In 2016, Congress Hall celebrated its Bicentennial, marking two hundred years as America's First Seaside Resort. Located in the heart of Victorian Cape May, it's the perfect place to spend your New Jersey beach vacation. Now in its third century, Congress Hall features the simple pleasures of the past with the modern luxuries we enjoy today. Whatever the season, you will be delighted by the array of choices that make it easy to fill your days and nights. Relax in a private beach tent, lounge by the pool, or sit on a rocking chair overlooking the Grand Lawn.
The History
A RESORT AS GRAND AS ITS HERITAGE
For more than two centuries this New Jersey hotel has offered hospitality to locals and visitors alike. It began life in 1816 as a simple boarding house for summer visitors to one of America's earliest seaside resorts. Its owner, Thomas H. Hughes, called his new boarding house “The Big House.” The local people had other ideas, though. Convinced the building was far too large to ever be a success they nicknamed it “Tommy’s Folly.”
In this first incarnation it was a quite different affair. Downstairs was a single room that served as the dining room for all the guests, who stayed in simply partitioned quarters on the two upper floors. The walls and woodwork were bare and supplies of provisions were at times unreliable.
Guests were undeterred by the Spartan conditions and summer after summer the new hotel was packed to bursting. In 1828 Hughes had been elected to Congress and in honor of his new status his hotel was renamed Congress Hall.
As Congress Hall’s reputation grew, so did Cape May's. By the middle of the 19th Century Cape May had become a booming holiday destination, rivaling Saratoga and Newport for popularity. Congress Hall had doubled in size and was welcoming guests from around the region, but in 1878 the building was destroyed when a huge fire swept through 38 acres of Cape May’s seafront.
Within a year, the owners rebuilt the hotel, this time in brick rather than wood, and business blossomed once again. The hotel and Cape May proved so popular that they gained renown as a summer retreat for the nation's presidents. Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan all chose to vacation here. President Benjamin Harrison made Congress Hall his "summer White House" and conducted the affairs of state from the hotel.
The famous 19th Century composer John Philip Sousa also loved Congress Hall. After conducting concerts on Congress Hall's lawn with his Marine Corps band throughout the season in 1882 he composed a march in honor of the hotel, the "Congress Hall March."
The hotel fell into disrepair and remained closed for more than a dozen years, sometime between 1905 and the early 20s, after a long and bitter dispute between owner Annie Knight and the city council. Finally, an agreement to repave the roads around Congress Hall was reached and the hotel reopened in the early 20s, with a stunning renovation. Congress Hall went on to open Cape May's first post-Prohibition cocktail bar (where the Brown Room sits now) in 1934.
From 1968 until 1995 Congress Hall operated as part of the Cape May Bible Conference led by the Reverend Carl McIntire of Collingswood, New Jersey. By providing an alternate use for the building Dr. McIntire in effect helped preserve it during a time when many of Cape May's landmarks were being demolished to make way for modern motels. The present owners purchased the building in 1995 with the goal of undertaking a complete renovation to return Congress Hall to its former glory.
The hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2001, during which a stash of original china, creamers and sugar bowls were unearthed. Both the Buffalo Pottery Company and D.W. Haber and Sons, which produced the items, are still in business and were able to reproduce them for the hotel’s 2002 re-opening.
Vote for Congress Hall
in Travel+Leisure's 2020 World's Best Awards
Congress Hall is proud to be listed on the ballot of Travel+Leisure's 2020 World's Best Awards in the 'Hotels' category. Vote for your chance to win prizes like a 7-night Mediterranean cruise and more.
Vote NowWhile You're Here
HISTORY TOURS
at Congress Hall
Did you know that Congress Hall is the oldest seaside hotel in America? Or that four sitting presidents have stayed there? And that one of those presidents set up office in the hotel’s ground floor, establishing the first Summer White House? On a Congress Hall History Tour, you'll be guided through the grand hotel's storied past. Led by "Annie Knight" who owned the hotel from 1904-1931, our 60-minute History Tours are an interactive and engaging way to learn all about the Big House by the Sea.
