According to the Trip Advisor's 2008 Traveler's Choice list, the best bargain hotel in the world is the SeaCoast Inn in Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As logic would have it, it's on the list as the best bargain in the U.S. is well.

So what makes this place in Cape Cod such a deal? Cleanliness of the hotel (just read the comments on the dirtiest hotels post), friendliness and knowledge of the inn keepers, and its location, location, location, according to the comments on the SeaCoast Inn Web site. One guest said they never used their car. A guest from Europe said that it's similar to smaller hotels in Europe. For those Americans looking to go to Europe, but are put off by the lousy showing of the American dollar these days, perhaps staying here may suffice the need for a dose of European travel. If you can walk everywhere, think of the savings on gas as well.

My reaction when I saw the room rates was "Wow, that is reasonable." The inn must be closed for the season right now since prices aren't listed for the winter, but starting in the spring you can stay for as low as $68. The highest springtime rate is $108. In the summer the prices jump to $98--$148 which is not bad for a touristy area.

From the inn you can walk to the ferries that will take you to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. I've never been to Cape Cod, but the SeaCoast Inn's Web site highlights several reasons why this would be a perfect place to take a family.

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel