The Wellfleet Motel & Lodge is a family owned and operated resort motel that was originally built in 1968. It was a small 15 unit motel that my parents purchased in 1972. Over the years the business grew and amenities were added like an outdoor pool, color TV's and air-conditioning. This was way before the internet. In 1975 there was a small addition of 10 guest rooms. Mom and Dad were very pleased as construction progressed on time and under budget. In the 80's an adjacent parcel of land became available and Mom and Dad once again dreamed of expanding the business. In 1988 this tiny motel became the Wellfleet Motel & Lodge and added 40 guestrooms and suites, an indoor pool, Harrigan's Café and Smoothie Bar, and moved the cocktail lounge from the original motel to the new reception building. So we are now in our 44th year of operation and still continue to make improvements and streamline operations.
As the general manager of a small family business I often wear many different hats to get us through the day from cooking breakfast in the cafe, to making beds, to checking guests in. To us, operating a motel is more than just heads in beds. Working in hospitality has enriched my life by meeting many great people from around the world. Incidentally, you might see the third generation of Wilson's helping out around the family business busing tables and serving coffee.
Over the years we have worked with the Cape Light Compact to fund various energy efficiency measures like on demand tankless hot water heaters, variable speed pool pumps and energy efficient lighting and air-conditioners. Striving to become less dependent on fossil fuels we embarked on a major campaign for renewable energy. In 2012 we installed 288 solar panels to produce electricity and 9 solar thermal collectors to assist with domestic hot water and outdoor pool heating. In 2015 we installed another 174 solar panels for electricity and 5 more solar collectors for hot water which will also help with our commercial laundry. We produce roughly 60% or our own power and 40% of our hot water. In 2015 we were awarded a grant to upgrade our commercial laundry with more efficient washing machines, dryers, and an ozone system that helps clean our linens and towels without the use of harsh chemicals and keeps them extra soft. In 2013 we were awarded the Cape and Islands Green Certification for our commitment to preserving the environment.
We hope you enjoy your stay with us. Our goal is to provide clean, comfortable, and modern accommodations with amenities that you have at home like free wifi, large flat screen TV's and refrigerators. Many of our staff have worked with us for 10 years or more and many of our guests consider us there home away from home and return year after year.
"I remember going down that slide as a kid. It sure was fun. That's Dad behind the bar in his cabana outfit entertaining with the accordion. That's me little Teddy Wilson watching TV in one of the guestrooms."
"Outdoor pool photo circa 1975. Check out the vintage spaghetti strap pool furniture. Sorry no more slide or diving board."
"I miss the old pine paneling but not the small black and white TV's. That's Dad behind the bar with his accordion."
