America's First Seaside Resort
Congress Hall has welcomed generations of travelers with authentic hospitality since 1816. In an iconic setting along Cape May's famous beachfront, it is a true American classic; relaxed yet elegant, luxurious yet fun.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Welcome to Congress Hall
America’s First Seaside Hotel
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. Through fires, hurricanes, and war, Congress Hall has stood as an icon of relaxed elegance and warm hospitality for over 200 years. Now in its third century, this grand resort features the simple pleasures of the past with the modern luxuries we enjoy today.
Our HistoryRooms & Suites
Fresh, bright and filled with whimsical touches, the guest rooms and suites of historic Congress Hall reflect perfect summer days spent in Cape May.
Things to Do
While You’re Here
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 ; and family activities from sunup to sundown—all to create new memories and traditions with the ones you love.
Congress Hall Packages
Veranda Dinner Series Overnight Package
Plan a deluxe getaway at Congress Hall and indulge in inspired ocean-view dining crafted by Executive Chef John Zaitoun.
Hidden Cape May: Natural Wonders
Venture out with the Nature Center of Cape May to explore our town’s hidden trailways and natural phenomena.
Girls’ Getaway in Cape May
Celebrate the women in your life with a getaway in Cape May, filled with cocktails, boutique shopping, and Sea Spa relaxation.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival Getaway
Hit all the right notes with a deluxe stay in Cape May for the famed Exit Zero Jazz Festival.
Classic American Summer in Cape May
Join us on the beach in front of Congress Hall for an American beach vacation at its best, complete with a two-day summer beach tent rental.
Sea Spa Retreat
Indulge and unwind with our Sea Spa Retreat, featuring deluxe overnight accommodations and a credit to the Congress Hall Sea Spa.
Murder Mystery Weekend at Congress Hall
Solve a whodunit at the nation’s oldest seaside hotel! Join us for a Murder Mystery getaway in Cape May.
Rise, Shine & Relax in the Blue Pig Tavern
Rise, shine & relax—and leave the rest to us. Enjoy a delicious American breakfast in the Blue Pig Tavern each morning of your stay.
An Ebbitt Room Evening
Make an evening of fine dining at the award-winning Ebbitt Room the highlight of your Cape May vacation.
Dinner in the Tavern
Enjoy a classic and comfortable evening of American dining in the convivial ambiance of The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall.
Book Ahead & Save
It pays off to plan ahead. Book a deluxe Congress Hall getaway ahead of time and save!
Restaurants & Lounges
Dining at Congress Hall
As a guest of Congress Hall, you'll be just steps away from some of the most celebrated dining spots in Cape May. Head downstairs from your guest room to the Blue Pig Tavern, where you'll find hearty breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner favorites made using ingredients sourced three miles away at Beach Plum Farm. Or, try out a new pizza down in the Boiler Room, our vibrant underground pizzeria and music club.
Upcoming Events at Congress Hall
Special Events
Special Events
Dinner Series
Special Events
Dinner Series
Dinner Series
Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Local Brews on the Lawn Dinner at Congress Hall
Special Events
Gather at Congress Hall
Our unique character combines the grandeur and elegance of Cape May’s most revered landmark hotel with the appeal and convenience of a modern resort.
Our Stories
Through infernos, hurricanes, and war, Congress Hall’s 200-plus-year history is rich—and it continues to be written, day by day.
Dishes and Holloware
When Congress Hall was renovated in 2001, an excavation of the foundation produced a true find: a box that dated back to the late 19th century.
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The Key to Hospitality
In 2010, on the corner of Broadway and Perry Street, a contractor who'd been widening Cape May's drainage system spotted a key inscribed with the initials A.K.
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Makers of Merry
It began as a conversation over
cups of hot chocolate in the
lobby of Congress Hall during
the 2010 Christmas tree-lighting
ceremony...
Read More cups of hot chocolate in the
lobby of Congress Hall during
the 2010 Christmas tree-lighting
ceremony...
The History of Congress Hall
For more than two centuries, Congress Hall has offered hospitality to locals and visitors alike. It began life in 1816 as a simple boarding house...
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