13 Best Resorts in Cape May, New Jersey

The oldest seaside resort town in the US, Cape May is located at the tip of New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula. This quaint resort village was originally founded in 1692, and in addition to modern resorts are a number of hotels that take the form of small inns and bed and breakfasts in meticulously restored Victorian-era buildings.

Besides miles of pristine white-sand beaches, where many of the resorts are located, Cape May also has a historic downtown area along three pedestrianized blocks of Washington Street that are filled with more hotels, as well as restaurants, attractions, and boutique shops.

Although most travelers visit Cape May’s resorts in summer for a beach vacation, many of the properties listed here stay open year-round, and visiting in the off-season provides a different style of holiday, when you will have the beaches to yourself and can spend hours just walking along them.

Whether you are visiting for a romantic getaway or a family vacation with the kids, Cape May has resorts and hotels for all budgets and styles of vacationers. There are adults-only properties for honeymoons and sprawling condo-style vacation homes for families.

Below are our picks for the best resorts in Cape May, New Jersey.

1. Congress Hall

Accommodation: Congress Hall

Re-opened in 2021 after extensive renovations, Congress Hall has been welcoming guests for more than 200 years now. Billed as “America’s First Seaside Resort” and once referred to as the “Summer White House,” it has hosted presidents, celebrities, and movers and shakers during its storied legacy. It has a central location on the beach but also in the heart of the Cape May Historic District.

In an L-shaped building, many of the rooms and suites at Congress Hall have ocean views from private balconies. Each is decorated in soothing blue-and-white hues, with furnishings modeled in American heritage style, including antique brass hardware and hand-dyed linens on comfy beds. There is also a bridal suite available in this popular wedding destination.

The hotel is family friendly, with activities for kids. There is also direct beach access, with sun loungers and umbrellas and more around the swimming pool. Book a massage or facial treatment at the spa. Or grab a meal at the house restaurant. There is also a fitness center that offers morning yoga and other wellness classes.

Address: 200 Congress Place, Cape May, New Jersey

2. Ocean Club Hotel

Accommodation: Ocean Club Hotel

Just across from the beach, Ocean Club Hotel has a great location that is just steps from the Cape May Promenade and also not far from the historic downtown’s shops and restaurants. This boutique property has a stylish beach vibe inside and out.

The rooms and suites are colorful and contemporary, with custom furniture, comfy beds with quality bedding, and private balconies. Many have fantastic ocean views. If you are traveling with kids, there are interconnected rooms available at this 4-star hotel.

There are sun loungers and umbrellas for guests on the beach, and you can also get food service here. If you prefer your water chlorinated, then head to the pool on the large sundeck.

There is a restaurant on-site, as well as a snack bar. Parking is complimentary, and there is 24-hour front desk service.

Address: 1035 Beach Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

3. The Virginia Hotel

Accommodation: The Virginia Hotel

In an 1879 landmark building on Jackson Street in the middle of the walkable historic district, The Virginia Hotel is a boutique luxury property that’s also just half a block from the beach. Open to adults-only, it is a great choice for couples on a romantic vacation or honeymoon.

There are just 24 rooms here, and each is uniquely decorated. All feature super comfy beds and sophisticated decor that has a period style to it — think plush upholstered chairs and wallpaper along with gilded mirrors and tables.

Spend the day soaking up the sunshine on a beach chair under an umbrella set up by the hotel at the Jackson Street Beach. There is no swimming pool on the grounds, but guests have access to the two pools at sister property Congress Hall. A complimentary continental breakfast is included.

Address: 25 Jackson Street, Cape May, New Jersey

4. Wilbraham Mansion

Accommodation: Wilbraham Mansion

If you are looking for a romantic, kid-free hotel in Cape May, then check out the Wilbraham Mansion. The luxury B&B is adults-only and also boasts the only indoor heated swimming pool on the island. Breakfast is also included in the rate.

The mansion dates back to 1840, although it was enlarged in the 1890s. The 4-star hotel actually offers guests two styles of lodging. You can stay in the original Victorian mansion, which has just 10 rooms. These are decorated in period décor, and each is different. If you want a Jacuzzi jetted tub, you’ll want to book Room 9.

The second option are the Wilbraham Suites in a newly designed building on the same grounds. These are more modern in terms of amenities, but the room decor stays true to the B&B’s Victorian roots, with accents like floral wallpaper, bay windows, and high ceilings with chandeliers. All the suites also feature two-person Jacuzzi tubs with jets.

Address: 133 Myrtle Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

5. The Southern Mansion

Accommodation: The Southern Mansion

It can be hard to get a room at The Southern Mansion during wedding season, as it is a favorite nuptial destination and has a bridal suite. The romantic property is just a few steps from the beach and also has a desirable location right on Washington Street in the heart of the historic district.

This opulent bed and breakfast occupies a building dating back to the 1860s, although it has been renovated since. Expect period décor in the rooms, and suites that are also very spacious. Make sure to stroll through the award-winning gardens here, set on 1.5-acres.

The hotel is adults-only and also offers free parking. There is no restaurant on-site but you are within walking distance of some of the best dining options in Cape May.

Address: 720 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey

6. Sea Crest Inn

Accommodation: Sea Crest Inn

The Sea Crest Inn is a great choice for a romantic vacation. It caters to couples and is located in a quiet section of town overlooking one of the island’s largest beaches. It is also near many restaurants, historic homes, and shops.

