Understand before you read further that the superlatives in our review are an underestatment compared to the real experience. We chose the Inn for the celebration of Jeff's birthday and our anniversary, October 5 & 6.From the moment our feet touched ground, our experience was perfect. All of the prior fabulous reviews failed to do the place and people justice, and neither can we. The property is dotted with varied, expansive indoor and outdoor spaces --from comfy chairs to tables to fire pit to porch to lounge to bar to the lovely dining room. The breakfasts are FULL GOURMET (including the most wonderful breakfast potatoes and crab cakes ever) with choices for every palate, served with grace and personality. You simply can't sleep-in and miss a bite; and if you must leave early, the staff will ensure you are fed if they must have a to-go bag with warm fare and cups of coffee in hand as you race to your destination. Dinner by the fireplace with the identical food quality and service awaits you upon return. The staff will also help you identify other wonderful restaurants,but don't miss your own homebase offering. (Our favorite away-from Inn restaurants were the Naked Oyster (Hyannis), Cape Sea Grill (Harwich), Daniel Webster Inn's bar (Sandwich), and the Winslow Tavern (Wellfleet).).

All Chatham Inn areas were spotless and the rooms well stocked. If you need something, just ask, and the staff will do their utmost to deliver--from chocolate to extra logs for the fireplace. If you want expansive space, including a private balcony & fireplace, ask for Room 3 or one similar. The Inn is about a mile from the lighthouse, which we enjoyed in the fog, rain, and sun--all stunning views. Town is a reasonable walk from end to end, and there is more beyond. A special gem was the Orpheum Theater downtown. Shows run from noonish through night--and atypical showings as well as new releases are available.

From the Inn you can run from one end of the Cape to the other and never tire. We know as we did it for 7 days. While we hardly missed a burg, our favorites were Chatham, Brewster, Sandwich, Hyannis and the National Seashore at Provincetown.

From first arrival to final departure and every in-and-out between, we felt like we were returning home as we were greeted and cared for by all the staff, but especially the incredible Fabienne (who we first met with our initial call for reservations and last hugged at the end) and her sidekick Lindsay, Innkeeper Lynn, servers Suzannah, Joyce, and Luz, Dining Manager Jeffrey, and the on-the-spot bellman George. All others we encountered casually were equally welcoming. So, we will be back as soon as life permits. Thanks Chatham Inn for making our long awaited Cape Cod visit all we had hoped it would be.