One of Cape May's Most Well-Known B & B's and other Cape May, NJ Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

MainStay Inn

We didn't stay here personally, but we did take a tour through this beautiful Inn one fall day. At least once per year, the famous and not so famous bed & breakfast inns of Cape May are open for tours. Usually you can purchase tickets to tour about 6 Inns, or 2 tickets to visit all Inns on the tour. (Check the information kiosk at the end of Washington Street Mall for information about Cape May events and tickets.)

The Mainstay Inn was Cape May's first bed & breakfas and one of its grandestt. Originally known as "The Clubhouse" it was a gentlemen's elegant gathering spot for amusements such as gambling. The main yellow house is now one of three buildings comprising the Mainstay. It is superbly decorated with Victorian antiques and quite elegant.

In Spring, Summer and Fall it is delightful to enjoy a cool drink or cup of tea on the front porch in a rocking chair, or have a stroll around the property to see the beautiful gardens. Every time I walk by the Mainstay, I am envious of the people staying there!!

Unique Qualities: FaThere are six rooms in the main house, all with private bath and air-conditioning. These rooms are furnished with Victorian antiques and have queen or king beds; one room has 2 double beds.

"The Cottage" and "The Officers' Quarters" are also part of the Inn and also fabulous, some rooms with private verandas, fireplaces, air-conditioning, en suite baths and more in an unparralled setting.

Breakfast is included and served on china "family-style" in the dining room spring & fall. In summer, a bountiful buffet is served & guests can dine outside as well. I am not sure if it is still being published, but sometime ago I purchased a small cookbook with the Mainstay's favorite recipes.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180 » Currency Converter
Phone: 609-884-8690
Address: 635 Columbia Ave., Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Directions: Only a few blocks from the waterfront!! Take the Garden State Parkway South. The Parkway becomes Lafaayette St., turn left at the light onto Madison Ave; Go 3 blocks & turn right onto Columbia. The Inn is on the right.
Website: www.mainstayinn.com

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Cape May?

Read reviews about Cape May Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

%cg%fhThe Chalfonte Hotel: The Grand Dame of Them All

Tip Rating:

Written by starship

on Sep 22, 2004

Picture from Chalfonte's website

One of the most venerated and recognizable hotels in Cape May is the Chalfonte. Built in 1876 for Colonel Henry Sawyer, the Chalfonte's signature feature is its expansive white clapboard facade and fabulous, expansive, awning-covered porch filled with rockingchairs. The Chalfonte, which boast 70 rooms, is also known for its fine southern cooking. Ms. Helen Dickerson reigned over the kitchen for some 60 years and now her two daughters are carrying on in her tradition. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rates.

The Chalfonte is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Book early for rooms which come with private or shared bath, decorated in antiques and light fabrics. Entertainment is sometimes offered as are many art exhibits, etc. Check their website.

Unique Qualities: A fabulous location for a quick walk to the beach. The Chalfonte is loaded with history, comfort, and good food. I've heard that quests don't even have to lock their rooms!

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180 » Currency Converter
Phone: 888-411-1998
Address: 301 Howard Street, Cape May
Directions: A few short blocks from the waterfront in the heart of Cape May.
Website: chalfonte.com
Other Contact: FAX: 609-884-4588

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Inn of Cape May: Enjoy the Ocean View From the Wrap-Around Porch

Tip Rating:

Updated by starship

on Apr 9, 2006

The Inn of Cape May

One of the inns I had admired though never stayed at was "The Inn of Cape May." This oceanfront beauty looks much as it did when it was built near the end of the 19th century. The Inn is included on the National Register of Historic Places so you know it has to be special. The Inn was originally named "The Colonial" but that was changed to the "The Inn of Cape May" when the Menz family purchased the property and refurbished it in 1993. One of the Inn's distinguishing features are its two "witch hat" turrets, and mansard roof covered in "fish scale" shapped shingles.

The four-story inn (with elevator still run by an attendant) is really a delight inside and out. It has just a FANTASTIC wrap-around, shaded front porch where you can rock to your heart's content. Walk right up to the little service window at Aleathea's Porch Bar for something tall and cool to drink. Upon entering the Inn's lobby, you will be transported to another century. Antiques and art abound; a little antique shop awaits those like me who can't resist browsing all kinds of interesting pieces and maybe finding that "something" you can't live without. I found antique postcards that I just had to have (you know I love postcards!!).

The Inn also has a wonderful restaurant named Aleathea's that services breakfast, lunch and dinner. To add to the already wonderful ambience, the dining room features live entertainment from 6pm to 10pm on weeknights & Sundays, and 7:30pm to 11:00pm in summertime. Aleathea's Rose Room is a special room for wedding receptions and other special affairs.

Unique Qualities: If you can't resist staying at this fabulous place any longer, you are in good company. Wallace Warfield Simpson, the future British Duchess of Windsor, John Philip Sousa, "Diamond Jim" Brady, Henry Ford and Louis Chevrolet all have enjoyed stays at the Inn. At the time, the Inn was the first to offer hot & cold running water, and in-room service buzzer.

The Inn's guest rooms spread out over several floors, have air-conditioning, TV, but no phones!! Each room is uniquely decorated in a Victorian style with antiques, wicker or comfortable upholstered furniture and has either a city or ocean view, with rates adjusted for the view. Most rooms have private baths. The Inn also has its own pool for those wishing to take a dip without getting sandy in the process.