Choose from motel rooms or luxury suites. The suites feature two rooms, and the best ones come with ocean views. Suites also have full kitchens, allowing you to save some money by cooking for yourself. Regardless of whether you stay in one of the motel rooms or the suites expect contemporary décor; crisp linens; and a soothing blue, green, and white color scheme.

The hotel boasts the only outdoor whirlpool in Cape May, as well as beach access and a swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is no restaurant on-site, but you are near many dining options.

Address: 101 Beach Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

7. La Mer Beachfront Resort

Accommodation: La Mer Beachfront Resort

Facing the sea, La Mer Beachfront Resort is a family-friendly 3-star property that offers full resort amenities. There are 10 room categories, and the least expensive don’t have views and have not been recently renovated.

Book one of the premium rooms if you want a bit more space, updated décor, and direct ocean views from furnished balconies. These rooms also have a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, an ocean-hued color scheme, and king or two-queen-bed configurations.

This resort also offers accommodation in off-site condo accommodations that are a top choice for families or groups of friends. These feature modern décor, living space, furnished balconies with ocean views and full kitchens. Choose from one- or two-bedroom condos.

Guests staying at the condos still have access to all the main resort amenities. These include sun-loungers and cabanas (extra fee) set up on the beach, and a large swimming pool with more blue-and-white-striped chairs. The Pier House Restaurant serves three meals a day and focuses on American fare and coastal cuisine.

Guests can also rent bikes to explore Cape May, or work out in the gym equipped with Peloton bikes and other cardio equipment plus a cable system resistance machine. Parking is complimentary, and if you are driving an electric vehicle there is a charging station on the grounds.

Address: 1317 Beach Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey

8. Sandpiper Beach Club

Accommodation: Sandpiper Beach Club

In the heart of the historic district, the Sandpiper Beach Club is just across the street from the beach. This vacation rental hotel offers 51 one- or two-bedroom condo-style units. These can be rented daily or weekly. They come with full kitchens; large living rooms; and private balconies, many of which have ocean views.

Amenities here include a swimming pool with chairs and towels, as well as more chairs reserved for guests on the beach. There is also a well-equipped fitness center on-site. The location on Beach Avenue means you are within walking distance of numerous restaurants.

Address: 11 Beach Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey

9. Montreal Beach Resort

Accommodation: Montreal Beach Resort

The Montreal Beach Resort is located right on the beach in Cape May and attracts a lot of repeat guests each summer. The family-friendly property offers a number of different room and suite combinations. Many come with full kitchens, which is super convenient when traveling with kids. If you’ve just said, “I Do” there is also a Honeymoon Suite on-site.

Amenities include sun loungers and umbrellas for guests on the beach, as well as cabanas that can be rented. There is also a swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Grab a meal at the on-site restaurant, which also delivers food right to your beach chair.

Address: 1025 Beach Ave Beach at Madison Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

10. Blue Fish Inn

Accommodation: Blue Fish Inn

Consider the Blue Fish Inn if you’re traveling with a pup. It is a dog-friendly property. Located just a short walk from the beach, as well as the historic downtown area, the property is locally owned and operated, and the staff here is attentive.

The inn stays open year-round, but some amenities, like the heated swimming pool, are seasonal. A complimentary breakfast is offered, and parking is also free. The rooms and suites are not fancy, but are cheerful, with bright-painted walls and comfy beds. Some have full kitchens. There are also complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for guests to use.

Address: 601 Madison Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

11. Carroll Villa Hotel

Accommodation: Carroll Villa Hotel

Home to the well-known Mad Batter Restaurant, the Carroll Villa Hotel is a good mid-range option. This family-owned and operated historic hotel is located just a half-block from the beach and the pedestrian area of Cape May.

There are just 19 rooms here, and each features unique décor. Expect a blend of Eastlake, Craftsman, and mid-century modern styles along with eclectic color schemes. If you are traveling with kids, there are family rooms available.

Breakfast is included and there is often evening entertainment. Other amenities include a pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. Walking tours and boating excursions can also be arranged.

Address: 19 Jackson Street, Cape May, New Jersey

12. Boarding House Cape May

Accommodation: Boarding House Cape May

The newly renovated Boarding House Cape May draws inspiration from the town’s surf culture and has a laid-back, luxe vibe throughout. Located just steps from Cape May’s best restaurants and boutique shops in the historic district, it is also just a short walk or bike ride from the beach.

The eco-friendly property offers stylish rooms with fun elements, like surfboards and local art hanging from the whitewashed, wood-paneled walls and reclaimed wood furnishings. It is also pet friendly and welcomes doggie guests.

There is a nice rooftop terrace and free parking but otherwise amenities are sparse — there is no on-site restaurant or swimming pool, however, they will arrange for chairs on the beach for guests.

Address: 810 Lafayette Street, Cape May, New Jersey

13. ICONA Cape May

Accommodation: ICONA Cape May

The boutique ICONA Cape May is set on the beachfront in Cape May, but guests here can also take the resort shuttle (seasonal) to its sister property in Diamond Beach, 12-minutes away. Here, you’ll have access to a less crowded private beach. There is also a restaurant, fire pits, and live music many nights at the sister resort.

At the Cape May property, you’ll find a mix of rooms and suites that are beautifully decorated with an ocean motif — expect blue rugs set against white walls, beds, and furnishings. The bathrooms are done-up in Carrera marble, and rooms have private balconies.

There is a swimming pool on the grounds but no restaurant. The location is central, however, to Cape May’s many restaurants and shops.

Address: 1101 Beach Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

Map of Resorts in Cape May, New Jersey