Hotels

For a basic motel with a great location, try the Tides Motel (tel. 508/548-3126; www.tidesmotelcapecod.com) on Clinton Avenue at the far west end of Grand Avenue in Falmouth Heights. The 1950s-style no-frills (no air-conditioning, no phone) motel sits on the beach at the head of Falmouth Harbor facing Vineyard Sound. Rates in season are $165 to $170 double, $215 suite. It's closed late October to mid-May.

The Red Horse Inn at 28 Falmouth Heights Rd., Falmouth (tel. 508/548-0053; www.redhorseinn.com), is a family-friendly option just a short walk from Falmouth Inner Harbor. The 22 rooms are priced from $180 to $225, and kids will love the large outdoor pool. Open year-round.

The Seaside Inn at 263 Grand Ave., Falmouth Heights (tel. 800/827-1976 or 508/540-4120; www.seasideinnfalmouth.com), is a reasonably priced motel in a superb location, across the street from Falmouth Heights Beach and next to the British Beer Company, a family-style restaurant. The 23 rooms with air-conditioning, TVs, phones with free calls, and some with kitchenettes, are priced at $189 to $229 for a double, $259 to $304 for a deluxe room. Open year-round.