Seaside Hospitality Since 1816
Congress Hall was established in 1816 by founder Thomas H. Hughes, a prominent Cape May businessman. Originally called "The Big House", the hotel was renamed in honor of Hughes' election to Congress in 1828. Now in its third century, this grand resort features the simple pleasures of the past with the modern luxuries we enjoy today.
A stay at Congress Hall is designed around the simple pleasures of a classic American seaside vacation. Here, we believe that hospitality means more than just a room for the night. It means complimentary chairs, towels and umbrellas waiting for you down on the beach; delicious on-property dining for you to treat yourself to; health and wellness classes like yoga every morning; and family activities from sunup to sundown—all to create new memories and traditions with the ones you love.
Located in the heart of Victorian Cape May, it's the perfect place to spend your New Jersey beach vacation. 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.
Rooms
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Explore Congress Hall
Dining & Cocktails
From the Blue Pig Tavern, to the Boiler Room, to the Brown Room—Congress Hall is home to some of the most celebrated restaurants and lounges in Cape May, New Jersey.
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The Sea Spa
The Sea Spa at Congress Hall is a full-service day spa. This guest favorite is a haven of simple pleasures, featuring treatments inspired by the rhythms of the ocean.
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Tommy's Folly
What's vacation without a little shopping? Check out Tommy's Folly, a charming Café, Logo Shop and Boutique filled with Cape May finds and chic treasures for men, women and children.
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The Sea Spa
The Sea Spa at Congress Hall is a full-service spa that offers unique ocean-inspired treatments in a bright, uplifting atmosphere.
Pool Service
SEASONAL
Enjoy complimentary chairs and towels at Congress Hall's Pool, as well as food and drink service from our Pool Bar and Grill. Learn More
Pool Service is included in your stay as a Congress Hall guest.
Beach Service
SEASONAL
We'll set you up with complimentary chairs, towels and umbrellas on the beach in front of Congress Hall. Enjoy food and drink service from our Beach Menu. Learn More
Beach Service is included in your stay as a Congress Hall guest.
EV Charging Stations
We're proud to feature on-property EV Charging Stations. Complimentary for hotel guest use, our Charging Stations are suitable for all electric vehicles.
Tennis Lessons
Tennis, anyone? We're proud to partner with tennis pro Zee Vlahovic and the Cape May Tennis Club to offer Private Lessons for our guests. Click here to learn more.
Private Tennis Sessions can be reserved for a fee.
Congress Hall
Bike Shop
SEASONAL
The Congress Hall Bike Shop offers singles, doubles, children’s bikes, surreys and helmets.
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Daily Housekeeping Services
Our Housekeeping Team will refresh your room daily and provide nightly turndown service, using enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure your space is spotless.
Housekeeping Service is included in your stay as a Congress Hall guest.
Complimentary Wifi
Stay connected with complimentary high-speed WiFi, available in your guest room or anywhere on our beautiful grounds.
Complimentary WiFi is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
On-Property Dining
Enjoy a varied selection of cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner—all without having to leave the grounds of our hotel.
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Sandpiper Fitness Center
As our guest, you'll have access to the fully-equipped Fitness Center and Sauna at the nearby Sandpiper Beach Club.
Fitness Center access is included in your stay as a Cape Resorts guest.
Family Activities
SEASONAL
Our seasonal Activities & Events will keep the whole family smiling all vacation long. View Activities Calendar
Amenities are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.
Packages & Special Offers
Classic American Summer
Available through October 8, 2023
Join us in Cape May for an American beach vacation at its best. Book our 'Classic American Summer' package and enjoy a two-day summer beach tent rental, and a daily Resort Credit—included in your stay.
Long summer days spent by the sea. Sun and crashing surf; the gentle chirp of gulls; the salty breeze gently rustling the pages of your bestseller. It's a beautiful scene in Cape May, where white-sand beaches and Victorian charm combine to create the perfect seaside escape. You'll love a luxurious day lingering in one of our striped Beach Tents, the ultimate summertime luxury.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations
- 2-Day Beach Tent Rental, including two lounge chairs, plush beach towels, and a cooler filled with water and soft drinks
- Daily $50 Resort Credit
Book Now
Congress Hall Beach Plum Farm The Sandpiper The Star Beach ShackFor Personalized Service or to book Congress Place Sites Please Call (855) 290-8467
Promo Code: TENT
Terms and conditions apply. See the Reservations Website for complete details.
Fall Sea Spa Retreat
Available October 1 through November 21, 2023
Indulge and unwind with our Sea Spa Retreat, featuring deluxe overnight accommodations and a credit to the Congress Hall Sea Spa.
