 | Cape May Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 64 |  | 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.
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: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 301 Howard Street, Cape MayPhone: 888-411-1998Directions: A few short blocks from the waterfront in the heart of Cape May.Website: chalfonte.com Other Contact: FAX: 609-884-4588
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We decided that as we would be staying in Cape May for a whole week it would be nice to rent an apartment rather than stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast as we would usually do. Researching our options on the web I came across the website for the local paper, the Cape May Times, which had an excellent selection of rental properties of all sizes (and to suit most budgets). From this we picked out the Shore S Cape, which seemed to offer everything we wanted at a very good price. It proved to be an excellent choice. On our arrival we received a very friendly welcome from our landlady, Donna, who showed us to a light and airy apartment on the ground floor. It was a warm sunny day and the several doors between our sitting room and the porch all stood open to let in the fresh air. We felt at home immediately, a feeling that remained until she waved us off, with gifts of cookies and apples for the journey, a week later. The apartment consists of three rooms. At the front is that lovely cheerful sitting room, with windows on two sides, a comfortable sofa, dining table and chairs and a kitchen area. The latter was well-supplied with utensils, cutlery etc. We mostly ate out, but we did find these useful on our one stormy evening when we stayed home in front of the TV (with a DVD borrowed from Donna’s supply), a light supper and a few beers. We also made good use of the coffee machine during our stay. If needed there’s a microwave as well as the regular oven; fridge stocked with milk; coffee, tea and sugar all provided – so you can have a drink out on the porch as soon as you arrive! The porch by the way wraps round to the front. The side portion is allocated for the private use of this apartment, while the bit at the front is communal. Beyond the sitting room is the bedroom, which also has a door out onto the porch and is decorated in the same navy and white (with touches of red) colour scheme. Although not large, it has plenty of storage space and a decent sized double bed. Beyond this again is the bathroom, which is probably the least good of the rooms, being a little on the small side. But on the plus side the towels supplied are plentiful and generously sized, and it’s absolutely fine for two people, as long as you don’t want to spend your holiday soaking in a tub (there isn’t one!) or pampering yourself.
The house itself is a lovely Victorian in the typical local “Painted Lady” style (more on the Painted Ladies in my General tip). It’s in a good location, only one block from the sea, though the town centre is a little further – about ten minutes on foot. But it’s a very pleasant walk through quiet streets lined with more of these historic houses, and we certainly never felt the need to take the car when going out for dinner. Donna and Steve made us very welcome. I already mentioned the cookies on departure, but these weren’t the first we’d sampled as Donna had presented us with some earlier in the week too. They were as delicious as the smells coming from her kitchen had suggested they would be. When I mentioned that I was planning to write this tip for VT she took me upstairs to see the two bedroom apartment on the top floor. This also looked lovely, with its own deck at the back overlooking the town, two good sized bedrooms and lots of space – it would be ideal for a family. All in all I can really recommend the Shore S Cape. But I would warn you to go soon – there was a For Sale sign outside, and although Donna told me it will probably be a few years before she and Steve sell up, you might not want to take that chance! Theme: OtherPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: % 819 Stockton Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204Phone: (609) 898-0167Directions: On Stockton Avenue between Jefferson and Howard StreetsWebsite: www.capemaytimes.com/rentals/sheetz.htm Other Contact: tsscape@comcast.net
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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!!
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 BreakfastPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 635 Columbia Ave., Cape May, New Jersey 08204Phone: 609-884-8690Directions: 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: %cywww.mainstayinn.com
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We often drive to Cape May for the day and inquire about overnight accommodations. In high season the required stay is 2-3 nights, but occasionally a B&B has a vacancy for just one night. The visitor's center has a list of B&B's and hotels that can be contacted from the center. It was in this way we were able to stay at The Ashley Rose's (Inlet Cottage) carriage house. Someone had departed a day early, so it was vacant. The Ashley Rose is located in the middle of town and within walking distance to most sights. The two-story carriage house had an upstairs bedroom that felt like a romantic loft; provision can be made downstairs for extra guests. We loved our stay here--it averages $125-$250 per night.
