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.
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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.
View DiningThe 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.
View Sea SpaTommy'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.
View Tommy's FollySpring Break Family Adventures
March 25 - April 6, 2024
Join the Cape Resorts team and embark on exciting Spring Break Adventures in Cape May! Stay with us at one of our Cape Resorts hotels or cottages between March 25th and April 6th to become a part of the adventure.
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Resort Amenities
Packages & Special Offers
Easter Brunch at Congress Hall
Sunday, March 31, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Our beloved Congress Hall Easter Celebration returns this year! Reserve your table for a delicious brunch in the Ballroom. The day will be filled with family-friendly outdoor activities and rides on the Congress Hall Express.
The whole family will love our delicious brunch menu, created using ingredients fresh from Beach Plum Farm. The day will be accented by fun crafts and activities, as well as visits from Blue the Pig and the Easter Bunny himself!
Reservations are required for this wonderful spring celebration in Cape May.
$89 per adult | $32 per child
Children under 3 are complimentary
Staying overnight with us in Cape May? Our Concierge will be happy to reserve your table. Call (609) 884-6542.
STAY OVERNIGHT
Plan a deluxe Easter getaway with an overnight stay in Cape May.
Book Congress Hall Book The Virginia Book The Sandpiper Book The StarEaster Brunch Menu
Served Buffet-Style
JUICES & SMOOTHIES
Fresh-Squeezed Juices
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Yogurt Parfait
Greek Yogurt, Berry Yogurt
Fresh Berries, Granola, Honey, Blueberry Compote
FROM THE BAKERY
Assorted Pastries
Danishes, Croissants, Pain au Chocolate, Cross Buns
Served with Whipped Butter, Jams and Honey
CHILLED
Charcuterie
Assorted local and international Cheeses and Meats, Crackers, Dried Fruit, Grapes
Beach Plum Farm Salad
Seasonal Vegetables, Balsamic Maple Vinaigrette
Strawberry Salad
Spinach, Frisée Lettuce, Feta Cheese, Candied Pecans, Pickled Red Onion, Sherry Vinaigrette
Seasonal Fruit Display
Greek Yogurt, Honey Lavender Syrup
FARM-FRESH Omelettes
Whole Eggs, Egg Whites
Ham, Bacon, Cheddar, Feta, Spinach, Bell Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms
BREAKFAST SELECTIONS
Scrambled Eggs
Smoked Bacon
Belgian Waffles
Pork Sausage Links
French Toast
Maple Syrup, Fruit Compote, Whipped Cream, Fresh Berries
KIDS SELECTIONS
Chicken Tenders
with French Fries
Mac & Cheese
Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
Carvery
Glazed Spiral Ham
Maple Brown Sugar Glaze
Roasted Leg of Lamb
Citrus Gremolata
Prime Rib of Beef
Horseradish, Red Wine Demi-Glace
Seafood Display
Smoked Salmon
Red Onions, Chopped Egg, Capers, Tomatoes, Cream Cheese, Artisanal Bagels
Chilled Jumbo Shrimp
Classic Cocktail Sauce, Lemon Wedges, Wasabi Mayo
Oysters on the Half Shell
Lemon Wedge, Mignonette, Tabasco
ENTREES
Roasted Scottish Salmon
Lemon Dill Beurre Blanc
Chicken Cavatappi
Roasted Mushroom Blend, Truffle Cream Cheese Sauce, Peas
DESSERTS
Mini Pie Selection
Key Lime Pie, Apple Pie, Sugar Cream, Boston Cream Pie
Cupcake Selection
Carrot Cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate
French Macarons
Warm Croissant Beignets
Powdered Sugar, Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Dip
Spring Break Family Adventures
Available March 25 through April 6, 2024
Embark on exciting Spring Break Adventures in Cape May! Stay with us at one of our Cape Resorts hotels or cottages between March 25th and April 7th and become a part of the adventure.
We're thrilled to bring our Family Adventures back for Spring Break this year. Select activities will be based at Beach Plum Farm, as well as at Congress Hall, the Sandpiper Beach Club, and—new this year—at The Beach Shack. From Gardening and Birding, to Tie Dye and STEM activities, Explorers will earn a special pin for their Sash with each activity they complete. Shuttle service is offered from all Cape Resorts Hotels to Beach Plum Farm, plus select activities are included as part of your stay—no special package needed!
Included in your Spring Break stay:
- An official Explorers Club Sash
- Keepsake Explorers Club Sash Pins, collected after the completion of each Adventure
- Daily Adventure activities
- Rides on the Cape Resorts Shuttle, running daily from Congress Hall to Beach Plum Farm
Book now
Congress Hall The Star The Sandpiper Beach Plum Farm Cottages Virginia Cottages: (800) 732-4236To view a full schedule of Spring Break Activities, click here.
