Our Hotels

Congress Hall est. 1816

what The oldest seaside hotel in America.

where The majestic L-shaped building sits on the beachfront and also on Congress Place, next to the Washington Street shopping district.

history Built in 1816 by Thomas Hughes, the hotel was so big—reportedly the largest seaside hotel in the country at the time—locals thought it could never work, and they called it Tommy’s Folly. Hughes called it The Big House by the Sea. Twelve years later, it was renamed Congress Hall because of Hughes’s election to Congress. Four sitting presidents stayed here—Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses Grant and Benjamin Harrison, who in 1891 turned the ground floor of the hotel into his Summer White House.

vibe This Cape May landmark is a haven of relaxed elegance and historic charm.

best for Families looking to create memories and couples in need of a getaway.

awards Since 2012, Congress Hall has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the top US hotels in the Northeast. Most recently, it was awarded the #13 spot in the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions. It was also named Best Hotel in New Jersey by Travel and Leisure magazine in its annually released World’s Best Awards.

Congress Hall did a lot of sprucing up this past winter. We polished the floors from the Lobby to the Blue Pig to the Boiler Room, used 116 gallons of paint on the interior, installed new awnings on the Veranda and re-shingled the pool house roof. We even re-painted and polished the flagpole!

WHAT’S NEW

Congress Place Suites est. 1890

what Beautifully renovated apartments located across from Congress Hall.

where In the heart of historic Cape May, one block from the beach on Perry Street.

history These newly renovated, fully equipped apartment-style rooms joined the Cape Resorts family in 2017. Sitting above the quaint shops of Washington Street, one of the earliest examples of a pedestrian-only zone on an American main street, these second-story suites were built to mirror the same fresh, cool blue tones and whimsical seaside decor characteristic of sister property Congress Hall.

vibe Bright and sunny, thanks to picture windows that allow for natural light and provide the ideal frame for people watching. A couple of the suites also provide the ideal vantage point for dolphin spotting, taking in the fireworks on the Fourth of July or watching the annual West Cape May Christmas Parade.

best for Families or couples looking for a comfortable home away from home.

These second-story suites provide unmatched views of Perry Street, Congress Hall, Carpenter’s Lane and Washington Street. Bright, sunny picture windows let the light in and provide a unique perspective on downtown Cape May.

FUN FACT

The Virginia est. 1879

what The Virginia is an impeccably restored 1879 landmark hotel.

where In the middle of beautiful Jackson Street, a half-block from the beach.

history Like many Cape May hotels, The Virginia was built following the catastrophic fire of 1878, which wiped out 35 downtown acres. When Cape May slumped in the 1900s, The Virginia went from a high-class hotel to a rooming house. It was condemned in the 1980s and then bought in 1986 by Curtis Bashaw and his family. It was renovated and reopened in 1989, the first Cape Resorts property.

vibe Polished and elegant, cozy and intimate, The Virginia is a jewel box of quality—think of bathroom amenities made with ingredients fresh from Beach Plum Farm, infused with lavender, lemon verbena and mint. And then there’s its highly acclaimed restaurant, The Ebbitt Room, plus a classic cocktail lounge with piano entertainment.

best for Couples looking for a boutique hotel experience.

awards Since 2012, the hotel has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the top US hotels in the Northeast. It was awarded the #4 spot in the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions.

Complimentary continental breakfast has been a cornerstone of every Virginia Hotel stay since we opened in 1989, and this year, Chef Jason Hanin has taken the silver tray experience up a notch. Menu highlights include house-made cold brew, oat milk lattés, avocado toast, fresh pastries, seasonal quiches and fresh-pressed juices.

WHAT’S NEW

The Virginia Cottages est. 1891

what A collection of five charming cottages—Red, White, Gray, Brown and Pink.

where On historic, breezy Jackson Street, a half-block from the beach and the mall.

history In 1891, Edward Knight, owner of Congress Hall, hired architect Stephen Decatur Button (who also designed Congress Hall and once lived next door to Walt Whitman) to draw up plans for seven identical cottages. The buildings changed use several times—three are now owned and operated by Cape Resorts.

vibe Equal parts classic and comfort.

best for Available as separate apartments or full-house rentals, these are ideal for families or groups of friends, girls’ getaway trips or wedding groups.

The Red Cottage received a garden-to-turret renovation, upgrading the bathrooms and installing new carpeting and furnishings.

WHAT’S NEW

what A stylish, laidback oceanfront hotel.

where Just west of Grant Street, directly across from the beach… everyone stands on their tippy toes to peer over the dunes when the dolphins start leaping.

history Established by Philadelphia builder Jules Hober, this laidback hotel began as The Coachman’s Motor Inn in 1966. Ten years later, construction began on the Rusty Nail bar and restaurant, in a style inspired by the chalets Hober found at the ski resorts he frequented. He saw a table fashioned from a tree in Vermont, and loved the look of it so much he tracked down the carpenter, who made Jules a bar from the same wood. The Coachman’s and Rusty Nail remained in the Hober family until 2005 when they sold to Cape Resorts, who relaunched the hotel property as the Beach Shack in 2009.

vibe Fresh, fun and flip-flop friendly all year-round, thanks to the addition of heating in the rooms (and a rustic-chic fireplace indoors at the Nail, too). The shades of blue and orange and the pineapple motif carpeting evoke a 1970s Hawaii vibe. Kids in particular will love the bunk rooms, a popular new coastal design trend.

best for Anyone who likes to feel the sand between their toes.

awards The attached Rusty Nail is one of Travel and Leisure magazine’s top 10 picks for best beach bars in America.

