This motel is perhaps the most amazing hotel on the whole Cape – the location is unbeatable, you literally walk to the beach and the sea from your room, if you are on the first floor. The magic of the sound of waves is indescribable, and it is so enchanting to fall asleep lulled by it…

The sea water quality is very good yet not the best, since right next to the pier on the side there is quay from Falmouth marina. It provides its own romance and entertainment, though, as it is pleasant to watch the boats. Still the swimming from the motel beach is very good, the water in Falmouth is warmest in the whole Cape, it was about 80 at our stay on Sep 1, 2010. I would advise to wear swimming shoes as the sea bottom has some rocks and shells - it is not entirely sandy.

Tides is so marvelously decorated with flower baskets, and the lawn with flowers and bushes is immaculate. I was amazed at the most courteous and welcoming reception at the front desk – something that is rather seldom met at the Cape as well, as in most places the hospitality leaves a lot to be desired; normally you are looked at suspiciously, since you are a newcomer, and treated rather with cautious indifference. However Tides is operated by the motel’s owners, hence the most pleasant difference.

Everything on this property is squeaky clean – which is a TRUE rarity on the Cape, where in just about every hotel you will find rust, mold, etc; the only comparable place in cleanliness is Midway Motel in Eastham, but that one is not at the sea.

Our room#9 had a kitchenette with stove and coffeemaker (no microwave); it also had a fridge, which in hot weather is so indispensable. If you cook , you are expected to wash your own dishes on departure. The bathroom was also very comfortable and immaculate, although it had a shower only, no bathtub. Naturally, only soap was provided, no additional frills., as it is customary on the Cape. Yet additional pair of towels was on the bath rack, which was a generously nice touch.

Tides Motel seem to cater to rather quiet clientele; there was no sound of loud talking, music, TV, etc., which is fantastic, since you can truly enjoy what you came here for – the music of the sea and the songs of seagulls. It is so delightful to feed these birds, too!

There are a few potential drawbacks, depending on your taste and requirements:

All rooms except for one have two double beds, and only one room #5 has a queen bed. Also, the reading light is right above each bed, lighting the whole room, while it would be less disturbing if it lights more discreetly. In addition, the quality of the linen and blanket is average, which is, “virgin polyester”; unfortunately, it is a problem of the whole Cape – if you want a New-York or European quality bed, you will not get it. Since I live only an hour drive away, I always bring my own down comforter and pillows with me, but for those who can’t these polyester covers could be a disappointment.

There is no air conditioner in any room. We were there when outside temperature was 95 degrees, and yet because of the sea breeze it was very cool in the room. But for those who can’t live without the A/C its absence could be a problem. The motel provides fans and hairdryers at the front desk.

The quiet location also means that there aren’t any restaurants right at the spot; but it is a 2-5 min drive to Falmouth center or just over the hill along Grand Avenue to the next public beach, where there are a few eateries – Bailey’s by the Sea, etc. We have not eaten anywhere but in our sea-front room, since it is the BEST possible view and open-air place.

This place is a gem and a great find on the Cape.