Browse the top hotels in Cape May with pricing, features, and local tips to help you choose.
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Local Insight: Hotels in Cape May
Cape May has more B&Bs and Victorian inns than any other shore town. Congress Hall dates to 1816, making it one of America's oldest seaside resorts. Eleven properties from 1870-1888 still welcome guests.
Finding the Right Hotel
Accommodations at the Jersey Shore range from historic Victorian inns to modern beachfront resorts, classic motels with pool views to boutique hotels with personality. Each shore town has its own character, and the right hotel can define your trip. Location matters - beachfront comes at a premium, but walking distance to the beach is often the sweet spot for value.
Insider Tips
- Recent renovation dates matter more than star ratings
- Check if "ocean view" means actual view or just a sliver
- Parking included vs. paid makes a big difference in cost
- Read recent reviews, not just the overall score
Summer Season Tips
Book early for peak weekends. Minimum stays are common July-August. Prices drop mid-week.
Top 10 Hotels
Congress Hall
$$$$America's first seaside resort—rebuilt 1879 after the Great Fire, nicknamed "Summer White House" by President Benjamin Harrison. 107 rooms with full-service Sea Spa, Cape May's largest outdoor pool, Blue Pig Tavern, direct beach access. Historic charm with occasional noise issues and uneven floors. $165-$1,039/night.
The Virginia Hotel
$$$$"Jewel box of quality" boutique experience—24 rooms plus 4 cottages. Complimentary breakfast, bikes, beach chairs, Congress Hall pool access. Main hotel adults-only; cottages accommodate families. Home to 2025 NJ Chef of the Year at The Ebbitt Room. $269-$900+/night.
Angel of the Sea
$$$"Cape May's most romantic B&B" with 27 rooms, ocean-view balconies, gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening wine & cheese. Half-block from beach. Children 7+ only. $106-$300/night.
Mainstay Inn
$$$1872 building designed by famed architect Stephen Decatur Button. "Most photographed spot in town" with exceptional antiques and afternoon tea with homemade treats. Some guests return annually since 1992.
Queen Victoria Inn
$$$Victorian B&B two blocks from the beach, big on historic charm.
The Queen Victoria
$$$Won Best B&B in Cape May every year since 2007. 31 rooms across three 1880s homes. Condé Nast Traveler favorite. Some recent concern about absentee ownership affecting charm.
Harbor Town Resort Marina Inc
$$Inn stay at 29 Imlaystown Rd.
Our Top Picks Reviewed
Best Overall: Congress Hall
Congress Hall stands out as our top pick for hotels in Cape May.America's first seaside resort—rebuilt 1879 after the Great Fire, nicknamed "Summer White House" by President Benjamin Harrison. 107 rooms with full-service Sea Spa, Cape May's largest outdoor pool, Blue Pig Tavern, direct beach access. Historic charm with occasional noise issues and uneven floors. $165-$1,039/night. At $$$$ pricing, it delivers excellent value for the quality. Notable features include pool, spa, restaurants.
Best Value: Angel of the Sea
Angel of the Sea delivers solid quality at $$$ pricing."Cape May's most romantic B&B" with 27 rooms, ocean-view balconies, gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening wine & cheese. Half-block from beach. Children 7+ only. $106-$300/night. A reliable pick for families and groups on a set budget.
Best for Special Occasions: The Virginia Hotel
For a nicer night out in Cape May, The Virginia Hotel is a strong choice."Jewel box of quality" boutique experience—24 rooms plus 4 cottages. Complimentary breakfast, bikes, beach chairs, Congress Hall pool access. Main hotel adults-only; cottages accommodate families. Home to 2025 NJ Chef of the Year at The Ebbitt Room. $269-$900+/night. The upscale setting and attention to detail justify the price.
What to Know Before You Go
The hotels scene in Cape May varies by season. During peak summer months (June through August), wait times at popular spots can exceed an hour, especially on weekend evenings. We recommend making reservations at least a week in advance for weekend dining. Off-season visitors (September through May) will find it much easier to secure tables, and many establishments offer seasonal specials and promotions.
Price-wise, expect to spend between $15-30 per person at $ spots, $30-50 at $$ establishments, $50-80 at $$$ venues, and $80+ at $$$$ fine dining locations. Most Cape May hotels are BYOB-friendly, which can significantly reduce your total bill if you bring your own wine or beer.
Quick Comparison
| Name | Price | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congress Hall | $$$$ | Special Occasions | pool, spa |
| The Virginia Hotel | $$$$ | Special Occasions | restaurant, historic |
| Angel of the Sea | $$$ | Date Night | breakfast included, ocean views |
| Mainstay Inn | $$$ | Date Night | historic, antiques |
| Queen Victoria Inn | $$$ | Date Night | Local favorite |
Accommodation Tips
Get more for your money with these local insights for hotels in Cape May.
- 1Weekday rates can be 30-50% less than weekends
- 2Shoulder season (May, September) offers best value with good weather
- 3Properties a block or two from the beach are significantly cheaper
- 4AAA, AARP, and other memberships often have shore hotel discounts
More Hotels in Cape May
We've found 20 additional hotels in Cape May. Browse the complete list in our directory.
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Check out our complete guide to Cape May with beaches, events, parking info, and more.
View Cape May Guide →Cape May is a historic, romantic Cape-may County beach town about 3hr from New York City. Parking, beach badges, events, and the full picture beyond hotels are in the complete Cape May guide.