Beach and Pool

Beach & Pool

The summer season is all about our beaches and pools. Cape May’s wide, breezy, white-sand beaches are regularly named among America’s best in numerous annual surveys, so we know you’re going to want to spend a lot of time on them—especially since you’re being pampered by our beach staff. There are reasons why your mind and body crave beach time— studies have shown you get a vitamin D boost from the sunshine, the iodine in the ocean is an excellent immune system booster, the sand does a fine job of exfoliating your body, and salt water helps remove toxins from the skin.

If you’re not a beach person, relax on a poolside lounger, dozing and reading, snacking and cocktailing (the prohibition of alcohol on Cape May’s beaches does not apply at our pools), being waited on by attentive staff and splashing around with family and friends.

Guests of Congress Hall, The Star and The Virginia can enjoy Congress Hall’s pool bar, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the hotel’s famous Grand Lawn. Serving lunch, snacks and drinks, the pool bar facilitates long, lazy, self-indulgent (in a good way!) days. Not only is our delicious menu offered poolside at Congress Hall, but the pool bar is open daily in season. The menu features treats such as a chicken BLT, housemade guacamole and our irresistible caprese sandwich. Pair with a cold craft beer or a poolside cocktail for the perfect combination.

Guests of the Beach Shack and the Sandpiper can enjoy poolside food and beverage service from the Rusty Nail.

Please Respect Our Beach Rules

The beaches in front of our properties are public and are shared with our neighbors and visitors. As a result, please take note of the following rules so that everyone may enjoy a wonderful day by the ocean...

A PLACE IN THE SUN Our attendants will set up your chairs, umbrellas and towels once most members of your party arrive on the beach and are ready to occupy their chairs. Please note that we cannot set up chairs in advance. City laws forbid us from doing so—please do not ask our attendants to bend the rules (however nicely you do it!). Beach attendants will arrange the set-ups on a first-come, first-served basis, once guests are present. This applies to families, multiple families and groups. We hope that you trust us to try to accommodate your needs while respecting the public aspect of our beautiful beach.

EMPTY NESTING Please notify our attendants if you intend to be away from your chairs for more than 30 minutes. They will happily collect your chairs and umbrellas and reset them upon your return.

REFRESHMENTS Alcohol is not permitted on the beaches of Cape May. We do, however, have a selection of water, sodas, juices and smoothies. Alcohol is available at Congress Hall’s pool bar and the Rusty Nail.

TIPPING We do not automatically add a service charge to pool and beach checks. Please tip according to the service you receive when you receive your check.