Posted on Tue, Aug 07, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
Each week, we feature one of The Belfry Inne's unique rooms. Complete with pictures, fun facts, and extra travel tips, our Room Spotlights are designed to help you find the perfect room for your Cape Cod getaway- and to also serve as a medium for showing off to your friends.
This week, we're touring another room in The Abbey: The Belfry's most iconic building. If you don't know already, The Abbey is a church that has been completely renovated with a gourmet restaurant downstairs and seven luxury guest rooms upstairs.
Each of The Abbey's rooms is named for one of the six days of creation from the Book of Genesis and The Tuesday Room is inspired by "The Division of Sky and Water." This is one of the most favorited rooms at the Belfry, so let's get right into it!
The Tuesday Room definitely knows how to make an entrance. While the Abbey is filled with all sorts of stained glass, the biggest and most elaborate stained glass window in the entire building is right here. It looks amazing with the summer sunlight gleaming through, but it looks even more stunning under a full moon. The colors in the glass create a gentle glow that serves as the most ornate night light you've ever had in your life.
While we're still on the subject of lights and windows, I should mention that the unique and classic beauty doesn't end at the stained glass. The Tuesday Room has a high, vaulted ceiling complete with TWO skylights, ceiling fan, and a gorgeous cathedral-style hanging lamp. So whether you need a little extra light to relax in bed with a book, or if you want to glance at the stars through the skylight, we've got you covered.
I know I talk about this in every room spotlight, but it's still so important! EVERY room in The Abbey has its own private deck complete with two patio chairs and a small table. This is a feature you won't find at just any other B&B, so take full advantage of it.
Sure, the deck is perfect for warm summer nights, but if it gets a bit chillier (fall is right around the corner!), what's better than curling up next to the fire with a cup of tea? Even during those torrential summer thunderstorms, there's nothing cozier than spending a night in with someone you love.
One of my favorite things about the Belfry is the attention to detail. Every room is furnished with one-of-a-kind pieces that tie in perfectly with the attitude and aura of the room. The Tuesday Room is no exception with this beautiful, blue, vintage-inspired lamp and the rustic, antique armoire.
And last, but not least, we just have to talk about the bathroom. At the Belfry, we pride ourselves on providing only the best in relaxation. Thanks to the Ultra Bain air jet tub in the Tuesday Room's bathroom, you can relax and rejuvenate in what will probably be the best hotel tub you've ever had the pleasure of staying in. If you're in a rush to get to the rest of your vacation plans, there's also a shower.
If you want to try out The Tuesday Room, give us a call at 508-888-8550. You know you want to!
Posted on Thu, Aug 02, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
After a long day of hiking, kayaking, or shopping (hey, it's hard work!), we all love to just lay back, chill out, and take a breather. While it's definitely important to get make the most out of your Cape Cod getaway, it's just as important to take the time to rest up for the rest of your vacation activities. Take a nap, enjoy a drink on the porch, indulge in a therapeutic bath using our Vedana Spa Unit, or check out one of our picks for the best massage spas in Sandwich, MA.
Wicked Relaxed Massage Therapy & Bodywork : 71 Route 6A, Unit 4 - Sandwich, MA
For those of you not native to the New England area, this is the only place in the world where "wicked" is a term more often associated with good things rather than witches- and Wicked Relaxed does not disappoint. Their services range from a quick, 30-minute Area Treatment to an all-out, 90-minute Wicked Pampered treatment complete with heat therapy, massage, foot scrub, and aroma therapy. There are options for every budget and comfort level, so check out their site for more details. Oh, and mention the Belfry when booking your appointment for a 20% discount!
Skinsense Cape Cod : 102 Route 6A - Sandwich, MA
Not only does Skinsense offer soothing, rejuvenating massages- they also offer facials, make-up applications, and waxing. Make a spa day out of it! If you're running low on time, but want the full relaxation experience, they offer a tempting combo deal which gives you a full massage and custom facial all within 60 minutes. Have a quick pampering session that will have you feeling great and ready for your next vacation adventure. Rated as the #1 Day Spa in Sandwich by Reader's Choice, it's definitely worth a try!
Cape Cod Massage Therapy : 445 Route 6A - East Sandwich, MA
If you're looking for a fully immersed relaxation experience, you need to check this place out. Using a combination of music, art, aromatherapy, and feng shui, the certified masusses at Cape Cod Massage Therapy go above and beyond to make sure their spa atmosphere is as comfortable as possible for everyone. They offer all of their services in either 60 or 90 minute timeslots and have a variety of treatments to choose from. If you like to keep things simple, book a Beach and Islands Combination Massage, but if you're feeling a little more exotic, why not try a Hot Lava Shells Massage? With competitive prices and tons of options to choose from, this place is worth a visit.
