The Insiders' Guide to Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard--4th Edition

Rating:
Summary: Good for finding accomodations, but...
Review: My wife and I used this book to find accomodations for our honeymoon in Cape Cod. We bought this book and the Fodor's guide to Nantucket, Cape Code and Martha's Vineyard. We liked this one because it lists more places to stay than the Fodor's book, although it can be difficult to use based upon the way it is organized. The chapters are divided according to the kind of accomodation (hotel, B&B, rental) rather than the location of these accomodations. If you are looking for a particular kind of accomodation, this book would be well-suited to your needs. However, if you are more particular about staying in a specific location on the Cape (or the islands), then you may find something like the Fodor's guide to be more helpful.

We stayed in two locations on the Cape -- the first was recommended by both books and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there (Nauset House Inn). The second was listed only by the Insider's Guide in the B&B section, and it was quite disappointing. Rather than being warmly welcomed, we were continually reminded by our hosts that our room was part of their "private home" (those words were used on three separate occasions) and that we should take care not to disturb their privacy. We felt like unwelcome intruders, and we wished that the Insider's Guide had more clearly described these accomodations. We were temporary visitors in a private home rather than welcome guests at a hospitable bed and breakfast. The Guide said that the hosts "make you feel at home" [paraphrased], but they did just the opposite in our case. In fact, much of the time they were not around, apparently busy at their day jobs. When they insinuated that we were like renters for one of their other "properties", we realized that being hosts for the bed and breakfast was clearly a part-time occupation.

It's possible that the second B&B was just a bad apple. Yet, I wonder if the "Insider" who wrote the book included the latter B&B because of a personal relationship with the B&B owner. If the author was made to feel at home at the B&B, perhaps it was because the author, as an "insider" was not able to maintain an inconspicuous profile when compiling the book. Ultimately, I lay some blame upon the book (and its author) for recommending a place owned by inhospitable landlords-cum-B&B owners. Warning: an "insider's" perspective may not be in your best interest.