You could easily drive by the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, Massachusetts and mistake it for just another Cape Cod hotel that has been around for many years. But the Cape Codder looks very different from the inside than from the outside. To start, they just opened a brand new section of the waterpark, part of a massive renovation project. Walking through the resort, you can easily see where the owners have continued to plow money back into the resort to make it even more attractive to families – from the newly renovated family suites to the recently added two and three-bedroom residences. I was recently invited to visit with my daughter and her friend to check out the new waterpark, and we got to a see everything the hotel has to offer to provide a full Cape Codder Resort review.
Cape Codder Resort Review
Accommodations
We stayed in the newly renovated and spacious Family Suite. Our suite featured a very large living area with sectional couch and flat screen TV, a small kitchenette, a spacious separate bedroom with a king bed and two full bathrooms. The most unique feature – and the most fun – was the flip down Murphy bed that converted the kitchen table to a full-size bed. The sectional sofa also opens up into a sofa bed, so technically the suite can sleep up to six people. The only downside of the suite is that it overlooks the waterpark, so you’ll want to keep the curtains closed for privacy. Surprisingly though, the sound and lights didn’t bother us but it is something to think about for families with younger kids who go to bed before the waterpark closes. For $675 a night during high season, the Family Suite is no bargain for a non-beachfront hotel, but it does include four water park passes and everything the hotel has to offer families.
I also had a chance to tour the residences, which consist of single, double and triple bedroom suites. This section is beautifully designed, with none of the brick hallways you can find in other sections of the resort. They are designed for vacation club owners, but are also rented out on a weekly basis, or less (with a two-three night minimum stay). These suites were very impressive, with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, steam showers, soaking tubs and gorgeous linens and décor.
Waterpark
The Cape Codder has always been known for its indoor waterpark, but it recently got much larger. The older section still features two small slides, a wave pool, and a whirlpool.
The newer section has a fun beach design and the features you would except from a much larger resort. My favorite of course is the lazy river, but the kids enjoyed the two larger body slides and going back and forth between the two sections. For the little ones, there is a large “kiddie” play area and for parents who don’t want to get wet, there are sets of tables and chairs around the perimeter, as well as upstairs in the loft-like party area.
For convenience, there is a full service café within the water park, offering salads, hot dogs, nachos, tacos and the like. You can also easily exit the water park to the hotel’s “beach” hangout area or walk over to the outdoor pool.
On summer evenings, the hotel lights a bonfire in the beach area and the “Rainbow Falls” at the outdoor, salt-water pool is lit up with fun LED lights.
>>CONTINUE FOR THE SPA AND AMENITIES AT THE CAPE CODDER RESORT>>
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
Me and my family recently booked two night stay. We ended up staying only one night. We checked out about 430pm. One night was enough at the cape codder. The lazzy river and two big waterslides were open. That is It. Amd there was absolutely no waiting in the water at the Lazy River.
When first arriving, my kids opened 2 drawers to see food trash inside. Also there was a long black sock on the side of our bed. The bathroom sink would fill up with water.
Now for being able to eat no microwave in the room. I did need to ask and I was brought a microwave to my room. The microwave button to open and close was messed up although microwave still warmed food and did its job.
The beds did not have fitted sheets. By morning after that forst night the beds were a mess. And I dont think turnovers were beong done because of covid.
This cape codder resort offers a ” hearth and kettle” restaurant in the hotel. Offers breakfast all day..no pancakes, no French toast, no omelettes or scrambles eggs. So we ordered 2 pizzas and 1 Smores pizza. Food was on time for carry out. Pizza tastes very good and warm. Opened the smores had one slice. Went to pass a piece to my kid, HAIR! Didnt touch the rest of that. Spent $40 for 3 pizzas. Spent $22 once at the snack shack in waterpark area. And again $28. Bought nachos and cheese for $4 came with salsa and sour cream! Bomb! Warm pretzel not worth 4.50. Kids screwball 3.50! Like a 10 oz cup of wine was $7!
Anyways there was nothing to do when your not at the Lazy River or going up and down the same 2 slides. By the way the outdoor pool. Was packed. And small. Water fountain wasnt as exciting especially with all the people.
Additionally cape codder pools and Water park close before dark. 2 or 3 star