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A Luxurious Island Getaway:
Congress Hall has been welcoming guests to Cape May for more than 200 years, but what makes it memorable isn’t just its history. The historic beachfront hotel serves as the perfect home base for experiencing one of New Jersey’s most beloved seaside towns. Days unfold naturally here—from mornings on the beach to afternoons wandering Washington Street Mall and evenings spent on the front lawn as the sun begins to set. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and settle into the rhythm of Cape May.
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Who should you bring?
Congress Hall works for a surprisingly wide range of travelers, but it’s especially well-suited to couples, families and anyone looking for a classic seaside getaway. The atmosphere feels elegant but relaxed, with families playing lawn games on the front lawn, couples lingering over dinner and friends gathering to watch the sunset. With the beach just steps away and Washington Street Mall within walking distance, it’s easy to spend as much or as little time exploring Cape May as you’d like.
What’s the food like?
Food is a big part of the Congress Hall experience, with many of the ingredients sourced from nearby Beach Plum Farm, Cape Resorts’ own working farm.
We had dinner at both The Blue Pig Tavern and The Ebbitt Room, and each offered a different experience. The Blue Pig is relaxed and approachable, while The Ebbitt Room offers a more elevated dining experience without feeling overly formal.
Some favorite dishes included the burrata with stone fruit, street corn and the restaurant’s signature deviled eggs, whose toppings change nightly (part of the fun is that regulars try to guess what they’ll be). The cocktails were equally memorable, especially the pear martini and the lemonade with muddled strawberries.
One afternoon, we also enjoyed a frosé on the front lawn, which quickly became one of my favorite vacation traditions.
Did you get a good night’s sleep?
We stayed in a bright Queen room with an ocean view overlooking the front lawn. While the room was on the smaller side for two adults, it was well maintained and thoughtfully designed. If you enjoy lingering in your room with a book or morning coffee, I’d recommend looking at one of the larger room categories.
The blackout curtains helped ensure a restful night’s sleep, and aside from hearing a few early-rising families, the hotel was relatively quiet overnight.
What amenities are available?
Congress Hall offers far more than just a beautiful historic setting.
Guests enjoy complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, making beach days incredibly easy. There’s also an outdoor pool with plenty of seating, a spa, fitness center access, bike rentals and complimentary parking.
One unexpected perk is the complimentary courtesy car service, which will take overnight guests anywhere in town—a thoughtful touch that makes exploring Cape May even easier.
I also appreciated the Beach Plum Farm bath products in the room, a subtle reminder of how connected the entire Cape Resorts experience feels.
How was the service?
Excellent. Everyone we encountered—from check-in to the restaurant staff—was warm, welcoming and genuinely helpful.
The moment that stood out most happened when our air conditioning wasn’t working properly. Maintenance arrived within five minutes and had the issue resolved almost immediately. It’s a small detail, but those are often the moments that tell you the most about how well a hotel is run.
What was your favorite part?
If I had to choose just one moment, it would be sitting on the front lawn before sunset, frozen drink in hand, watching families play cornhole while the ocean stretched out just beyond. It perfectly captured the elegant-but-relaxed atmosphere that makes Congress Hall feel so distinctly Cape May.
I expected to love the hotel. What surprised me was how much I loved Cape May itself. Between beach mornings, leisurely dinners at The Ebbitt Room and easy walks to Washington Street Mall, I realized the experience is most rewarding when you embrace both Congress Hall and Cape May itself. Together, they create the kind of classic seaside getaway you’ll find yourself wanting to return to.
Know before you go:
Complimentary self-parking and valet parking are included.
Beach service includes complimentary chairs, umbrellas and towels.
Overnight guests can use the complimentary courtesy car anywhere in town.
Don’t miss Beach Plum Farm, where many of the hotel’s restaurant ingredients are grown.
Sunset Beach is worth visiting for one of Cape May’s most beautiful sunsets.
Room sizes vary considerably. If extra space is important to you, it’s worth comparing room categories before booking.
Reservations at The Ebbitt Room are worth making in advance, especially during the summer season.
book it
Accommodation options:
Historic guest rooms and suites in a variety of categories, including standard rooms, ocean-view accommodations and larger suites for families.
Price:
Rooms start around $400 per night during the off-season and can exceed $1,000 per night during peak summer weekends.
Location:
Cape May, New Jersey
Name of Accomodation:
Congress Hall
Basics
Details
CONGRESS HALL
The best way to experience Cape May
images courtesy of THE CAPE RESORTS