*For up to two children per reservation.
To ensure that everyone has as fun and safe a Spring Break as possible, we ask that parents remain with their children for the entirety of their Wilderness Adventures. Please review our Spring Break Policies & FAQ.
Girls' Getaway
Available from February 9 through April 30, 2024
Celebrate the women in your life with a winter girlfriends' getaway to Cape May! Book our Girlfriends' Getaway package to enjoy cocktails, boutique shopping, and Sea Spa relaxation.
“It’s been too long”. Your eyes light up as you arrive to Cape May, where you’ll meet up with the people in your life who—despite busy schedules—make it feel like no time has passed. Celebrate those meaningful friendships with a deluxe escape filled with delicious cocktails, boutique shopping, and some time spent at the Sea Spa.
Here, the ultimate escape awaits, either in the historic grander of Congress Hall, the boutique charm of The Virginia, or—for a more private retreat—in one of our Beach Plum Farm or Virginia Cottages.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations in Cape May
- Welcome Cocktails for your group in Congress Hall's beautiful Brown Room
- Your choice of a 30-Minute Swedish Massage or a 30-Minute Facial at Congress Hall's Sea Spa
- A $50 Shopping Credit at Tommy's Folly Boutique for each member of your group
Book Your Stay
Book Congress Hall Book Beach Plum Farm Cottages Book The Red Cottage Book The Pink CottagePlease Note: Online reservations for Our Girls' Getaway package default to two (2) guests. Additional guests can be added to your reservation as a Stay Enhancement at the time of booking.
Subject to availability and change. Restrictions may apply. Packages cannot be combined to existing offers. Packages cannot be applied to existing reservations. Packages cannot be applied to wedding or group blocks.
Cocktails With The Presidents
Available February 9 through April 30, 2024
Imbibe like a head of state and enjoy historically-inspired cocktails in the Brown Room, as well as a copy of Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt: A Complete History of Presidential Drinking by Mark Will-Weber.
For over 200 years, Congress Hall has hosted esteemed guests—including four sitting United States Presidents. Naturally, these Heads of State each had favorite parts of their stay: Franklin Piece, in a 1855 visit, appreciated Congress Hall's festive Fourth of July Celebration; James Buchanan, in a 1867 visit, had a penchant for the sea air; Ulysses S. Grant, in a 1875 visit, appreciated Cape May's privacy; and Benjamin Harrison, in 1891, was so taken with Congress Hall that he set up his executive offices on the ground floor—where the Sea Spa is now—and established the hotel as his official Summer White House.
Indeed, these Presidential favorites demonstrate Congress Hall's timeless appeal—but, at the risk of editorializing, we'll posit that these gentlemen would have also appreciated a good drink in the current-day Brown Room. After all, who doesn't?
In the spirit of celebrating our history, we invite you to imbibe like a Head of State with our Cocktails with the Presidents package, featuring a themed menu of Brown Room cocktail selections sure to please any Commander in Chief.
Included in this package:
- Deluxe Overnight Accommodations at Congress Hall
- A Round of Presidential Cocktails for Two in Congress Hall's Brown Room, featuring a themed cocktail menu of historically-inspired drinks
- A copy of Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt: A Complete History of Presidential Drinking by Mark Will-Weber
- 1pm Late Checkout*
* Please Note: Late checkout does not apply to Friday and Saturday departures.
Package includes a $18 cocktail credit per guest, per reservation, for use in Congress Hall's Brown Room. Beverage charges must be signed to your guest room for credit to be applied. Credit has no cash value. Subject to availability and changes. Restrictions may apply. Packages cannot be combined to existing offers. Packages cannot be applied to existing reservations. Packages cannot be applied to wedding or group blocks.
Jazz Festival Getaway
Available April 19 through 21 and October 24 through 26, 2024
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**
Spring Festival: April 19 through 21, 2024
Book Congress Hall Book The Star Book The Sandpiper Book The VirginiaFall Festival: October 24 through 26, 2024
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.
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.
Sea Spa Retreat
Available for Midweek Stays this Spring and Fall
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 midweek stay at Congress Hall, the Star, and the Congress Place Suites.
Book Now
Book Congress Hall Book The Star Inn Book Congress Place SuitesFor Personalized Service Please Call (609) 884-6543
This offer is available for midweek stays on select dates through November 21, 2023
book nowMurder Mystery Weekend at Congress Hall
Available Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, 2024
Join us for a fall Murder Mystery getaway at Congress Hall! 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 Café 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
Available Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, 2024
BOOK ONLINE CALL TO BOOK: 1 (888) 944-1816Please note that online bookings default to two (2) guests. Additional guests can be added to your reservation at the time of booking.
Package subject to availability and change. Packages cannot be applied to existing offers or promotions. Package inclusions have no cash value.
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
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
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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