WHAT’S NEW

The Rusty Nail rearranged its outdoor stage and seating space, and added another fire pit!

what The Star, Congress Hall’s remarkably versatile little sister, consists of an inn, a motel and carriage house.

where On Perry Street, close to the shops, beaches and restaurants.

history This property used to be the site of the Ocean House Hotel, a grand old dame that took up the whole block. It is also where the Great Fire of 1878 began. Embers from this blaze blew off the roof onto Congress Hall, burning that down and eventually raging through 35 acres of town.

vibe Imaginative and inspiring (with a coffee shop on site).

best for Family vacations or group getaways. The Star offers a range of accommodations to suit the needs of every type of traveler. Couples love our cozy Inn Guest Rooms, while the kitchenettes, living rooms and outdoor sitting areas of our motel-style Star Suites make them a great option for families and groups. For even more space, choose to stay in one of our beautiful Carriage House Suites—two luxurious two-bedroom suites set atop a renovated carriage house, each with full kitchens, washer/dryers and full-length decks overlooking the ocean.

FUN FACT

When the Star Inn property was renovated by Cape Resorts in 2003, they found ash under the foundation from the 1878 fire.

The Sandpiper Beach Club est. 1977

what A condominium resort with 51 one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living rooms and balconies… most with spectacular ocean views.

where Overlooking the dunes of Cape May’s beautiful main strand.

history The original building, which shows up on maps from 1878, was built around 1870 by Richard D. Wood, a wealthy Philadelphia businessman who helped establish the Cape May Ocean Wave newspaper and West Jersey Railroad. In 1940, the property was demolished and replaced by the Cape May Motel before being bought in 1977 by Robert and Ruth Escher, who enlarged the building to the 65-room Sandpiper in the early 80s. In 2004, Cape Resorts acquired the property and renovated it into condos. The company now manages the property on behalf of the owners.

vibe It feels like a luxe hotel (think pool, daily housekeeping, beach service, sauna, concierge service and expansive fitness center) but with a sense of home-sweet-home.

best for Families who want to plant some roots in America’s first seaside resort (with signing privileges at all Cape Resorts properties).

awards The Sandpiper has been named one of Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards Top 20 Best Hotels in Mid-Atlantic and New York.

The Sandpiper underwent many property enhancements this past winter, including a complete pool renovation, new flooring and kitchen appliances in the guest rooms and upgraded furniture on the balconies.

WHAT’S NEW

Cottages At Beach Plum Farm est. 2018

what A collection of cottages located on a 62-acre working farm.

where An idyllic spot on Stevens Street in West Cape May.

history Beach Plum Farm launched in 2007 as a way to provide local produce for the Cape Resorts restaurants. What started as a modest operation has grown to include more than 100 crops. And the concept of the farm has expanded, too. Since the space opened to the public in 2009, it’s become a serene place for connecting with nature and one another, usually over a meal of farm-fresh food and drink. The space offers a produce market and store in an Amish-built barn, a kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and overnight stays in five farm cottages.

vibe With a beautiful landscape and a soundtrack of bird song and free-to-roam contented farm animals, yes, it’s as chill as you would imagine.

best for Families, groups of friends or wedding parties... and everyone who appreciates sunshine, pretty scenery and real, clean food.

awards Beach Plum Farm was awarded a “Hero” designation from Edible Jersey magazine in 2019 for working to protect the “culinary soul” of the Garden State.

WHAT’S NEW

The team at Beach Plum Farm has developed new, full-immersive ways to stay. From hand-harvesting your own crops, to cooking alongside our Executive Chef, to mixing drinks at our artisanal cocktail classes, these new packages are the ultimate Beach Plum experience. Visit BeachPlumFarmCapeMay.com to learn more.

what An All-American resort destination situated on a harborfront.

where In Sag Harbor, a charming little village in the Hamptons of New York.

history After a two-year renovation, Baron’s Cove reopened to guests in the summer of 2015. It embraces the history of the original 1960s hotel, which boasted prominent guests including John and Elaine Steinbeck, Paul Newman, Art Garfunkel and Richard Kind. Local leaders, out-of-town guests and regional artists regularly gathered in the restaurant and hotel.

vibe The resort offers the same spirit of creativity and community while also offering up-to-date amenities expected from a modern resort. It’s a quiet, intimate and accessible place to stay any time of year. The nautically inspired lounge is the place to relax with a cocktail or glass of wine, whether it’s a summer afternoon or a chilly fall evening.

best for Anyone looking to explore the wineries, farmer’s markets, antique stores, shopping and culture on offer in Eastern Long Island. This is the perfect home base.

awards Baron’s Cove was honored as one of the Top 20 Hotels in the New York and Mid-Atlantic region by Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2018.

WHAT’S NEW

Baron’s Cove Executive Chef Nick Vogel and his team have recently joined Dock to Dish, a “CSA for fish” cooperative based out of Montauk. As part of the program, Long Island fishermen bring product straight to the restaurant from the boat, allowing Nick access to the freshest and most sustainable product available.