element Seaport Hotel

Hi guys! I hope you all had a fantastic long weekend; Memorial Day Weekend is always one of my favorites! I am here today with a little staycation action from the Friday before last, where we checked into the Seaport District's element Hotel. Although we only checked in for one night - a fun night out in the neighborhood at that; element by Westin prides itself on being an extended stay hotel catering to guests who are in town for a few days to a few weeks or longer. Of course, it worked out for one evening just as nicely! We relaxed in our light filled executive suite before heading across the street to meet friends at The Lawn on D. A few beers + cornhole games later we took a five minute Uber ride into Fort Point for dinner at the always excellent Sportello. 

The element by Westin is a clean + modern hotel. It's eco friendly, dog friendly, a 10 minute drive from Logan Airport and in the center of the booming Seaport District. 

The view from our room presented an industrial / parking lot area, but rest assured the hip scene is not far. 

The rooms are sharp + spacious. Our one bedroom suite was sparse on décor with just a few pieces of abstract wall art and muted gray tones throughout. 

What I loved:

That Kitchen! The earth-toned glass backsplash literally saves the day. It is awesome to know that a fully equipped kitchen exists here even though we didn't put it to use. There's a full size refrigerator, dishwasher, range top and microwave. It is stocked with cookware, dishware and utensils so you could easily prepare a meal or heat up leftovers.

The Bathroom - so much room to spread out in this spa inspired space with a rainfall shower head and Phamacopia Natural products. The one thing missing?! Bathrobes! I love when hotels give them, and most mornings at home I always cozy up in my bathrobe first thing.

Complimentary Breakfast Bar - That egg sandwich was so key and took the standard breakfast buffet up a notch in my book. I also treated myself to a bowl of Lucky Charms from the cereal bar. Bob had scrambled eggs, bacon + a waffle. 

Additional Features (we didn't have enough time to take advantage of): indoor pool, fitness center, a grill on the patio + bikes to borrow. If we didn't have a somewhere to be the next morning I would have loved to hit up the pool and gym.

I'm now thinking more staycations are in order. Boston has so much to explore and I really enjoy being in-the-know about all the hotels be them new or old and what they have to offer. Thanks so much to element by Westin for the inspiring and restful Seaport staycation!

element Seaport Hotel

391-395 D Street

Boston, MA 02210

Our stay was complimentary, all opinions are my own

Almost Summer + Cape Roundup

Pictured: Lobster Risotto @ Mad Minnow, Harwichport | Toro Maki + Sashimi @ Mac's Shack, Wellfleet | Sunset @ Lewis Bay, West Yarmouth | Swordfish Cheeks + Soft Shell Crab @ Naked Oyster, Hyannis

Finally, some SUNSHINE! The beginning of May was entirely rain / cold / dark / drizzly and heat still blasting inside. That winter chill lingered just a little to long and it was rough on my spirit. In anticipation of consistently warm weather and trips to Cape Cod, here's a round up of some summer archive photos and fantastic Cape restaurants not-previously-blogged-about.

Mac's Shack | 91 Commercial St | Wellfleet

Mac is a local fisherman so a meal at his Outer Cape institution offers hands down the freshest seafood you'll ever eat; perfectly shucked Wellfleet Oysters and Littlenecks, dream worthy sushi + sashimi creations, inventive takes on classic entrees, plus terrific cocktails with a charming coastal atmosphere to match. My favorite way to end a day in Wellfleet - post hiking Great Island + playing in the dunes is hanging at their outdoor bar and patio area.

Mad Minnow | 554 Main St | Harwich Port

A summer gastropub that brings a fresh vibe to the neighborhood with a clean bright interior, an outdoor vegetable meets beer garden, locally sourced seafood, and stellar cocktails - you'll definitely want to #gethooked!

The Port | 541 Main St | Harwich Port

Across the street from Mad Minnow, a much older establishment with a classic and refined old Cape Cod vibe is The Port. You can't go wrong with $1 oysters nightly from 5 - 6:30!

Naked Oyster Bistro + Raw Bar | 410 Main Street | Hyannis

When I tell you that the above Soft Shell Crab + sweet corn entrée and the below Swordfish Cheeks are literally some of the best seafood dishes I've had on Cape Cod, ever, you won't hesitate to hit up the Naked Oyster next time you cross the Sagamore Bridge. My favorite way to dine is impromptu at the raw bar, a spot here feels like winning the lottery.

Eclectic Cafe | 606 Main Street | Hyannis
Venture to the other end of Main Street to dine under the stars on Eclectic Cafe's lush, warm and secluded patio. Pictured above is the Lobster Mac N Cheese appetizer with tarragon boursin, roasted parsnip, sweet peas and butter poached lobster. Pictured below is a Shrimp + Lobster Special wrapped and baked in phyllo dough. There is also a relaxed bar if you're in the mood to just grab a cocktail.

Seafood Sam's | 1006 Route 28 | South Yarmouth 

Seafood Sam's is clutch for a low key but satisfying meal. This local counter for take out or dine in (additional locations in Sandwich and Falmouth) offers moderately priced seafood - excellent lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried seafood and more. They also serve beer + wine!

FIN | 800 Main Street | Dennis 

Fin serves contemporary + sustainable seafood dishes matched by an eclectic wine list in a tastefully decorated two story antique home. Many incredible meals have been devoured here!

How many plates of oysters are appropriate to have/mention in one post?! These are Fin's signature Chilled Nobscusset Oysters with Pickled Ginger Granita and Wasabi Tobiko.

Also looking forward to....lazy summer days on Lieutenant Island and Great Island, both in Wellfleet, boat trips to Baxter's on Hyannis Harbor for fried seafood and frozen mudslides to-go, sunsets that set the marsh on fire, coffee ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles, swimming in the salty ocean, being tan, nights at the Beachcomber! What are you guys looking forward to this summer?