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.
Welcome Back
We are excited reopen and once again provide seaside welcome—just as we've done since 1816.
Please view our Cape May 'What's Happening?' page, read our Frequently Asked Questions for important guest information, and watch our video to learn about the steps we're taking to reopen safely.
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.
While You're Here
New Memories & Timeless Traditions
A stay at Congress Hall is designed around the simple pleasures of a classic American seaside vacation. Here, we believe that hospitality means 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.
Restaurants & Lounges
View Dining
Family
Activities
view calendar
Health & Wellness
Learn MoreIn the Heart of
HISTORIC CAPE MAY
As a guest of Congress Hall, you'll be right in the middle of Cape May's historic downtown. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the Cape May Historic District comprises one of the country's largest collections of free-standing 19th century architecture. The 600 buildings that form the District feature stunning examples of Late Victorian, Eclectic, Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Colonial and French Second Empire style.
Cape May celebrates its living history through the preservation— and the clever adaptive reuse—of these grand old buildings. Today, you'll find cutting-edge restaurants in the parlors and terraces of former summer homes, as well as trendy boutiques and shops lining the wooden storefronts of Washington Street.
So come get to know our beautiful town by the sea. Plan your trip with our online guides of restaurant recommendations and local points of interest. Once you're here, our Concierge is a great resource on all things Cape May.
Packages & Special Offers
Summer's Best Rates
As we reopen our family of beloved properties gently, we are excited to welcome you back. Enjoy the best available rates of the summer, guaranteed when you book with us directly.
We are committed, now more than ever, to providing you with the simple pleasures in life. Our priority? Offering the space and fresh air that you need, in a safe and relaxing environment. Yes, a lot of things have changed, but we're looking forward to offering you a good, old-fashioned welcome that Cape Resorts delivers.
We hope to see you soon.
Book Your Summer Stay
Congress Hall The Star The Virginia The Sandpiper The Beach Shack Beach Plum Farm Cottages Call to Book the Congress Place Suites: (844) 499-9815 Call to Book the Virginia Cottages: (800) 732-4236Resort Amenities
Pool Service
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 Cape Resorts guest. Amenities are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.
Beach Service
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 Cape Resorts guest. Amenities are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.
Twice-Daily Housekeeping
Our Housekeeping Team will refresh your room twice a day if you'd like, replacing linens and using enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure your space is spotless.
Twice-Daily Housekeeping 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.
Daily Newspaper Service
We'll deliver a complimentary newspaper to your guest room each morning if you'd like. Choose from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Post, the New York Post, the Wall Street Journal, or the New York Times.
Daily Newspaper Service is included in your stay as a Congress Hall 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.
View All Congress Hall Dining
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.
Amenities are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.
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. Fitness Center reservations can be made for 45 minutes at a time by calling the Sandpiper Front Desk at (609) 884-6620. Amenities are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.
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.
Congress Hall
Bike Shop
SEASONAL
The Congress Hall Bike Shop offers singles, doubles, children’s bikes, surreys and helmets.
View Bike Shop Hours
Amenities are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.
Congress Hall
Weddings
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Meetings
& Retreats
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Frequently Asked Questions
At the Beach
Are the beaches open?
Yes, the beaches are open in Cape May and Cape May Point for sunbathing, swimming, sandcastle-building and bocce ball (as always, it’s rude to cheat). But please remember that strict social distancing requirements remain in place. And you can only swim where lifeguards are on duty.
Updated: June 3, 2020
Do I still need a beach tag?
Yes, and beach tags are provided by Cape Resorts. Please ask your concierge.
Updated: June 3, 2020
What about the promenade?
It’s also open, but Cape May’s promenade is narrow, so please practice proper social distancing and ensure that everyone in your party is wearing a mask. You still can’t walk a dog, ride your bike, skateboard or rollerblade on the promenade.
Updated: June 3, 2020
By the Pool
Are the Cape Resorts swimming pools open?
Yes! The pools at our properties are open for swimming and sunbathing. Please remember to follow all signage and practice social distancing.