View Tour Schedule
Spring Break
Wilderness Adventures
at Congress Hall & Beach Plum Farm
The wilderness must be explored! This Spring Break, join the Cape Resorts Explorers Club and embark on exciting Wilderness Adventures at Congress Hall and Beach Plum Farm. With over two weeks chock-full of structured, educational and hands-on fun, our Spring Break Wilderness Adventures make for the perfect family-friendly getaway in Cape May.
April 1st — 17th
View Spring Break ActivitiesStay Overnight at Congress Hall
Congress Hall
Easter Activities & Brunch
Sunday, April 12th
Beautiful Spring flowers in the Ballroom, Easter eggs laid out on the Grand Lawn—hop on over to Congress Hall on Easter Sunday for a day filled with exciting holiday festivities. Grab an Easter basket and start the morning with a traditional egg hunt, as well as fun lawn games and rides on the Congress Hall Express. After you've worked up an appetite, head inside for a delicious buffet in the Ballroom. Be sure to bring a camera—the Easter Bunny will make rounds with Blue the Pig for perfect family photo-ops!
View Easter Activities & Brunch Menu Stay OvernightEXIT ZERO JAZZ FESTIVAL
APRIL 17 - 19, 2020
It’s a phenomenon. Twice a year, every Spring and Fall, sensory experiences go on overload in Cape May when the Exit Zero Jazz Festival stages its world-class music fest. Music can be heard everywhere in Cape May—on the streets in the form of New Orleans style second line parades, in the clubs and restaurants bursting at the seams with music and energy and on the concert stages where international touring artists throw down at what has become known as one of the most respected and creative jazz festivals in the country.
Learn More
exit zero Jazz Festival:
Stay Overnight
Stay in the heart of the action. Located just minutes away from the Convention Center and other venues, Congress Hall is the perfect home base during this exciting weekend in Cape May.
Book Your Congress Hall Staypackages
What a Difference a Day Makes
Available through April 30th
Enjoy an extra night on us! Book two nights and get a third night free, plus a guaranteed 9:00am check-in, breakfast for two daily and more.
Between the vibrant restaurant and bar scene, boutique shopping, sight-seeing and more, there's so much to do in Cape May—even in the winter months. Whether it’s for a romantic escape, traveling with the family or a girl’s getaway, to make the most of your stay you’ll love being able to check-in as early as 9 AM. Plus, your third night is free! What will you do with your extra day on the island?
Included in this package:
- Get a third night free when you book at two night stay
- Check-In as Early as 9AM
- Breakfast for Two Daily in the Blue Pig Tavern
- Deluxe Accommodations
Call Now to Book
congress hall: (888) 944-1816 sandpiper: (800) 732-7816 the star: (800) 297-3779 Congress Place Suites: (800) 732-4236
*Breakfast for two is a $30 daily dining credit. Breakfast must be signed to your room for the $30 breakfast credit to be applied. No cash value. Additional charges, tax and gratuity will be your responsibility.
Winter Warm-up
Available November 1st, 2019 through March 31, 2020
The weather may be cold outside, but Cape Resorts has everything to keep you warmed up this winter. Enjoy hot chocolate by the fire, a dining and cocktail credit, and a late check out. Plus, Kids Eat Free!
Winter Warm-Up
Even when the weather is frightful, Cape May has cozy fireplaces, fine dining, quaint Victorian houses, and the most beautiful winter sunsets. Sit back and relax with a cocktail in the Ebbitt Room, or enjoy dinner by the fire in the Blue Pig Tavern. Visit our Sea Spa and relax away the temperatures with one of our signature treatments.
Package includes:
- Deluxe Accommodations
- Dining and Cocktail Credit for all Cape Resorts restaurants and lounges ($40 per day)*
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream for two from Tommy's Folly
- 1pm late check out**
- Get $200 Spa Credit for $170. Save 15% when you purchase a Spa Credit in advance as a Stay Enhancement.
- Plus: Kids Eat Free! (should you decide to bring them)***
Book now
congress hall sandpiper the star Call to book the Congress Place Suites: (800) 732-4236* All dining and cocktails must be signed to your room for the dining credit to apply. No cash value.
** Late checkout is based on availability and does not apply on Friday and Saturday departures
** Kids Eat Free: 1 complimentary meal off the children’s menu, for every adult entrée or sandwich purchased off the regular Blue Pig Tavern menu, maximum 2 children. Tax and gratuity not included. No cash value.