Posted on Wed, Aug 01, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
Another week, another special!
Ever wanted to take a day trip to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, but didn't know where to start? Let the Belfry Inne help you plan the perfect day in the islands without worrying about ferry schedules, travel costs, and where to eat.
Thanks to our incredible Cape Cod "Island Hopping Adventure" special, we'll take care of everything- all you have to do is let us know you're interested!
What's included:
- A two-night stay because even after you've returned from your island getaway, there's plenty left to do here in Sandwich!
- A freshly-prepared, gourmet breakfast for you to enjoy both mornings (yum!)
- A three-course dinner for two at the Belfry Bistro
- Round-trip ferry tickets to the beautiful islands of Nantucket (add $30) or Martha's Vineyard
Prices Per Night:
- The Abbey - $357
- The Painted Lady - $299
If you find yourself on the Cape during your vacation, the islands are not to be missed! So why not book a room with us, let us take care of all the details, and enjoy a day of island hopping with your friends and family!
This special is only running until October 2012, so take advantage of it during this perfect summer weather! Give us a call at 508-888-8550 to book your stay.
Posted on Tue, Jul 31, 2012 @ 10:00 AM
One thing the Belfry prides itself on is its unique, one-of-a-kind rooms our guests remember forever. Each room has a theme, a message, and something that makes it stand out, so instead of giving you the basic "one-size-fits-all" approach, we'll be dedicating an in-depth look to one room per week. This week, we're all about the Abbey's Monday Room.
If you don't know already, each room in The Abbey is based on one of the 7 Days of Creation from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament- but don't worry, that's about as religious as it gets. We know you're on vacation and probably don't want to feel like "The Man Upstairs" is watching everything you do.
The Monday Room has a "Let There be Light" theme. While the rest of the Abbey has a dark, bold, feel to it, the Monday Room is definitely a breath of lighter, fresher air. If you love the Abbey, but stained glass isn't your thing, you will love this room. The church pew, king-size bed will make you literally feel like you're laying on the clouds.
If you look up, you'll find an amazingly enlightening skylight that's perfect for those sun-kissed mornings or those starry nights. There's also a ceiling fan if you'd prefer a steady, cool breeze instead of an air conditioner.
One of the most unique features of the room is the rustic flying buttress support beams that lead the way to the bathroom. Left over from the original church design, these fixtures will give you the feeling that you're actually "up in the rafters" where the best light always seeps in.
And just like all of our other rooms at The Abbey, you have your own, private deck complete with two patio chairs and a beautiful sundial table. So whether you want to catch some rays without hitting the beach, or enjoy a late-night drink with some friends, this is one feature of the room that should definitely not be ignored.
I know I mentioned the flying buttress details leading UP to the bathroom earlier, but never the actual bathroom itself. It offers everything you'd expect from the Belfry: a clean, relaxed environment complete with an Ultra Bain air jet tub that can fit up to two people comfortably. No need to hit up the public pool for your hot tub/air jet needs, you have your own private jacuzzi in your room!
So if you LOVE The Abbey, but want something a little lighter than usual, The Monday Room is exactly what you're looking for.
What's YOUR favorite room at the Belfry?
Posted on Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Staying in shape is probably the last thing on your mind when you finally get to laying on the beach, chowing down on a Belfry Bistro sandwich, seeing one of your favorite artists perform live in concert, or doing anything relaxing, but it will definitely be on your mind when you check the scale when you get home.
Thanks to the beautiful climate and pristine climate of Cape Cod, there are plenty of ways to stay active while still having fun during your getaway- especially if you're staying with us in the Sandwich, MA area.
1. The Tour de Cape Cod
Biking isn't just for super-fit men in tight, one-piece suits like Lance Armstrong. We all learned how to ride one (hopefully- if not, you might want to grab a pair of training wheels) at some point in our lives, and even if you haven't pedaled in quite some time, it's easy to start back up.
There are plenty of safe, exciting places for you and your whole family to bike: along the Sandwich Boardwalk, through the historic downtown streets, or even along the Cape Cod Canal. Either bring your own set of wheels, or go ahead and rent a bike from Ecotourz or Cape Cod Bike Rental.
2. Play Explorer
Even though the pilgrims and early colonial settlers may have beat us to the New England discovery bragging rights, that shouldn't stop you from exploring all that nature has to offer. Cape Cod is filled with amazingly beautiful nature trails, hiking paths, and beaches that are perfect for people of all ages.
If you don't know where to start, we highly recommend the Shawme State Forest, the Scusset Beach State Reservation, or the Murkwood Conservation Area. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has a detailed list of all the best hiking spots if you feel like taking a day trip to somewhere else.
