HotelChatter

It has the best view (of the sand bars just offshore, hence the name); the best situation -- for the entire inn sits up on a hillside, slightly curved so all the rooms can take in the scenery; the most delicious-looking pool, spanking white with cerulean blue water, right out of some luxury resort in the Caribbean; and the best real estate grab on both sides of the road.

This place is an old mother -- around since 1914, it's on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List and it's also on the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A hotel trolley will cart you into town. Cottages come with fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, dining tables and balconies. The spa uses local cranberries and sea algae. Japanese gardens belt the pools that overlook the sea. Sigh.

Rates start as low as $495 and go into the thousands, but check the website for specials and packages. Read the fine print, too -- a deposit is required on all stays, and the rates don't include a whopping 9.7% tax, covering who the heck knows.

And based on a spate of unusually dismal Tripadvisor reviews from this past summer, specifically, there's this response from hotel management:

Unfortunately there were also some disappointing performances among the seasonal staff this year, especially in the pool and beach area. These individuals will not be returning next year. For the next summer season we plan to add lot more furniture, umbrellas, beach amenities and food and beverage services for a more comfortable and enjoyable pool and seaside guest experience.

Good to know.