Honoring Harwich Port’s History

Our Mission

Wychmere is a premier coastal resort dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality in a setting of natural beauty and timeless charm. With more than a century of hospitality excellence, Wychmere has evolved into a sought-after Cape Cod destination where contemporary hospitality meets the relaxed elegance of coastal living. We are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, cultivating an environment where our dedicated team thrives, and contributing meaningfully to our local community and economy.

Rooted in our rich coastal heritage, we take pride in being thoughtful stewards of the land and sea—honoring Cape Cod’s unique identity by celebrating its natural beauty, maritime culture, and deep sense of place. As a destination for life’s most meaningful celebrations, especially weddings, Wychmere is where lasting connections are formed—where guests become part of a close-knit coastal community and return year after year to relive cherished memories.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. From collaborating with local artisans and businesses to supporting charitable initiatives and time-honored Cape traditions, we are deeply invested in strengthening our ties to the region and enriching the lives of those around us. With a profound respect for people, place, and purpose, Wychmere is more than a resort—it’s a gathering place where traditions are honored, memories are made, and all who come feel a deep and lasting sense of belonging.

Review Wychmere’s Presentation to the Cape Cod Commission 2-5-26

EMPLOYEE VEHICULAR TRIP REDUCTION | PEAK SEASON

  • In the future, all employee parking will be relocated offsite. A conservative estimate in peak season (June 1- August 31st) assumes 30 vehicles (60 round‑trip journeys) Monday through Wednesday, and 50 vehicles (100 round‑trip journeys) Thursday through Sunday will be removed from Snow Inn Road. ​
  • ​This results in a reduction of approximately 580 vehicular round trips per week during peak season. For the 13-week season this will result in a reduction of 7,540 round trips removed from Snow Inn Road.​
  • ​The employee shuttle, currently a 6‑passenger minivan, operates on a set daily schedule during peak season. With the planned acquisition of a 12‑passenger electric van, the number of trips will remain the same as exists today, but capacity will increase. The electric vehicle will also provide environmental benefits and reduce noise, a significant improvement over the existing shuttle.

DELIVERY VEHICULAR TRIP REDUCTION | PEAK SEASON

  • During Peak Season 2025, all weekly deliveries were recorded. Total deliveries in this period from June 1st – August 31st equaled 640 deliveries (equating to 1,280 vehicular trips) on Snow Inn Road. Going forward, 475 of those deliveries (equating to 950 vehicular round trips) will be rerouted to the Commissary at 741 Route 28.​
  • ​Several of the 475 deliveries -equal to 950 vehicular trips- currently rely on larger vehicles that require additional time to enter and exit Wychmere along Snow Inn Road.​
  • ​Wychmere has acquired an electric vehicle to transport products from the Commissary to the property twice daily during early-am/off-peak hours resulting in 28 vehicular trips weekly or 364 vehicular trips for the 13-week season. The use of an electric vehicle will further enhance conditions by providing environmental benefits and reducing noise, representing a substantial improvement over existing operations.​
  • Over the 13-week period, the current average delivery volume is approximately 95 vehicular delivery trips per week. Moving forward, this will be reduced to 25 vehicular trips per week; however, when combined with an additional 28 transfer deliveries from the Commissary to the Wychmere site, total delivery-related vehicular trips will be 53 trips per week. Please note that these deliveries will occur midweek during off-peak hours.​
  • ​This results in an overall delivery trip reduction and decreases the overall volume to 694 vehicular trips from June 1st – August 31st.
  • ​The improvement in deliveries alone represents 586 less Vehicular Trips for the season on Snow Inn Road.

UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2026

Wychmere Re-Imagined

The proposed work will take place within previously developed areas, replacing the existing Snow Inn and Channel House with a new flood compliant hotel that includes new guest rooms, meeting rooms, spa, restaurant, at-grade parking and other hotel amenities.

Upgrades to Site Infrastructure:
The existing Channel House will be removed to make room for the new wastewater treatment facility designed to meet current and proposed development needs, replacing the existing WWTF currently located in the basement of the existing hotel in the floodplain.

Stormwater Drainage Improvements:
A stormwater system designed to control runoff on site per MA Stormwater Management Standards and Harwich Stormwater Regulations.

Parking:

  • At-Grade Parking (Covered and Open)
  • Improved Site Circulation
  • Total Parking for 206 vehicles (Valet Capacity – 290 Cars)

Landscape/Hardscape Improvements:
New landscape/hardscape will incorporate native plantings and vegetation consistent with Cape Cod Commission RPP Design Guidelines.