Sea Spa relaxation at rates to feel great about
For a limited time, receive a $100 Sea Spa Credit included with your stay at Congress Hall, the Star, and the Congress Place Suites.
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Book Congress Hall Book The Star Inn Book Congress Place SuitesFor Personalized Service Please Call (609) 884-6543
book nowJazz Festival Getaway
Available November 9 - 12, 2023
The famed Exit Zero Jazz Festival returns this Spring and Fall to Cape May! Book our Jazz Fest Getaway package to enjoy deluxe accommodations, two Three-Day VIP Jazz Festival tickets, two Exit Zero Jazz Festival wine glasses, and daily breakfast each morning of your stay.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations
- Two VIP Tickets to the Exit Zero Jazz Festival*
- Two Exit Zero Jazz Festival keepsake Wine Glasses
- Breakfast each morning of your stay**
Fall Festival: November 9 - 12
Book Congress Hall Book The Star Book The Sandpiper Book The VirginiaTo learn more about this year's Exit Zero Jazz Festivals, visit ExitZeroJazzFestival.com.
*VIP pass provide entry to Exit Zero Jazz Festival. VIP pass provides first-come, first-served access to VIP reserved seat sections all performances on the Main Stage in Cape May Convention Hall. VIP Pass provides access to VIP Lounge in Cape May Convention Hall with complimentary water, coffee, tea, fruit, and grab and go snacks. VIP Pass provides first-come, first-served entry into all Festival stages, tents, and participating club venues. VIP Pass will be waiting for you at check-in to your Cape Resorts stay. After purchasing your VIP Passes, please contact Exit 0 International Jazz Festival to reserve your seats as each show has different times by calling 609-849-9202. Tickets cannot be refunded if reservation is cancelled within 21 days prior to arrival date of reservation.
**Breakfast for Two available for each reserved room night.
Reservations at Congress Hall, The Star and The Sandpiper receive a $20 Breakfast Credit for use at the Blue Pig Tavern per each reserved room night. Credit must be signed to your guest room to be applied. No cash value.
Reservations at The Virginia receive Continental Breakfast per each reserved room night. No cash value.
Murder Mystery Weekend at Congress Hall
Available Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2023
It’s 1890. You’ve taken your seat to dine at Congress Hall for an elegant evening by the sea. Your esteemed company includes President Benjamin Harrison and his fiancee Mary Lord Dimmick, artist Edmond Darch Lewis, hotelier Rose Halpin and professor Percey Longfellow. . .
The night is divine as the stars shine over the Atlantic, and all is well—that is, until Cape May Star and Wave columnist Katherine Kerry observes much more than merriment and gaiety: a murder at America’s First Seaside Resort... and it’s up to you to crack the case!
Spend a two-night stay with us and watch the mystery unfold as you experience three days filled with riddles, clues and a whodunit that will keep you guessing until the very end. From costumes and storylines to humor and problem solving, our partners at Murder Cafe will be sure to entertain and surprise guests. The performance is broken up over 4 acts and three days, and it is up to you to solve the crime!
Included in this package:- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations at Congress Hall
Reserve your stay
BOOK ONLINE CALL TO BOOK: 1 (888) 944-1816Thankful for Cape May
Available Wednesday, November 22
through Sunday, November 26, 2023
Celebrate Thanksgiving in classic American style with a buffet in the Congress Hall Ballroom!
Where better to celebrate Thanksgiving than at America's Original Seaside Resort? Stay with us in Cape May, and enjoy a holiday as relaxed as it is tasteful. Our team has prepared a delicious Thanksgiving buffet special for the occasion, complete with classic Thanksgiving favorites—plus a few fun twists—all prepared with fresh ingredients from Beach Plum Farm.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations in Cape May
- Welcome Cocktails for Two in the Brown Room, to get in the spirit
- Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner for Two in the Congress Hall Ballroom
Promo Code: THANKS
For personalized reservation service, please call a Reservations Specialist toll-free at (855) 290-8467.
Terms and conditions apply. See the Reservations Website for complete details
A Cape May Christmas
Available Friday, December 22 through Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Experience the charm of a Cape May Christmas, and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner in the Grand Ballroom of Congress Hall.
Cape May is a magical destination throughout the holiday season, and it all culminates with a traditional Christmas in the Congress Hall Ballroom, with festive dining and merry music.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations in Cape May
- Welcome Cocktails for Two in the Brown Room, to get in the spirit
- Christmas Day Buffet Dinner for Two in the Congress Hall Ballroom
Promo Code: CHRISTMAS
For personalized reservation service, please call a Reservations Specialist toll-free at (855) 290-8467.