Wilderness Adventures Spring Break Getaway
Available March 31st through April 19th
Join the Cape Resorts Explorers Club and embark on exciting Spring Break Wilderness Adventures at Congress Hall and Beach Plum Farm. Enjoy deluxe overnight accommodations, An Explorers Club drawstring backpack filled with treats, daily Wilderness Activities and more.
Thaw out from the winter frost with the ultimate spring break getaway. Grab a trusty field guide for all of your Wilderness Adventures at Beach Plum Farm and Congress Hall. From Gardening and Birding, to Watercolor Painting and Archery, explorers will earn a special pin for their special sash with each activity they complete. At Congress Hall, cooking classes, scavenger hunts, and science experiments will fill the day with creativity and fun. Shuttle service is offered from all Cape Resorts Hotels to Beach Plum Farm, plus select activities are included as part of the package.
A Spring Break stay at the Beach Plum Farm Cottages includes:
- Farm Cottage or Barn Accommodations, perfect for your entire family
- An Explorers Club drawstring backpack for the kids, filled with special items for your daily adventures
- Daily Wilderness activities
- Stocked refrigerator with all the makings for a farm fresh breakfast, plus other treats
- Access to Farm Golf Carts & Bicycles
- Shuttle Service to Congress Hall
- Option to add premium activities with our package enhancements*
A Spring Break Break stay at Congress Hall, the Sandpiper Beach Club, the Star, or the Virginia Cottages includes:
- Hotel Accommodations for your family
- An Explorers Club drawstring backpack for the kids, filled with special items for your daily adventure
- Daily Wilderness Activities
- $25 Dining Credit, per night*
- Shuttle Service to Beach Plum Farm
- Option to add premium activities with our package enhancements*
Book now
Call to Book the farm cottages: (833) 327-6268 Congress Hall Sandpiper The Star call to book the Virginia Cottages: (800) 732-4236To view a full schedule of Spring Break Activities, click here.
To ensure that everyone has as fun and safe a Spring Break as possible, we ask that parents remain with their children for the entirety of their Wilderness Adventures. Please review our Spring Break Policies & FAQ.
*Package enhancements can be added when making your reservation.
*$25 Hotel Dining Credit valid for food and beverage at Congress Hall restaurants and outlets only. All food and beverage must be signed to room for credit to be applied. No Cash Value.
Congress Hall Easter Brunch
Get hopping to Cape May this Easter and enjoy a delicious Easter Sunday Brunch in the Ballroom and exciting family activities at Congress Hall. Easter Brunch in the Ballroom can be booked as a Stay Enhancement with room reservations at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, the Congress Place Suites and the Beach Shack.
As the scent of Spring fills the air, head to Cape May for a wonderful Easter celebration. Enjoy a delicious brunch in the Ballroom and participate in all of the fun with the Easter Bunny and his sidekick, Blue! Stay busy all weekend with all of the festivities including Easter egg hunts, scavenger hunts, train rides and our many Spring Break events!
Congress Hall Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 12th
Served from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Adults: Adults $55.00 | Children (ages 4-12) $19.00
Children 3 & younger are free
Stay Overnight
Book Easter Brunch in the Ballroom as a Stay Enhancement along with your getaway. Our Reservations Agents will be happy to help with arrangements.
Call to book your
overnight stay: (855) 290-8467
Easter Brunch in the Ballroom can be booked as a Stay Enhancement with room reservations at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, the Congress Place Suites and the Beach Shack.
Reserve Your Tickets
Please call the Concierge Desk to reserve your tickets to Easter Brunch in the Ballroom. Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are first-come, first-serve.
Call the Concierge Desk
to Reserve Tickets: (609) 884-6542
A credit card is required at the time of booking. Our cancelation policy states that the reservation must be cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the reservation to avoid a full charge to the card for each ticket reserved.
Leaping for Joy: Special Leap Day Offer
Book on February 29th
A special offer that only comes around every four years! On February 29th, 29 lucky people will leap for joy when they book our special Leap Day offer.
