All of the following reviews and comments were unsolicited.

Editor’s Choice Awards
Yankee Magazine Travel Guide
Summer/Fall 2005

Hawthorne Motel, Chatham 

It’s hard to know whether it’s the big things or the little things that matter most here.  Certainly, the stunning waterfront location with a private Atlantic beach, all within walking distance of one of the Cape’s most patrician towns, is almost unparalleled.  Add to that amenities such as free Internet access, free newspapers, free long-distance phone calls, and free coffee, and you have a mighty warm welcome.  The 10 efficiency units were completely remodeled in 2004 and feature great mattresses, pedestal sinks, bead board, a soft blue palette, and large picture windows. Open Mid-May to Mid-Oct. 

Fodor’s 2005 Review

This popular motel with a private beach overlooks Pleasant Bay, the Atlantic, and Chatham Harbor.  Nearly all of the rooms have stunning water views.  Choose from spotless no-nonsense, simply decorated motel rooms or kitchenette efficiency units with small refrigerators, two heating plates, and a countertop sink work area; there’s also a two-bedroom cottage (rented by the week in season) with full kitchen and a separate living-dining room, plus amenities like a VCR and an outdoor grill.  The center of town is just a short walk away.   16 rooms, 10 efficiencies, 1 cottage.  Some kitchenettes, refrigerators, cable TV; no smoking.

Comments from Trip Advisor 

My family and I vacationed at the Hawthorne last week and we just LOVED it! The rooms are beautiful and very very clean. The private beach is just steps from your room.  They provide beach chairs and towels, which simplifies your trip.  We have a toddler, so we needed a kid friendly beach where waves aren’t too big – this is just what we were looking for.  The Hawthorne staff and owners were delightful.  One note, the rooms are a bit pricey at over $200 a night, but it was worth every penny.  I highly recommend this place!

Every time we go to Chatham it’s the only place for us!  Absolutely love this place!!  I can see why they were just named the best motel in Chatham by Yankee Magazine.  The new remodeling is beautiful, soft soothing blues & white décor gives your room peace & charm.  The bed is ever so comfy!  All I can say is “experience it yourself and you’ll be back again and again like we do!!”

For nearly two decades, the Hawthorne has been our August retreat.  We have watched the ocean break through the barrier beach and, consequently, shape and reshape the private beach.  Where else can you see a wonderful village that does not change, at the same time, see Nature at it’s best, drastically altering the coastline.

My husband and I just spent the week at the Hawthorne on our 10-year anniversary.  We were immediately impressed upon arrival as we were greeted by the lovely staff.  We can describe the Hawthorne in three words…location, location, location!  We felt special to be located right on the ocean with a beautiful beach and spectacular view from the room.  We walked, swam, fished, flew kites and hunted for shells on their beach.  The Hawthorne is walking distance from the lighthouse, a 9-hole golf course, the main street shops, restaurants and the fish pier.  Our room was very clean and had all the amenities needed on a vacation like ours…including coffee anytime and a USA Today paper in the lobby.  We will definitely book a reservation here again very soon!

Our family of four just returned from a 3-night stay at the Hawthorne, and we loved it!
First let me state what they do not have at the Hawthorne:

• Pool
• On-site restaurants
• Crowds!

Now, if these are important to you, the Hawthorne is not for you.

Here’s what you WILL find at the Hawthorne:

• Exceptionally clean, crisp NEWLY decorated accommodations
• Mini fridge in room
• Free coffee in the lobby
• Free reading materials, guides, maps, newspapers, magazines in the lobby
• Free internet access in the lobby
• Free long distance phone calls
• Free bath amenities, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, hairdryers in the baths
• Exceptional housekeeping staff
• Free towel use and lounges/beach chairs for beach
• Most importantly, the Hawthorne has quite arguably the BEST location on the Cape!

The Hawthorne is located on the exclusive Shore Road in Chatham, with sweeping Atlantic Ocean, Pleasant Bay, and the Outer Bar Beach.  Just stroll down The Hawthorne’s manicured lawn and you are on a large, sandy, soft beach, with gentle waves and it is the perfect beach, with minimal rocks and seaweed.  The aforementioned lawn right outside your room door and is equipped with lounge chairs, which makes it perfect for reading, snacking, or playing with the kids.  Each morning, I enjoyed my coffee on the lawn with other guests.  On one night, we ordered pizza and bought some beer, and took it out on the lawn for an informal “dinner with a view”.

The Hawthorne is located within walking distance of downtown Chatham, complete with galleries, restaurants, and the famous Friday night Band concert (WOW-what an experience).  The Hawthorne is also located next door to the Chatham Bars Inn, where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Just a five-minute walk to the fishing pier where you can ride the water taxi to the outer bar beach, watch the fishing boats come in, or have some of the “fresh catch” for lunch.

The Hawthorne is a perfect retreat for a Cape Cod vacation, and we will definitely go back!!