Three Generations

Before arriving, she had already heard about Cape May’s seaside charm. She was excited to begin her new role as a housekeeper at The Virginia Hotel—and from the very start, she felt a sense of belonging. “I felt a happiness from the beginning. The Virginia is an amazing place.”

At the time, The Virginia was the only Cape Resorts property in Cape May. Refugio’s arrival in 2000 came two years before the grand reopening of Congress Hall. Cape May had a different rhythm then—many hotels opened on Memorial Day and closed after Labor Day. It was in this quieter, more seasonal version of Cape May that Refugio began to learn the ins and outs of what makes a boutique hotel thrive.

In April 2002, the team at The Virginia received big news: the long-awaited renovation of Congress Hall was nearly complete. With its grand lobby, three bars and restaurants, and over a hundred guest rooms, Congress Hall’s reopening marked an ambitious new chapter for Cape Resorts. It was a milestone moment—not just for the company, but for Cape May. And the pressure was on: company was coming. All hands on deck.

By then, Refugio was a seasoned member of the housekeeping team. She quickly volunteered for the task force responsible for preparing Congress Hall for opening day. “We did a little bit of everything,” she recalls. “Made the beds, cleaned mattress covers, installed TVs—whatever was needed.”

On June 2, 2002, Congress Hall officially reopened its doors with a grand celebration. Former Governor Christine Whitman cut the ceremonial ribbon. Candlelight glowed in the Ballroom, conversation buzzed through the halls, and the Brown Room and Boiler Room bars stayed lively well into the night. Today, more than two decades later, company still comes to Congress Hall—thanks in part to Refugio and the dedicated team who prepared it for a new generation.

After the Congress Hall project wrapped, Refugio returned to The Virginia, which was expanding with the addition of the Red, Pink, Gray, and White Cottages. More rooms meant more housekeeping work—and Refugio knew just who to call. “I started at The Virginia right before Labor Day weekend in 2004,” says Abigail Garcia-Luengas, Refugio’s daughter. “Imagine starting a new Laundry Attendant job right before a holiday weekend. I had to learn very quickly!”

Soon, additional family members began to join the Cape Resorts team. First was Adalila Lopez, Refugio’s niece-in-law, who began work at Congress Hall and The Star in 2004. Next was Flor Garcia, Refugio’s niece, who began at The Virginia in 2006. “Coming to The Virginia, I felt a sense of comfort,” Flor says. “It was a gift to be able to work and learn alongside family members.” Adalila echoes the sentiment. “Refugio and Abigail introduced me to the properties, and made me feel at home.”

With Refugio’s guidance, Abigail, Flor, and Adalila built their careers with Cape Resorts. Abigail advanced through positions at The Virginia and was promoted to Director of Housekeeping in 2011. Adalila, after advancing through positions at Congress Hall, accepted a promotion to be the Director of Housekeeping at the Beach Shack in 2016. Flor worked at The Virginia until 2010, then moved to the Sandpiper Beach Club before transitioning full-time to Congress Hall. In 2018, she was promoted to Director of Housekeeping there.

Today, three women from the second generation of the Garcia-Luengas family hold key leadership roles at Cape Resorts. Reflecting on their progress, Refugio beams with pride. “It is a beautiful experience for me.”.

That pride extends to the third generation, who are now continuing the family legacy. Adalila’s son, Richard, began work at the Beach Shack in 2020, where he spent two summers as a Front Desk Agent. Flor’s son, Edgar, has worked at Congress Hall since 2023, most recently as a server at the Blue Pig Tavern.

Abigail’s daughter, Tayanna “Ty” Serra, began her career with Cape Resorts in 2017. She started as a server at the Blue Pig, then joined the Pool and Beach team for the summer. When the season ended, she transitioned to The Virginia’s housekeeping team, following in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps. In 2020, Ty was promoted to Housekeeping Supervisor at The Virginia.

“It feels so homey here,” she says. “I don’t know if it’s the size of the property, how long I’ve been here, or the fact that I work alongside my mom and grandmother—but we really feel like a united team.”

When asked about a favorite family moment at work, Ty’s eyes light up. “A few years ago, Jack—The Virginia’s General Manager at the time—learned that my mom and grandmother had never dined at The Ebbitt Room. So, he surprised us with dinner in the outdoor Garden. I remember it every time I walk out there—my grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all together in the middle of the Ebbitt Room Garden, having dinner together as a family.”

Indeed, shared moments like that are a hallmark of the Garcia-Luengas family. Every year, they gather to watch the West Cape May Christmas Parade, setting up chairs and a table on the parade route with snacks and hot cocoa. “We do it right,” Flor laughs.

They also celebrate Christmas Eve at Congress Hall’s Breakfast with Santa—another cherished tradition. “It’s amazing, year after year,” Abigail says. “Flor treats us, and makes a reservation for the whole family. We get to enjoy breakfast, take photos, and spend the day together, enjoying Winter Wonderland.”

Every single Cape Resorts property in Cape May has been touched by the dedication of the Garcia-Luengas family—including Beach Plum Farm, where Refugio and Abigail provided housekeeping service when the Farm Cottages launched in 2018. Their multi-generational legacy has left a lasting mark.

“I feel so proud of my family,” Abigail says. “My mom is the first generation with Cape Resorts. Then me, and my cousins. Now, my daughter and nephews. Through hard work, we’ve built good lives and careers here.”

And the legacy is far from over. A smile spreads across Abigail’s face as she looks toward Ty. “And I know—or at least I’m pretty sure—that someday soon, the fourth generation will begin.”