Click the 'Book Now' button on Saturday February 29th to book a two-night stay. If you're one of the first 29 people to book, you'll have the chance to reserve our 'Leaping for Joy' special offer: A two-night stay in March with the second night for just $29, plus a $50 Dining Credit!
The Leaping for Joy offer must be used for two-night stays in March, from March 1 to March 31, 2020.
All food and beverage must be signed to your room for $50 dining credit to be applied. Does not include tax or gratuity. No cash value.
Additional terms and conditions apply.
Toll Free Travel
Available through April 30th
Traveling by car for your Cape May getaway? Let us take care of the tolls! Book now and receive deluxe accommodations, a dining credit, and a New Jersey toll fee credit.
Cape Resorts is giving you a break before taxes are due. Located off of Exit 0 on the Garden State Parkway, the resort will cover your New Jersey tolls. Receive a $20 Toll and Transportation credit when you book our Toll Free package.
This package includes:
- $20 Toll Credit per stay
- $25 Cape Resort Dining Credit per night*
Book Now
Congress Hall the Virginia Hotel The Sandpiper The Star the Congress Place Suites: (844) 499-9815*All food and beverage must be signed to your room for the $25 dining credit to be applied. No Cash Value. Additional charges, tax and gratuity will be your responsibility.
Rise, Shine And Relax
Available Year Round
Rise, Shine & Relax and leave the rest to us! Enjoy deluxe accommodations and a delicious farm-to-table breakfast in the Blue Pig Tavern each morning.
Rise, Shine And Relax
Whether it's a sunny summer morning or a brisk late sunrise in winter, there is nothing like waking up in picturesque Cape May. Start each morning with a hearty breakfast in the Blue Pig. Then, relax by the pool, or warm up by the fireplace and enjoy shopping along the historic streets. Any time of year is the perfect time of year to enjoy time on Cape Island.
Your package includes:
- Deluxe Accommodations
- Breakfast for Two in the Blue Pig Tavern ($30 per day)
book now
congress hall the star sandpiper* Meals must be charged to the room for the credit to be applied.
The Big House by the Sea
Available Year Round
Learn about Congress Hall's rich history and enjoy a guided History Tour, a generous Resort Credit, and a hardcover copy of Tommy's Folly.
The Big House By the Sea
Explore the halls of this historic hotel, celebrating over 200 years of hospitality. Settle in by the fire to read your copy of Tommy's Folly and get a behind-the-scenes look at all of the characters that made Congress Hall the crowning jewel it is today. Take the Congress Hall History Tour and learn about all of the visitors - from heads of state to elusive rum runners. With a $100 Resort Credit, you will be able to experience all of the amenities that modern-day Congress Hall has to offer.
As our guest you will enjoy:
- Deluxe Accommodations
- Tommy's Folly, the book about Congress Hall's fascinating 200-year history
- Two tickets to Congress Hall's History Tour*
- $100 Resort Credit (per stay)**
History Tour availability is subject to scheduled dates and times. Please call the Concierge Desk for a Tour schedule:
**All restaurant, bar and spa charges must be signed to your room for Resort Credit to be applied. No Cash Value.
Date Night in Cape May
Available Year Round
Treat your special someone to a romantic getaway in Cape May, complete with an intimate evening of artisanal cocktails and cuisine at the Ebbitt Room.
Date Night in Cape May
Make every celebration or evening truly memorable with an epicurean experience. Expertly-crafted libations and farm-fresh classic American cuisine are accompanied by the sweet sounds of the piano. Whatever the milestone, we will provide the gracious touch and exceptional service that ensure indelible memories.
Your package includes:
- Deluxe Accommodations
- $100 Ebbitt Room Dining Credit (per stay)*
book now
congress hall*Meals must be charged to the room for the credit to be applied.
resort life
Fitness Room
OPEN YEAR-ROUND
Being on vacation doesn’t mean having to break your fitness regime. As our guest, you'll have access to Congress Hall's Fitness Room that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just sign in at the front desk.
Fitness Room access is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Sea Spa
OPEN YEAR-ROUND
The Sea Spa at Congress Hall is a full-service spa that offers unique ocean-inspired treatments in a bright, uplifting atmosphere. You’ll love the fun yellow- and white-striped treatment rooms and the wonderful massages, facials and beauty treatments that feature all-natural products. Learn More.
