community and stakeholders are all treated with respect. Our inviting, comfortable dining room is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal. Or, grab a seat at our neighborhood pub-like bar. The Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub is headquartered in Woburn, MA and is proud to serve more than 20 million guests a year in over 100 restaurants throughout the Northeast. They treat people right, and that's what makes new guests feel welcome, and regulars feel right at home.

Nantucket: Arnos Main Street Grill (September 2008)

My spouse and I ate lunch at Arnos Main Street Grill in early September 2008. While our food was good, the entire dining experience was tainted by our non-existent server. We arrive for a very early dinner (5:00 pm) due to having to catch a ferry, so we were one of only a handful of tables at that time. Two servers waited on approximately five tables. Our server took our multi-course order, then proceeded to deliver one course directly after another, setting the next courses plates on the table along with the previous courses plates, which we were still eating. After delivering all those courses, he promptly disappear. Actually, disappeared would mean that we couldn't see him, when that was not the case. He stood out on the street and watched traffic and people go by for nearly an hour, never returning inside to check on us again. (We had plenty of food, but no drinks, never having been offered a refill.) We finally had to wave down the manager to get our check, but she handled the situation equally poorly, without even an apology. Unbelievable! I would spend my money elsewhere. I had high hopes due to the Wine Spectator and Zagat's association, but this was truly a waste of a good day on Nantucket. There are so many other options available--no one deserves to be absolutely IGNORED--not only by their server, but by other servers, the idle bartender, and the management.