Terms and conditions apply. See the Reservations Website for complete details.
Glitter Ball Getaway 2023
Available Saturday, December 30, 2023
through Monday, January 1, 2024
Ring in 2024 in the elegance and style of Congress Hall's Glitter Ball! From the Lobby to the Ballroom, our grand seaside hotel will be decorated exquisitely—the perfect setting in which to spend a night in your finery, with a glass of champagne in your hand.
The Glitter Ball at Congress Hall is the ultimate New Year's Eve party, and you're invited! Black Tie is optional (but encouraged and celebrated) at this marvelous soirée. Dance the night away with your sweetheart and, after the clock strikes midnight and the last drink is poured, take the elevator home to a deluxe guest room or suite at Congress Hall. Or, enjoy a few minutes of fresh seaside air as you walk back to one of our neighboring Cape May hotels.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations in Cape May
- Welcome Party Favors in your Guest Room
- New Year's Eve Glitter Ball Tickets for Two
- Breakfast in the Blue Pig Tavern on New Year's Day
- A Recovery Kit for Two with everything you need to bounce back on New Year's Day: energy juice, bottled water and aspirin
Promo Code: GLITTER
For personalized reservation service, please call a Reservations Specialist toll-free at (855) 290-8467.
Terms and conditions apply. See the Reservations Website for complete details.
Rise, Shine & Relax with Daily Breakfast
Available Year Round
Rise, Shine & Relax and leave the rest to us. Enjoy deluxe overnight accommodations and a farm-to-table breakfast in the Blue Pig Tavern each morning of your stay.
There's nothing like waking up in picturesque Cape May, especially when you have a delicious breakfast waiting for you! You'll love our Chef's selections this season like fluffy buttermilk pancakes, fresh omelets and breakfast sandwiches, all made using fresh ingredients from Beach Plum Farm.
Your package includes:
- Deluxe Accommodations
- Breakfast in the Blue Pig Tavern*
BOOK NOW
Congress Hall The Star The SandpiperFor Personalized Service Please Call 855-290-8467
An Evening To Remember
Available Year Round
Escape with your special someone to the Virginia Hotel & Cottages or Congress Hall. Book our Evening to Remember package to enjoy an intimate evening of dining by candlelight in the Ebbitt Room.
Plan a grand romantic weekend, or a cozy midweek escape—whatever the milestone, we will provide the gracious touch and exceptional service that ensure indelible memories.
Your romantic getaway includes:
Virginia Hotel & Cottages
- Deluxe Accommodations
- Dinner for two in the Ebbitt Room*
- Continental Breakfast for two each morning
- Complimentary Valet Parking
Book now
the Virginia Hotel The Red CottageCongress Hall
- Deluxe Accommodations
- Dinner for two in the Ebbitt Room*
- Complimentary Valet Parking
Book now
Congress HallPromo Code: EBBITT
After booking your overnight stay, please make your dinner reservation by calling the Ebbitt Room at (609) 884-5700.
*Terms and conditions apply. See the Reservations Website for full details.
Dinner in the Tavern
Available February 10th through June 1st and October 1st through November 21st, 2023
Enjoy a classic and comfortable evening of American dining in the convivial ambiance of The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall!
Known for hearty all-American favorites, The Blue Pig Tavern's name derives from a gambling parlor sited in Congress Hall in the mid-1800s. Earlier still, in the 1700s, Elias Hughes operated a tavern for whalers on this site. It was the first tavern in Cape May. Today, we offer timeless classics and new seasonal delights with ingredients that are always farm-fresh.
Included in this package- Deluxe Accommodations in Cape May
- An Evening of Dining in The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall Book Congress Hall Book The Star Inn Book Congress Place Suites
For Personalized Service Please Call (855) 290-8467
The Benjamin
Available Year Round
The Benjamin
As a Founding Father of the United States and face of the one hundred dollar bill even Ben would light up with a $100 resort credit!
With The Benjamin package you will enjoy wonderful accommodations, and $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, cocktails in the Brown Room, relaxation in the Sea Spa, coffee and lite-bites from Tommy’s Folly or Happy Hour at the Rusty Nail. Now, it’s easier than ever with signing privileges throughout all of the Cape Resorts Group Properties in Cape May. How will you spend your Benjamin?
Book Now
Book Congress Hall Book The Star Inn Book Congress Place SuitesFor Personalized Service Please Call (855) 290-8467
Congress Hall
Weddings
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Meetings
& Events
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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 a spot on Condé Nast Traveler's 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. Most recently, Congress Hall was named to the 2021 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards.
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