Sandpiper Fitness Center
OPEN YEAR-ROUND
Need a more advanced workout? As our guest, you'll have access to the fully-equipped Fitness Center and Sauna at the nearby Sandpiper Beach Club. The Sandpiper Fitness Center was recently enhanced with state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment, making it one of the most robust gyms on the island.
Fitness Center access is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Beach Plum Farm Tour
SEASONAL
Set out on a guided or self-guided tour and explore the old and open spaces of Beach Plum Farm, our very own 62-acre working farm in West Cape May.
View All Excursions
Guided Beach Plum Farm Tours are included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Guided Excursions
SEASONAL
Embark on a tour of some of Cape May's hidden gems. Our Guides will lead you out for a tour of Davey's Lake or to Sunset Beach, where you can search for Cape May Diamonds.
View All Excursions
A selection of Guided Excursions is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest. Learn More
Children's Programming
SEASONAL
There's always fun to be had in Cape May. From the magic of our Summer Carnivals to the enchantment of Winter Wonderland, our Programming Team is busy at work creating events and activities the whole family will love, no matter the season.
View Seasonal Activities
A selection of Seasonal Children's Programming is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest. Learn More
Shuttle Service
SEASONAL
Travel Cape Island with ease on our new Cape Resorts Shuttle. The Shuttle stops at all Cape Resorts outlets and hotels, including Beach Plum Farm and West End Garage.
View Shuttle Schedule
Shuttle Service is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Congress Hall
Bike Shop
SEASONAL
There’s no better way to get around Cape May than by bike. The city is flat as a pancake and very pretty, the perfect ingredients for a lovely bike ride! Our Congress Hall Bike Shop offers singles, doubles, children’s bikes, surreys and helmets.
View Bike Shop Hours
Beach Boot Camp
SEASONAL
Feeling inspired to exercise in the beautiful beach-side setting? Our Beach Boot Camp sessions provides structured exercise in beautiful oceanside surroundings.
Beach Boot Camp Sessions are included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Yoga
SEASONAL
There’s nothing better than starting your day with a yoga class. Whether on Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn or down on the beach, the combination of an expert instructor and the beautiful setting create one of the best yoga experiences you’ll find anywhere.
Yoga Sessions are included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Running, Biking, Walking
Being on vacation at the New Jersey shore means being outside as much as you can and there are lots of options to enjoy your workout in the fresh air while staying with us. Ask the Concierge Desk for recommendations for nearby hikes, nature walks and bike paths.
Bird Watching
Cape May is one of the world’s most famous bird watching destinations and enthusiasts travel here from across the country to experience the wide variety of species that inhabit the area and pass through during migration. Check with Congress Hall's Concierge for tips on the best places to spot rare birds.
View All Excursions
Pool Service
SEASONAL
Relax on a lounger at Congress Hall's Pool. Order a delicious cocktail and bite from the Pool Bar and Grill and soak up the sun as your enjoy this season's bestseller. Learn More
Pool Service is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Beach Service
SEASONAL
Our Beach Attendants guarantee the perfect beach day by setting you up with chairs, towels and umbrellas when you arrive. Order a refreshment off of our Beach Menu and settle in to the sounds of the surf. Learn More
Beach Service is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Let's be social
follow us on instagram: @congresshall
Since 2012, Congress Hall has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top US hotels in the Northeast and was recently awarded the #13 spot on Condé Nast Traveler's 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and New York. Congress Hall is also awarded with Tripadvisor's Certificate of Excellence.
Voted New Jersey's Best Hotel by Travel + Leisure and its readers.
200 CONGRESS PLACE
CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY 08204
(609) 884-8421
it’s easy to find us
Cape May is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The hotel is located in the heart of the Historic District, right across the street from the beach and the Washington Street Mall.
Valet Parking is provided. Please pull up in front of the hotel and an attendant will assist you with your luggage and car.
From Google Maps:
View Google Map & Enter Your Starting PointFrom Specific Points
From The Garden State Parkway | From The Cape May Lewes Ferry | From New York | From Washington/Baltimore | From Philadelphia