Rates include a full breakfast daily, include parking for one car and the first 2 children under age 8 are free as is their breakfast. Small refrigerators can be rented for some rooms at the rate of $10 per day which is convenient for storing a bottle of wine, sodas, milk or other small items. Additional persons are $20 per day which includes their breakfast as well. There is a cash key deposit applicable, and the cancellation policy is somewhat stringent --- there is no refund for less than a 48 hr. cancellation notice. Check the rules for other cancellation situations.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Inn
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180 » Currency Converter
Phone: 800-582-5933
Address: 7 Ocean Street, , Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Directions: On the corner of Beach Dr & Ocean Ave, right across from the beach, 2 blocks from the Washington St. Mall. Within walking distance to restaurants, shops(Emlyn Physick Estate). Within driving distance of Cape May Lighthouse, nature preserve.
Website: Fax: 1-609-884-3871
Other Contact: www.innofcapemay.com

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

%cg%fh%s4%bJohn F. Craig House: Exquisite Rooms ~ One Block to Beach

Tip Rating:

Written by starship

on Apr 9, 2006

One of the fabulous things about Cape May is its wealth of Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inns, each one more beautiful than the one before it. The John F. Craig House is a Carpenter Gothic Victorian charmer with 7 exquisite guestrooms and 1 suite. Built in 1866, it was expanded when the owners moved another house on Lafayette St. built in the 1850's and attached it to the Craig House making it a perfect size for a B&B. The house has wonderful open porches for the summer and glassed-in porches for the fall and winter. For Victoriana lovers (OK, for us women) you'll enjoy the inn's collection of old toys, trains, majolica, and the like.

The guestrooms are all furnished with either Eastlake and Renaissance Revival antiques, has quality bedding and each room has a private bath, cable TV with VCR, coffeemakers, apt.-size refrigerators, hairdryers and air-conditioning. Some rooms even have fireplaces!! Each room has been given its own name for a personalized touch. The John F. Craig House is one block from the beach and to shopping and restaurants due to its great location.

Unique Qualities: I particularly like the fact that not only is breakfast which can be taken in the dining room or on the porch as you wish. In addition, Included with the price of the room are afternoon snacks/refreshments served about 5pm. If that wasn't enough, beach towels, beach chairs, an outdoor shower, and bicycles are provided free of charge to guests. How fantastic is that!?! (Don't forget to purchase a beach tag before you hit the beach!See earlier tips.) This B&B also has a small library nook with private internet access for all you VT'rs that can't wait to e-mail or access your VT pages. And last but not least, free off-site parking is also included in your rate.

This B & B is not the place for frugal travelers but if you don't mind splurging, this is a fantastic place! Check their website for current rates, specials and cancellation policies. **Note** Only children over the age of 12 are welcome. Sorry, but not pets! You can understand why this policy is in force.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180 » Currency Converter
Phone: 877-544-0314
Address: 609 Columbia Avenue, Cape May
Directions: One block from beach, shopping and dining!
Website: johnfcraig.com
Other Contact: FAX: 609-898-1307

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Congress Hall: "The Summer Whitehouse ~ Congress Hall "

Tip Rating:

Updated by starship

on Jan 10, 2008

Congress Hall - Main Entrance

by starship , 3 more photos

On our last day trip to Cape May, I finally got to visit the recently restored "Congress Hall" hotel. Unlike any other hotel in Cape May, Congress Hall has no Victorian architectural features!! It is an expanisve L-shaped, 4-story building with porticoes the entire length of the building at the 3rd story level which makes it look something like Mount Vernon (George Washington's Virginia home) or the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. All this charm and it's facing the ocean --- the "porch" is a fantastic place to sit in one of the many rockers for guests and while away the hours in peaceful bliss. Lovely gardens surround the and pool, but the ocean is always the primary object for view.

Inside is just as fabulous. High ceilings accent the grandness of proportion in this historical hotel which has hosted past presidents such as Grant, Pierce and Buchanan. Benjamin Harrison made Congress Hall his "Summer Whitehouse"* from which he conducted affairs of state directly from this hotel.

Congress Hall has 108 rooms and 5 deluxe suites. All rooms have private bath, ac, color TV, DVD players Iron/Ironing Boards, hairdryers Aveda bath products and too many other features to mention here. Many, but not all, rooms face the ocean.

The hotel also "The Boiler Room" nightspot with live jazz, not to mention a Spa on the premises. What more can you ask for!

Unique Qualities: One of the several features that I really liked about Congress Hall was the The Brown Room. This is the cozy bar on the main floor which connects the lobby with the dining wing of the hotel. With the walls painted a deep brown, a beautiful heavy wood and marble bar, bookcases, fireplace, plush furniture and striking faux-zebra stripped rug, this room is my idea of elegance and a great place for before dinner drinks or a nightcap. The Brown Room also has live music on some nights.

Let's not forget the Blue Pig Tavern. This is the hotel's restaurant featuring 2 sepate dining areas, each with its own decor, and one gorgeous little outside dining area.

Last but not least, room rates are almost always a concern. This can be an expensive place, but it is a memorable place. Rates start at $100 for midweek, off-season dates, probably with no view. Check the hotel's website for current rates, and specials if any. I am considering a fall weekend here, when the weather is still beautiful but the tourist season is over!!

NOTE: Don't buy anything from the gift shop at this hotel! The prices are exhorbitant. I forgot my camera on our most recent day trip and decided to buy a disposable one from Tommy's at Congress Hall. My $13.95 + tax got me the cheapest and worst disposable camera I've ever bought. The film must have been very old & the flash didn't work!! I only knew this after I had the film developed!

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180 » Currency Converter
Phone: Reservations: 888-944-1816
Address: 251 Beach Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204
Directions: Less than 1 block from Washington Street Mall, and facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Website: www.congresshall.com
Other Contact: Info: 609-884-8421

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Cape May?

Read reviews about Cape May Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

The Star Inn: The Star Inn

Tip Rating:

Written by starship

on Jun 11, 2006

Photo courtesy of Star Inn