Updated: June 22, 2020
Time to Eat
What Food & Beverage options are available in Cape May right now?
We are working to create socially-distant indoor dining experiences in accordance with state and local guidelines. Please check back for updates.
In the meantime, Outdoor Dining is available and open to the public—and we have some exciting options this season that celebrate our outdoor spaces. Click here to view a list of our Outdoor Dining options.
We also have a range of Take-Out options available for our guests. Click here to view a list of our Take-Out options.
Updated: June 22, 2020
What other restaurant options are there in Cape May?
There are currently dozens of restaurants in the area offering outdoor dining, curbside pickup and delivery. The www.capemaystrong.org site is a good source restaurant news.
Updated: June 15, 2020
Shopping the Cape
What stores are open in Cape May?
Retail stores are open for in-store shopping as of Monday, June 15 (with 50% occupancy permitted). Please remember to wear a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines while shopping.
Updated: June 15, 2020
Is there a pharmacy in town?
Yes, the CVS is located directly across from West End Garage and is open from 8am-10pm daily.
Updated: June 3, 2020
Fun and Games
We’ve loved events like Monday Night Carnival at Congress Hall, Clambakes on the Lawn and fun stuff like Bingo with Blue. Will any of those be happening soon?
Yes! Our team has prepared a robust schedule of exciting guest activities for the season. Each programming offering has been reimagined this year to provide our guests with as safe an experience as possible.
This summer, Beach Plum Farm will host a regular schedule of outdoor guest programming that takes advantage our of 62 acres of space. Activities at the farm include Birding, Gardening, Watercoloring, Scavenger Hunts and more. In addition, Congress Hall's Monday night Carnivals on the Lawn are back this year with new spacing and occupancy guidelines. Click here to view a full summer programming calendar.
Due to capacity restrictions, all programming—including Congress Hall's Carnivals on the Lawn—will be reserved for Cape Resorts guests this season.
Updated: July 6, 2020
What other activities are happening in Cape May? Can I climb the lighthouse, rent a bike or go on a horse-and-carriage ride?
Currently, activities are obviously curtailed by COVID-related guidelines. You CAN take a tour of the Historic District on a horse-and-carriage tour (ask our concierge for details). And you CAN, at least, drive or bike down to the lighthouse and behold this famous old landmark, while walking the Cape May Point State Park (wearing a mask and social distancing). Bike rentals are available from Cape Resorts. And we are also able to supply you with tickets for whale and dolphin-watching trips. As well as checking this page regularly, we also recommend you visit the website of Cape May MAC, who operate the lighthouse and trolley tours as well as a LOT of fun cultural activities on the island. They’re providing updates at www.capemaymac.org.
Updated: June 3, 2020
Amenities and Services
Is the Sea Spa open?
Yes, the Sea Spa at Congress Hall has reopened for service! Reservations are required. Click here to reserve a treatment.
Updated: June 25, 2020
What activities and amenities are being offered this summer at Cape Resorts?
We will continue our tradition of offering a variety of amenities and activities with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. Amenities will include daily housekeeping and turndown service, newspaper delivery, a choice of valet or self-parking, reservation assistance and much more. Now, more than ever, it's up to YOU which services you wish to access. As far as our activities are concerned, we will be designing them with all of the official guidelines in mind so that fun AND safety go hand-in-hand. Please check in regularly with our website and our concierge team to see what is available during your stay with us.
Updated: June 3, 2020
What cleaning procedures will be in place for bellhops helping with luggage?
Each member of our hotel staff has been thoroughly trained on enhanced sanitizing protocol and will ensure your luggage is cleaned after they handle it.
Updated: June 3, 2020
How about those parking meters? Still operating?
The City of Cape May brought back meters on May 16. Rather than fetch around for quarters, we recommend downloading the ParkMobile app.
Updated: June 3, 2020
I have a question which isn’t on this list. Who should I call or email?
Our Concierge is a great resource. You can reach them by calling (609) 884-6542 or by emailing [email protected].
Updated: June 3, 2020
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