3. Way Bigger than an Olympic Swimming Pool
Let's face it, the Atlantic Ocean is basically the elephant in the room here. Not only is swimming one of the most effective ways to work your entire body while still staying cool, it works as a medium for so many types of water activites!
Kayaking, canoeing, diving, jet skiing, tubing, boating, fishing- the possibilities never end. While the Belfry Inne may not have the signature, Chlorine-ridden indoor hotel pool, we figured you'd probably want something a little more authentic.
So now that we know staying healthy is actually possible while on vacation, how do you plan on keeping in shape during your Cape Cod getaway?
Posted on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
On our Facebook page, we asked our friends what's most important to them when planning a Cape Cod vacation, and lots of them mentioned vacation activities. Figuring out what to do and how to make the most out of your trip can be exhausting, and here at the Belfry we wan't to make your Cape Cod getaway as stress-free as possible which is why we're helping to make the planning process that much easier with our specials!
Our "SUN, SURF, AND SAND" special is perfect for beach lovers, foodies, or anyone who just wants the peaceful, simple Cape Cod beach experience. Here's what we've thrown together:
- A two-night stay because, let's be honest, you won't want to leave after just one day.
- A picnic lunch 100% supplied by us- cooler included! Enjoy a selection of snacks, sandwiches, wines, and a map to the most beautiful beaches in the area.
- If you want, we'll even pick you up/drop you off at Sandy Neck Beach, Town Neck Beach, or the Sandwich Boardwalk. You pick!
- Beach chairs, blankets, and an umbrella- all the beach essentials.
- And hey, we'll even throw in a dinner at our own Belfry Bistro.
This special is valid from April 2012-October 2012, so get it NOW during prime beach weather season!
Prices (all inclusive special, just add $10 for an optional Sunday brunch):
- $399 per night at The Abbey
- $347 per night at The Painted Lady
So does a gourmet picnic on the beach sound like something you might like? Give us a call at 508-888-8550 to book yours today!
Posted on Tue, Jul 24, 2012 @ 02:00 PM
When it gets hot and sticky out, it seems as though all we want to do is lay out at the beach, but there's one thing that's worth making the trek outside the realms of your air conditioner: ice cream!
Who doesn't love grabbing a scoop or two of their favorite, icy flavors? It's a Cape Cod tradition and the area is filled with some of the best parlors in New England, but the best ice cream on the Cape can only be found in one place: Sandwich, MA.
1. Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe - 21 Route 6A, Sandwich MA
For over 20 years, Twin Acres has kept people of all ages happy and cool with its amazingly delicious menu and country charm. The building itself is part of an old cottage colony that dates back to the 1940's and still has that old-fashioned, down-home feel to it. Their flavors include classics like Cotton Candy and Peanut Butter Cup, but if you feel like trying something new, grab a scoop of Purple Cow or White Thunder instead!
2. Ice Cream Sandwich - 66 Route 6A, Sandwich MA
This year, Ice Cream Sandwich is celebrating its 30th anniversary of bringing quality, homemade ice cream to Cape Cod. It was named by the Boston Globe as one of the best homemade ice cream stands in New England and its success continues to grow every year. Don't let the name fool you! While the store does serve super sweet ice cream sandwiches (served on homemade chocolate chip cookies), they also offer a variety of hard and soft ice cream flavors that can be served up in a Belgian Waffle cone or a bowl, depending on your preference.
3. Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream - 177 Route 130, Sandwich MA
Neil Diamond doesn't lie. Sweet Caroline's will have you singing "so good! so good!" after every bite- and not only does it taste good, but thanks to their connections with charities such as Dancing for a Cure, the Dana Farber Institute, and the Challenger Club, you can DO good by buying a scoop or two. Their menu offers all your favorite flavors like Rocky Road and Oreo, or switch it up and order one of their speciality Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes or Extra Thick Frappes. While it may be new to the Sandwich ice cream scene (est. 2009), it has already won a "Best of Cape Cod" medal and gotten nothing but positive attention.
So next time you find yourself in the Sandwich area (and hopefully staying with us at the Belfry), stop by one of these shops for a sweet treat that's the perfect way to end any summer night.
Posted on Tue, Jul 24, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
For those of you who still don't know, the Belfry Inne is NOT just "the church"- it consists of two other beautiful buildings (three in total); each suited to your personal style and needs. When it comes to choosing the perfect room for your Cape Cod getaway, you should ask yourself the following questions to ensure you find the most comfortable room for you and your family.