View Below for Proposed Building Floor Plans, Elevations, Views & Site Plan

Please Note: Use the Right & Left Arrow to Advance the Slides in Each Section

Economic Benefits

  • Re-development will boost Harwich’s economy by expanding Wychmere’s role as a key driver of summer and shoulder season tourism.​ ​
  • Increases seasonal (70) and year-round (25) employment with competitive pay, benefits and off-site employee housing.​ Additional year-round positions as well as seasonal job opportunities for local residents of Harwich Port.
  • Wychmere is already one of the community’s largest employers, and this redevelopment will create additional opportunities for employment and growth.
  • ​The planned $70–$80 million Wychmere redevelopment will generate substantial economic benefits for the broader Cape community, creating numerous construction jobs and supporting local businesses throughout the project.​
  • Generates substantial increases in local lodging, meals, and property tax revenues contributing $1.5M annually in additional state and local taxes.​
  • ​The addition of hotel rooms at Wychmere enhances its ability to book corporate and social events, particularly during the shoulder seasons. This increased demand supports local accommodations, stores, restaurants, attractions, and vendors, strengthening the regional economy and fostering year-round vitality for the community.​
  • ​Consistent with Harwich’s Local Comprehensive Plan and long-term sustainability goals.

Environmental Benefits

  • Voluntary relocation of 40-year-old wastewater treatment facility out of floodplain and replacement with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility with tertiary treatment to eliminate nitrogen discharge by ~95 kg/year, directly improving water quality of Wychmere Harbor and Nantucket Sound.​
  • MA-DEP has approved GWDP extension and design plans.​
  • Reduces sitewide nitrogen concentration by 31%, less than 5ppm.
  • Install stormwater management system to capture and treat existing, uncontrolled off-site runoff from broader neighborhood that sheet flows onto Wychmere property and into Wychmere Harbor and down the public Snow Inn Road onto Merkel beach dune.​
  • Elevation of hotel building out of the floodplain and no new construction within floodplain eliminates existing hazards to people and property from storm events. ​
  • Provide financial support for the Town’s shellfish upweller system in Wychmere Harbor.

Snow Inn Road Improvements

  • Conduct survey of Snow Inn Road to determine feasibility of a sidewalk along the west side of the road to improve pedestrian safety.​
  • Conduct Road Safety Audit of the Snow Inn Road/Freeman Street/Route 28intersection to assist Town in applying for available grants for further roadway improvements.​
  • Eliminate 475 large truck deliveries (950 vehicular trips over 13-week summer season) from Snow Inn Road and shift to off-site location owned by Wychmere.​
  • Eliminate 100% of large motor coaches from Snow Inn Road.​
  • Planned future removal of employee parking from the site will significantly reduce vehicle trips on Snow Inn Road. The shuttle service will continue its current operations, and a larger electric van will be added in the future while maintaining the same schedule for the employee shuttle that exists today.
  • Wychmere will transition to a Full Valet Operation for all future arriving guests on-site. This approach, led by our experienced partner, is designed to enhance on-site parking management and vehicle flow while delivering a more seamless and elevated guest experience. By moving away from traditional self-parking during peak periods, we’re able to operate more efficiently and accommodate more vehicles on the property.
  • Wychmere will be able to accommodate more guests who are already visiting the property for events, by offering on-site overnight accommodations. This will further reduce overall vehicular trips.  Additional trip reduction will occur during peak periods due to minimum stay requirements in booking patterns, which limit turnover and associated vehicle activity.

Zoning & Design Compliance

  • The re-development meets local zoning requirements for height, building coverage, and most setbacks; existing nonconforming front setback improved.
  • Massing and layout are designed to minimize visibility and impact, shielded by existing perimeter buildings.
  • The proposed building conforms to Harwich Historic District and Historical Commission design recommendations.

A Rich History

The Harbor, Snow Inn & Thompson’s Clam Bar

1889 – Before the 19th century, there was no direct access from Wychmere Harbor to the sea, and the area was known as Salt Water Pond. In 1889 the state dredged a proper channel measuring 100 feet wide with jetties on each side.

1892 – Levi Edric Snow built an eight-room seaside cottage for his family plus a 20-room addition and began charging rent to guests. This addition became the acclaimed historic Snow Inn.

1913 – The hotel became a year-round business. A separate residence for their 3 sons was built on the dock, Spit ‘n Whittle.

1945 – The Family Added a Wholesale Seafood Business Selling Fresh Seafood on the Dock.

1950-1995 – Thompson’s Clam Bar Operated in the Spit & Whittle Building serving more than 2,000 people each day in the busy summer season.

1993 – Snow Inn closed it’s doors.

1995 – Thompson’s Clam Bar ceased operations as they struggled to find affordable employee housing.

2010 – New Owners purchased the property & brought it back to it’s splendor as a hotel, beach club and sophisticated wedding, event venue.