Once a summer or so we get the phone call. Well, actually, the email is more accurate these days. It is always an email that I look forward to getting, but yet it is also one that gives me a moment of panic. The email usually reads something like this,
“Hey, we thought we’d make a long weekend out of heading up your way for a quick getaway. Any recommendations of where we should stay?”
So, my question is this…. Where you do recommend that people stay?? Because it’s about that time of year again, and I’d like to be prepared.
Typically, the emails I get are from college friends (who I am always PSYCHED to see) but who come from places where you can easily book a Hilton…or a Marriott….or a Hyatt….or a Sheraton. All are choices that we don’t have here. Now, let me be perfectly clear…I LOVE where we live and I love the variety of quaint choices that we have to offer visitors, but I’m never certain of what their expectations might be.
I’ve had some good luck…and some bad luck…with my previous recommendations. I feel like a have a pretty good handle of what the options are, but I haven’t stepped foot in many of them. Likewise, I know that I can read Trip Advisor or many other reviews, but I’d rather ask you. And…as I tell my students…let’s keep it positive people. I have no desire to slam any local businesses so, while I’d really love some feedback, let’s stick to places you WOULD recommend and respectfully not mention the places that made your guests want to bathe in scalding water for days. Not that we have any of those places here, but hopefully you get my point.
I’m so curious as to what you all have to suggest and share!! Thanks in advance!!
Good Morning Gloucester 
The Inn on Cove Hill – Rockport. In town – great hosts and convenient for walking- parking, too!
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PS – forgot to mention Tuck Inn – in beautiful downtown Rkpt, too. Also very personable hosts, baked goodies, a pool!, parking.
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Blue Shutter Good Harbor Beach, the Atlantis
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I tried Rockport Inn & Suites for the first time last year. Room was large, clean and modern, and the pool was awesome, and open late….wink, wink….
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harborview inn in Gloucester – great location, great hosts, right on the Boulevard so a terrific view.
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We stayed at the Atlantis for a weekend, it was great. Restaurant over looking the ocean, great food and reasonable. Wake up early and see the most amazing sunrise ever. And take a swim in the pool with the ocean right next to you. Good stuff!
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I’ve stayed at Blue Shutters Inn and found it delightful. And it is right on GHB! What about the Crow’s Nest for a real Gloucester experience.
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Thanks for all the suggestions!!! Coincidentally, I have never had friends stay at any of those places…nor have I stayed at any of those places. Well, other than the Crow’s Nest…kidding.
I have pointed friends to the Gloucester Inn by the Sea (and done a little staycation there ourselves) and the Ocean View on the back shore, the Seaward Inn in Rockport, Cape Ann Marina, and the Sea Lion in Gloucester. Hmmm. Another place I’ve always wanted to send people are the Rocky Neck Accommodations, but they’ve always been booked. Hear good things though.
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Blue Shutter Inn, The Atlantis, Bass Rocks, but my number 1 is the Penthouse at the Accommodations on Rocky Neck. Walking distance to Rudder, Studio, Duckworth’s, breakfast at Sailor Stan’s, great beaches, the Harbor Shuttle to get you downtown, Rocky Neck Srt Colony. What’s not to love????
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I’d recommend The Yankee Clipper in Pigeon Cove, Rockport. You’re right on the ocean-beautiful sunrises. I also recommend checking VRBO -Vacation Rental By Owner. I once rented a great little apartment in downtown Rockport through that site and really enjoyed it- harbor view with access to the Shalin Liu and the Rockport Art Association.
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Also try Home Away on the Internet. We found Linda Amero’s Sunset Serenade apartment and Summerwind cottage where we always stay in East Gloucester.
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I would recommend the Vista although it is an older motel the rooms are immaculate and they serve a nice continental breakfast most rooms have view of ocean and owner is on top of things. Also has a nice pool and it is moderately priced. The Sea Lion is also nice but doesn’t have the ocean view.
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Blue Shutters Inn on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Can’t beat the location, views, comfort and amenities.
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Definitely Rocky Neck Accommodations, if rooms are available – no place like Rocky Neck. Another lovely place is Castle Manor Inn in West Gloucester – never stayed there or know anyone who has, but it is on a lovely setting and the rooms are nicely appointed.
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We welcome guests at Lanes Cove House overlooking the cove in Lanesville. Walk to the exclusive Plum Cove Beach. Kayak from the granite breakwater. Enjoy quaint village life. Walk to the Lobster Pool restaurant and Halibut Point Park.
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All excellent suggestions and several I had not considered. Thanks so much for your feedback, everyone!!
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The Tuck Inn in Rockport!
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