THE ABBEY
The Abbey is our pride and joy. It was once a Catholic church, but has since been converted into a beautiful, unique, luxury inn that will have you "ooh"ing and "ahh"ing at every corner. It definitely has a romantic vibe to it thanks to all the deep colors, art, and the spa tubs, but its quiet, "heavenly" atmosphere is also ideal for reserved couples or guests who want to completely immerse themselves in relaxation. The Abbey is perfect for:
- weddings
- romantic weekends
- anniversaries
- elderly couples
- quiet evenings
- gourmet lovers or "foodies"
- interior design fans
THE PAINTED LADY
The Painted Lady is another beautifully unique building, but has a much more fun, youthful vibe to it. The whimsy, bold, Victorian decor has a certain charm to it and almost makes you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. Award-winning paintings by Helen Shrink adorn the walls, which means you'll always find something new and interesting to look at. The Painted Lady is perfect for:
- "G.N.O's" or Girls Night Out
- Road trips
- Weekend getaways
- Birthdays
- Tweens/Teens
- Graduations
- Small families
THE VILLAGE HOUSE
While it doesn't exactly pop out at you in comparison to The Abbey or the Painted Lady,
the Village House is The Belfry's hidden gem. It's historic, Federal-era charm dates all the way back to 1830. Its simple, bright rooms have a "down-home" feeling that will help to relax you and make you feel more comfortable than ever. Not to mention, they are much more affordable than our other buildings. The Village House is perfect for:
- Families of all sizes
- Family reunions
- Cape Cod layovers
- Outdoor adventurers
- Book lovers
- Family-oriented guests
- Social butterflies
So now that you know the attitude and appeal of each Belfry building, which one seems right for you? And once you're ready, why not book a room?
Posted on Mon, Jul 23, 2012 @ 12:40 PM
One thing the Belfry prides itself on is its unique, one-of-a-kind rooms our guests remember forever. Each room has a theme, a message, and something that makes it stand out, so instead of giving you the basic "one-size-fits-all" approach, we'll be dedicating an in-depth look to one room per week. This week, we're all about the Abbey's Friday Room.
If you don't know already, each room in The Abbey is based on one of the 7 Days of Creation from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament- but don't worry, that's about as religious as it gets. We know you're on vacation and probably don't want to feel like "The Man Upstairs" is watching everything you do.
The Friday Room is named for "The Creation of all Living Things" and apparently "living things" includes angels because the entire room's color scheme revolves around a gorgeous stained glass window portraying the Angel Gabriel.
The maroon and gold hues of the glass are the main colors in the room, as reflected in the walls and furnishings. FUN FACT: The walls may seem like they are evenly star-covered, but there is one star missing! Bonus points if you can find the missing star during your stay!
Just like all the rooms at The Abbey, the Friday Room has a private deck complete with two patio chairs and small table- perfect for having a night-cap under the stars or enjoying an early-morning cup of coffee. It brings in a lot of extra light and gives you that personal outdoor space that most B&Bs cannot offer.
One of the best things about the Friday Room is that there is no lack of comfort. Complete with a Victornian-style couch, two leather sitting chairs, and a King-size bed (with a church pew headboard), the room is cozy and able to entertain guests comfortably. Then again, you can only entertain others if you haven't passed out into one of the greastest naps of your life.
And even though heat is probably the last thing on your mind right now with all these scorching days we've been having lately, the Friday room has a rustic fireplace that's perfect for when it starts to get chilly out. Not to mention, there's even more stained glass above the mantel.
And last, but not least: the bathroom. One thing you definitely won't find in any of The Abbey's rooms is your basic, 3x3 stand-up shower. Each room has a large spa tub and the Friday Room's Ultra Bain tub has air jets and enough room for two to fit comfortably. Remember, you're on vacation! Now is not the time for speedy showers. Relax, rejuvenate, and let it all go.
So now that you've seen the Friday Room in all it's beauty and glory, why not book a night or two to experience it for yourself? Or, let us know what you're favorite room at the Belfry is!
Posted on Thu, Jul 19, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Here at the Belfry Inn & Bistro, we're committed to providing only the highest quality customer service and helping you have a comfortable, relaxing stay in Sandwich. That being said, we're always trying to improve and make things as amazing as possible for our guests, so we need feedback!
How did you like the room?
Did you try anything from our restaurant?
How would you rate the customer service you recieved?
What was your favorite part about the Belfry?
Is there anything you think we should work on?
Is there anything we should keep doing well?
...these are all questions you can answer on our official Yelp page! Let us know what you think and how you'd rate your stay. If you have any questions or concerns, we can even reply to you directly through Yelp to get everything figured out.
Even though our page is flooded with positive reviews from guests who we hope to see again, we'd love to hear from you!
Click HERE to visit the Belfry's official Yelp page and to leave a review.