Romantic and close to town Theme: InnPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterAddress: 715 Columbia Avenue, (formerly The Victorian Rose)Phone: 888-601-767; 609-884-2497
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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.
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 BreakfastPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 609 Columbia Avenue, Cape MayPhone: 877-544-0314Directions: One block from beach, shopping and dining!Website: %cgjohnfcraig.com Other Contact: FAX: 609-898-1307
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The Inn at 22 Jackson is such a pretty 'painted lady'! It was built in 1899 for Harry and Dorothy Parker of Philadelphia as a summer cottage. Jackson Street is the oldest in Cape May. There are 21 rooms available from $195 and up in the summer season. Each room has its own sitting area. A full breakfast is served. Trays can be taken out to the porches in nice weather. A light afternoon tea is offered to guests. Bicycles and beach chairs are also available. Special getaway packages are offered at certain times of the year. Theme: InnPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterAddress: 22 Jackson Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204Phone: 800-452-8177; 609-884-2226Directions: Take Garden St. Parkway S. which turns into Lafayette St--go to the end. Left onto Jackson. Cross Washington St. Mall and its 1/2 block on right side. 1/2 block from the ocean.Website: www.innat22jackson.com
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We've taken a tour of The Main Stay and enjoyed tea here. It seems that tea is not served to the public anymore, which is too bad because they were very nice. The Main Stay was the first B&B to open in Cape May once the Renaissance came to the area. It was designed by Philadelphia Architect Stephen Decatur Button in 1872 as a private gambling club. When gambling was declared illegal, the club closed. A family style breakfast is served, as well as afternoon tea for guests. The summer season prices $180-$320 (weekends and holidays, also). The Cottage and Officer's Quarters are additional accommodations. Theme: HotelPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterAddress: 635 Columbia Ave., , Cape May, New Jersey 08204Phone: 609-884-8690Directions: Garden St. Parkway S. turns into Lafayette St. At 1st light turn left onto Madison-go 3 blocks to water tower, turn rt. onto Columbia. 3 blocks down on rt.Website: www.mainstay.com
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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!
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: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 251 Beach Dr, Cape May, NJ 08204Phone: Reservations: 888-944-1816Directions: Less than 1 block from Washington Street Mall, and facing the Atlantic Ocean.Website: %cgwww.congresshall.com Other Contact: Info: 609-884-8421
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You sure wouldn't miss this colorful B&B. The Merry Widow was once the J. Henry Edmonds house--it is a modified Queen Anne style. Rooms in summer season cost from $1750-$2500 weekly for suites and condominium units, each with their own entrance. Guests are welcome to use the wrap around porch, reading room or parlor. Laundry facilities are on the premises. The Queen Victoria is one block from the beach. Theme: HotelAddress: 42 Jackson Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204Phone: 609-884-6211Website: www.themerrywidow.net
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- Marquis De Lafayette Hotel
501 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ - The Virginia
25 Jackson St, Cape May, NJ - King's Cottage
29 Perry Street, Cape May, NJ - Congress Hall
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ - Coachmans Motor Inn
205 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ - The Star Inn
29 Perry Street, Cape May, NJ - PALACE HOTEL OF CAPE MAY
1101 Beach Drive, Cape May, NJ - Sandpiper Beach Club
11 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ - The Hotel Alcott
107 Grant Street, Cape May, NJ - Chalfonte B And B Hotel
301 Howard St., Cape May, NJ - Chalfonte B And B Hotel (301 Howard Street P.O. Box 475)
301 Howard St., Cape May, NJ - Rhythm of the Sea Bed and Breakfast Inn
1123 Beach Drive, Cape May, NJ - Carroll Villa Hotel
19 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ
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