The Coonamessett Inn

We stayed one night in August. The hotel was a ghost town, which is not normal for Cape Cod in the summer. The restaurant and bar is permanently closed. Our room was a junior suite. It was very run down. But the worst part was the heavy mold/mildew smell. It was so strong it was sickening. The shower was dark and small. The air conditioning was a window unit and incredibly loud all night long. There were no hangers in the closet. The continental breakfast was very low quality - jam looked spoiled, fruit wasn’t ripe, yogurt was liquidy. We won’t be back. Think twice before booking at any price.

We booked and paid for a room for three guests. Naturally, we expected the room to be prepared so that all three of us would have proper sleeping accommodations upon arrival. Instead, we arrived late in the evening (after the front desk had closed) to find one king bed and a standard leather sofa. It was not a sofa bed, no bedding had been prepared, and one member of our family had no suitable place to sleep. After calling the hotel’s after-hours contact, sheets were eventually brought, but no blanket. One person spent the night sleeping on a couch because the room had not been prepared for the number of guests the hotel had accepted. The following morning, we raised the issue expecting an apology and a reasonable solution. Instead, we were told that we should have requested a cot in advance. That explanation made little sense. The reservation clearly indicated there would be three guests. If the hotel requires an additional request for a third person to have a proper bed, that requirement should be made clear during the booking process—not after guests arrive late at night when the front desk is closed. What made the experience even more disappointing was the attitude. Rather than acknowledging that their communication process had failed, management repeatedly defended their position. A simple issue that should have taken minutes to resolve turned into a long series of conversations and emails that unnecessarily consumed one of our vacation days. Although the hotel eventually offered a $100 credit, the response consistently felt focused on justifying what had happened rather than accepting responsibility for it. Customer service is measured by how problems are handled, not by whether problems occur, and unfortunately this was where The Coonamessett failed. We chose The Coonamessett, part of Lark Hotels, expecting hospitality and professionalism. Instead, we experienced poor communication, inadequate preparation for the reservation we made, and a management team that seemed far more interested in defending its policies than in making things right for its guests. I would not stay here again, nor would I recommend this hotel to anyone who values responsive customer service and accountability.

After years of travelling, I can usually appreciate the charm and character that many boutique hotels offer — even when they lean more traditional than luxurious. Unfortunately, this particular stay at the Coonamessett fell well short of expectations, and I wouldn’t choose to return. The property itself felt noticeably tired and in need of attention. Cleanliness standards were inconsistent, and the overall atmosphere lacked the warmth and welcoming feel you hope for when staying on the Cape. Small maintenance issues quickly added up — most notably a bathroom door that refused to close properly. What proved most frustrating, however, was the lack of comfort and service. The poor insulation and inadequate soundproofing became apparent immediately; after arriving late on our first evening, neighbouring guests complained about noise despite us making every effort to be considerate. It was clear the building simply doesn’t absorb sound well. Housekeeping and staff attentiveness were equally disappointing. Used glasses in the room were never replaced during our three-night stay, rubbish was left uncleared, and the absence of basic tea and coffee facilities felt like an unnecessary omission for a hotel of this reputation. Cape Cod has no shortage of welcoming, well-run places to stay, which made this experience all the more underwhelming.