The Colony Hotel

This historic hotel offers a charming retreat, distinguished by its breathtaking ocean views and a unique blend of old-world elegance with modern updates. Its signature feature is the ability to transport guests back to a bygone era, providing a serene and unplugged experience that many find refreshing. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for a relaxing vacation with ample activities, and especially dog owners, as it is exceptionally pet-friendly. Guests consistently praise the beautiful grounds and the overall tranquil atmosphere. To ensure the most comfortable stay, consider booking one of the newer Coveside rooms if modern amenities like air conditioning and televisions are a priority, and be aware that noise can sometimes travel in the older sections of the building.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a magnificent heated saltwater pool with stunning ocean views, providing a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Guests also appreciate the convenience of the on-site Coveside Market, which offers various options, including smoothies, especially useful during the off-season when other facilities might be limited. While the main building's rooms often lack air conditioning and televisions, some newer sections do provide these modern comforts. The property offers EV chargers for electric vehicles and bicycles for exploring the area, though some guests noted a charge for their use. However, feedback on Wi-Fi is mixed, with many reporting slow speeds and intermittent connectivity. Some outdoor seating areas, such as Adirondack chairs, have been noted for occasional lack of maintenance, and there were isolated reports of cleanliness issues around the pool area, including algae and stained towels.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be generally clean and comfortable, with many appreciating the spacious rooms and comfortable beds, particularly in the recently renovated sections. However, a significant number of reviews highlight the absence of air conditioning and televisions in the main historic building, which can lead to uncomfortable temperatures, especially during warmer months. Thin walls are a recurring concern, resulting in noise from neighboring rooms, events, or even early morning service vehicles. Some older rooms are described as dated, with small bathrooms that may lack modern fixtures or sufficient counter space. Isolated reports mentioned issues such as worn carpets, dusty furniture, flickering lights, non-functional electrical outlets, and even mold or cockroaches in bathrooms, along with inconsistent water pressure and temperature fluctuations in showers.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast buffet receives mixed reviews; while many guests praise its extensive selection and good quality, including hot options, some feel its quality has declined compared to previous years, noting the use of paper cups and a shift to entirely self-serve. The Marine Room restaurant is generally well-regarded for its food and often features live music, creating an enjoyable atmosphere. However, some guests expressed disappointment with the policy requiring food orders for outdoor seating at the poolside terrace after 5 PM, even when tables are empty. There were also complaints about slow service at the pool bar and restaurant, and some found the seafood to be subpar. Additionally, some breakfast tables were noted as being unclean.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's beautiful location is a major highlight, offering stunning ocean views and convenient access to the beach directly across the street. It is also walkable to town, approximately one mile away, placing guests within reach of various restaurants and shops. The proximity to local landmarks, including the Bush compound, is also noted. However, some guests were disappointed that the advertised "private beach" is, in fact, a public area that is not always well-maintained, sometimes resembling a fishing pier with associated issues. Parking can be challenging, particularly during peak seasons or events, and some guests found the trolley service to downtown to be primarily for tours rather than general guest transportation.

Staff & Service
Most guests consistently praise the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness and accommodating nature, contributing to a positive overall experience. Many appreciate the quick check-in process and the attentiveness of the team. However, a notable number of reviews describe instances of awful service, with some guests encountering staff indifference or unresponsiveness from management regarding complaints. Specific issues included rude staff at the front desk and in the dining room, a perceived lack of communication regarding welcome amenities, and reports of the hotel being understaffed. There were also complaints about issues with bicycle rentals and a general unwillingness to assist with certain requests, such as bringing ice to rooms or providing shuttle information.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, welcoming dogs in many areas, including outdoor seating at the restaurant and providing special amenities like welcome bags for furry companions. Guests should be aware of the hotel's historic nature, as it was built in 1914 and retains many original features like traditional keys and glass doorknobs, contributing to its unique charm. During the off-season, the main hotel building may be closed, with guests accommodated in smaller, newer buildings, and amenities can be limited. Some guests reported experiencing construction noise from a new building being erected across the street, which can start early in the morning. A mandatory gratuity of 18% is added to food and beverage bills, a new policy that some guests felt was not clearly communicated upfront. The hotel does not offer room service, and some rooms lack mini-fridges or coffee pots, though mini-fridges can be rented for a fee.