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.
Come one, come all to Congress Hall's inaugural Fall Festival. This October, we're throwing a party on the grand lawn with fall favorites from Brats and Beer Cheese Pretzels and Funnel Cakes to candy apples and Apple Cider Doughnuts. Grab a pint from the nearby beer tent, serving local brews and “adult” slushies by the firepit. Kids and kids at heart will have a blast playing all of the fall-themed carnival games and taking a ride on the Congress Hall Spook Express! Paint a pumpkin and get your face painted to look like a spooky goblin, pretty princess, or strong superhero. Then, grab a camera—our pumpkin-filled hay wagon will make the perfect spot for a family photo-op! After the sun goes down stick around for the nighttime screening of “Hocus Pocus” and s'mores on Congress Hall’s lawn.
Carnival Games • train rides • arts & crafts
Beer Tent • s'mores • food tents & much more
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
packages
Fall Break Wilderness Adventures
Nov. 5th - 10th
Available November 5th - November 10th
Plan a fall getaway filled with Wilderness Adventures at Beach Plum Farm. Join the Cape Resorts Explorers Club and enjoy painting, archery, gardening and more!
Fall Break — Wilderness Adventures at Beach Plum Farm
Take a fall break with the kids and join the Cape Resorts Explorer’s Club, the ultimate Cape May getaway. Grab a trusty field guide to lead the way on your Wilderness Adventures. At Beach Plum Farm Explorers will get the chance to plant a garden, create nature-inspired art, learn about archery, farm life and more! For each task they complete, Explorers will earn a special pin to place on their Explorer Sash. At night, we will gather round the campfire to make s'mores, watch a movie and star gaze. Each day will be filled with creative learning and fun activities for explorers of all ages.
A Fall Break stay at the Beach Plum Farm Cottages includes:
- Cottage or Barn Accommodations at Beach Plum Farm, perfect for your entire family or extended family
- An Explorers Club drawstring backpack for the kids, filled with special items for your daily adventure
- Daily Beach Plum Farm Wilderness Activities
- Stocked refrigerator with all the makings for a farm fresh breakfast, plus other treats
- Access to Beach Plum Farm golf carts and bicycles
- Option to add premium activities with our package enhancements*
A Fall 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 Beach Plum Farm 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) 732-4236*Package enhancements can be added when making your reservation.
**Hotel dining credit must be signed to your room to be applied. No cash value.
Thanksgiving Dinner in the Ballroom
Leave the Thanksgiving cooking to the chefs at Congress Hall this year and enjoy a delicious buffet in the Ballroom. Thanksgiving Dinner in the Ballroom can be booked as a Stay Enhancement for stays at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, and the Congress Place Suites.
Executive Chef Michael Greenstein has prepared a delectable buffet menu featuring prized heritage turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and more, all using ingredients sourced from the fields of Beach Plum Farm. Join us in the Ballroom for the afternoon's feast, or choose to start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year and stay overnight in one of our beautiful Cape May hotels. Nap away post-dessert in the plush comfort of our guest rooms. Afterwards, set out to discover the beauty and excitement of Fall in Cape May.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH
DINNER SERVED FROM 1:00PM TO 6:00PM
Adults $45
Children (ages 4-12) $19
Children 3 and younger are free.
*Prices are non-inclusive of tax, gratuity, and alcohol.
Stay Overnight
Book Thanksgiving Dinner in the Ballroom as a Stay Enhancement along with your getaway. Our Reservations Agents will be happy to help with arrangements. Call to book: (855) 290-8467
Thanksgiving Dinner in the Ballroom can be booked as a Stay Enhancement for stays at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, and the Congress Place Suites.
Reserve Your Tickets
Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are first-come, first-serve.
Call to Reserve: (609) 884-6542Please call the Congress Hall Concierge at (609) 884-6542 to reserve your tickets for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Endless Summer
Available August 25th through October 31st, 2019
Savor summer a little longer and save. Enjoy a resort credit, late check out and more. Plus, kids eat free!
Just because the pages have turned on the calendar doesn’t mean the summer has to end. The days are still beautiful for touring historic Cape May, taking a bike ride to Beach Plum Farm, or indulging in a good book on the beach.
As our guest you will enjoy:
- Up to 15% off Room Accommodations
- $25 Resort Credit, per night*
- 1pm Late Checkout**
- Plus: Kids eat free! (If you choose to bring them)***
Book Now
Congress Hall Sandpiper The Star*All meals and activities must be signed to your room for the resort credit to apply. No cash value.
**Late Check out does not apply to Friday and Saturday departures.
***Kids Eat Free: For every adult entrée or sandwich purchased off the regular Blue Pig Tavern Menu, Rusty Nail or Congress Hall Beach Menu, up to two children, age 12 & under, may eat free off the children's menu. Valid during lunch and dinner.
Shop, Sip and Spa
Available September 9th through December 30th, 2019
Shop, Sip and Spa in Cape May with welcome cocktails, a shopping tote, discounts at Cape May's finest boutiques, a bakery dining credit and more.
Escape to Cape May with a few friends and indulge in a little retail therapy. Shop Cape May's unique boutiques while catching up with your crew. Pop in and out of the shops on Washington Street, and save a few hours for West End Garage. There's fifty stores under one roof — plus amazing coffee and pastries at the Beach Plum Farm Café and Bakery.
Your package includes:
- Welcome Cocktails for Two
- Breakfast for Two in the Blue Pig Tavern ($30 credit per night)*
- A Shopping Tote
- A shopping card providing 15% off your purchase at Tommy's Folly Boutique and several shops in Cape May, including Cash & Clive, Victorious, Galvanic, Queen May and more
- $10 Credit for the Beach Plum Farm Bakery & Café at West End Garage or the Kitchen at Beach Plum Farm
- Plus: Save on a $200 Sea Spa Credit when purchased for $170 as a stay enhancement at time of booking.
Book now
congress hall the star sandpiper* All dining and cocktails must be signed to the room in order for the credit to be applied.
Breakfast with Santa at Congress Hall
Start the day with a delicious breakfast and a visit with the big man himself — Santa Claus! Breakfast with Santa can be booked as a Stay Enhancement for stays at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, the Congress Place Suites and the Beach Shack.
Santa is coming to Congress Hall’s Grand Ballroom! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and visit with Jolly Old St. Nick. This breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, bacon, fruit, buttermilk pancakes, sweet treats, and much more. Kids will get the chance to tell Father Christmas all of their Christmas wishes, while parents snap a pretty picture for the mantle.
December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd
9:00am - 2:00pm
in the Congress Hall Ballroom
Stay Overnight
Book CBreakfast with Santa as a Stay Enhancement along with your getaway. Our Reservations Agents will be happy to help with arrangements.
Breakfast with Santa can be booked as a Stay Enhancement for stays at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, the Congress Place Suites and the Beach Shack.
Call to book: (855) 290-8467Reserve Your Tickets
Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are first-come, first-serve.
Christmas Dinner in the Ballroom
Leave the Christmas cooking to the Chefs at Congress Hall this year and join us for a beautiful Dinner in the Ballroom. Christmas Dinner can be booked as a Stay Enhancement for stays at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, the Congress Place Suites and the Beach Shack.
Executive Chef Michael Greenstein has prepared a delicious buffet menu featuring Christmas ham, buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and more. Join us in the Ballroom for the afternoon's feast, or choose to start a new holiday tradition this year and stay overnight in one of our beautiful Cape May hotels. When Santa takes his ride around the world, stay with us and wake up in Cape May on Christmas morning. Enjoy our Winter Wonderland, and sip on hot cocoa as you stroll along our Veranda. Walk around Cape May and discover the beautiful lights and charm of our Victorian town at this special time of year.
Wednesday, December 25th
Served from 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Stay Overnight
Book Christmas Dinner in the Ballroom as a Stay Enhancement along with your getaway. Our Reservations Agents will be happy to help with arrangements.
Call to book: (855) 290-8467Christmas Dinner in the Ballroom can be booked as a Stay Enhancement for stays at Congress Hall, the Star Inn, the Sandpiper, the Congress Place Suites and the Beach Shack.
Reserve Your Tickets
Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are first-come, first-serve.
Glitter Ball Getaway
Available through January 1, 2020
Ring in 2019 with family and friends in Congress Hall's Beautiful Grand Ballroom in America’s first seaside resort. Enjoy deluxe accommodations, two tickets to the Glitter Ball, a late checkout on New Year's Day and more.
Celebrate the evening with dinner and dancing to live music. You can dance the night away and head right up to your room, or keep the party going at the Boiler Room after-party. The only way to welcome 2020 is at Congress Hall's Glitter Ball!
As our guest you will enjoy:
- Two Tickets to Congress Hall's Glitter Ball, which includes:
— Open Bar
— Passed hors d' oeuvres
— A three-course plated dinner
— Champagne Toast - $30 Blue Pig Breakfast Dining Credit, per room night**
- 3pm Late Checkout
- Complimentary Valet Parking
Celebrate New Year's Eve with friends! Additional tickets to the Glitter Ball can be purchased as a Stay Enhancement at the time of booking.*
*Guests can purchase no more than two extra tickets per room.
**$30 Blue Pig dining credit must be signed to your room to be applied. No Cash Value.
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 heart-warming food 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**
- Save 20% off a Sea Spa massage with purchase of 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.
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 Benjamin - $100 Resort Credit
Available Year Round
Enjoy wonderful accommodations and a $100 resort credit with the freedom to choose how to spend it. From farm-to-table dining to evening cocktails to boutique shopping, the choice is yours!
The Benjamin - $100 Resort Credit
Benjamin Franklin knew that the key to a good time was good food, good drink, and good company. This wise founding father is the face of the $100 bill, and now can be found as the face of this exciting getaway. With The Benjamin package you will enjoy wonderful accommodations and a $100 resort credit with the freedom to choose how to spend it. From a delicious farm-to-table dinner in the Ebbitt Room, to classic comfort food at The Blue Pig Tavern. Enjoy cocktails in the Brown Room or some well deserved relaxation in the Sea Spa. Grab a cup of coffee and lite-bites from Tommy's Folly or kick back for a Happy Hour at the Rusty Nail. It's easier than ever with signing privileges throughout all of the Cape Resorts Properties in Cape May. How will you spend your Benjamin?
Package includes:
- Deluxe Accommodations
- A $100 resort credit per stay to be used at any Cape Resorts outlets
book now
congress hall the Virginia sandpiper the star beach shack call to book the red or pink virginia cottages: (800) 732-4236
*Resort credit must be signed to your room to be applied. No cash value.
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 the star sandpiper beach shack*Meals must be charged to the room for the credit to be applied.
While You're Here
Let's be social
resort life
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.
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 features state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment and is available for use at any point during your stay.
Fitness Center access is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Congress Hall
History Tours
AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND
Explore Congress Hall and learn more about its remarkable story on our 60-minute interactive tours led by "Annie Knight" who owned the hotel from 1904-1931.
View Tour Schedule
History Tours are 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
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 has also been awarded with Tripadvisor's 2017 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