$289 Avg/night
Rate based on Check-in: Jun 20, 2013 Check-out: Jun 21, 2013

Congress Hall

4 stars
251 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.0
out of 5
30 reviews
Fall getaway

We had a wonderful time in Cape May. Congress Hall is located in the middle of town, easy access to... See full review

  • Fall Trip
  • Oct 12, 2012
A great vacation!

I have been going to the Jersey shore my whole life, and I never knew I could feel like I was away... See full review

  • Chrissy HD
  • Sep 8, 2012
A grand hotel as historic and timeless as Cape May itself

The name Congress Hall is synonymous with Cape May. Built in 1816, the stately, cheerful yellow facade and tailored landscape wow passersby with charm and sophistication. Set in the Cape May historic district, Congress Hall overlooks the ocean and is steps from the wide, sandy beach. The L-shaped hotel design, a local architectural tradition, affords fantastic water views from many rooms. The amenity list alone exudes elegance and calm, from twice-daily housekeeping and an ocean-themed spa to beach set-up service and seaside yoga on the lawn.

Highlights
  • Across the street from Cape May Beach in the heart of the historic district
  • Swimming pool, private beach cabana rentals and food service at the pool and beach
  • Full-service Sea Spa and fitness center
  • On-site restaurant, nightclub and cocktail lounge with live piano jazz entertainment
  • Gracious service in a grand, historic setting
Rooms

Consistent with the warmth and beauty of Congress Hall, the 108 recently renovated guest rooms and five luxury suites envelop guests in upscale cottage decor and, often, an ocean view. Vintage-style soaking tubs with Aveda brand toiletries, rocking chairs on a private balcony and cushioned window seats are thoughtful touches in some rooms. Pull on a terry robe and get comfy in front of a flat-screen TV with DVD player and pay-per-view movies. Sink into a bed with 100% cotton Belgian sheets and order room service. Here at Congress Hall, pastel painted rooms invite decadence and relaxation.

Features

For almost two centuries, the four-star Congress Hall has welcomed locals and visitors with warm hospitality. What began as a boarding house in 1816, was renamed when the hotel owner was elected to Congress in 1828. Today, Congress Hall pulls out all the modern stops and leaves guests feeling like they never want to go home. Enjoy valet parking, room service and shops in the lobby. For parents who dream of a romantic dinner or night out for two, Camp Congress Hall engages youngsters with art-inspired activities on select evenings in July and August.

Transportation
  • Atlantic City International Airport (46 mi/ 74 km)
  • Philadelphia International Airport (99.1 mi/ 139.5 km)
  • The Cape May trolley runs a route through town late June through early September
Attractions
  • Cape May Beach (across the street)
  • Downtown historic Cape May (across the street)
  • Cape May Stage (0.5 mi/ 0.8 km)
  • Cape May Lighthouse (2.9 mi/ 4.7 km)
  • Historic Cold Spring Village (3.9 mi/ 6.3 km)
  • Wildwood beach and Boardwalk (10.8 mi/ 17.4 km)
  • Cape May County Zoo (15 mi/ 24.1 km)
  • Cape May County Historical Museum (14.2 mi/ 22.9 km)
  • Historic Smithville (48.7 mi/ 78.4 km)
  • Atlantic City beach and Boardwalk (48.3 mi/ 77.7 km)
Business
  • Free Wi-Fi Internet access in rooms
  • Executive conferencing and multiple meeting rooms
  • Banqueting facilities for up to 250

Congress Hall Rooms

Town View
Room with one Queen bed offers affording quaint town view, bathroom features aveda amenities. The other amenities are air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobe, bathroom amenities, canle/satellite TV, color TV, hairdryer, heating, internet access, iron/ ironing board, laundry service, non-smoking rooms, pay-per-view movies, radio, room service, safe in room, telephone, valet service and voicemail.
Ocean View
Room with one Queen bed and offering Aveda products. The other amenities are air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobe, bathroom amenities, canle/satellite TV, color TV, hairdryer, heating, internet access, iron/ ironing board, laundry service, non-smoking rooms, pay-per-view movies, radio, room service, safe in room, telephone, valet service and voicemail.

Amenities

  • Wireless internet
  • Outdoor pool
  • No smoking rooms/facilities
General
No smoking rooms/facilities
Concierge
Elevators
Activities
Outdoor pool
Fitness center or spa
Spa services
Night club
Dining
Bar/Lounge
Restaurant
Room service
Services
Laundry service
Safe deposit box
Conference facilities
Gift shop
Internet
Wireless internet

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Hotel Map

38.9309 -74.9237
Area served
Cape May.
Nearby airports
Atlantic City International Airport.
Area description
Set amid landscape grounds overlooking Cape May’s broad sandy beaches, Congress hall is just a few steps from the ocean, in the heart of Cape May's famed historic district, at 251 Beach Avenue.

Dining

The Blue Pig Tavern
Serving breakfast lunch and dinner daily, the Blue Pig Tavern in tucked in the corner of Congress Hall those fronts on congress place and Perry streets. Its 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. Each of the dining rooms in the Blue Pig provides a different mood. One has an open, airy garden feel, with a large skylight providing dramatic views of the colonnade and Congress Hall’s historic facades. The second room is reminiscent of a cozy tavern, with a large fireplace, natural wood floors, and comfortable banquettes. There’s even an outdoor area, which connects to the hotel’s veranda, which makes for a spectacular summer dining experience. Dinning rooms serve the tavern’s signature American fare – nostalgic, simple and fresh – utilization local seafood and produce in creative, accessible ways.
Tommy’s Folly Coffee Bar
Start your perfect day in cape May at congress hall’s newest addition… Tommy’s folly coffee bar. Just fill a cup with delicious Joe, pick up a grad –and –go breakfast item from the menu, take a seat on the veranda and watch the early morning sun. Have other plans for the morning? They’ll be there all day, serving La Colombe coffee, expresso and cappuccino. Tommy’s Folly also has a great selection of wraps and other to go items from the kitchen of the Blue Pig Tavern. Look out for a great selection of bottled beverages, smoothies, cookies, snakes and ice cream, tool The coffee shop adjoins Tommy’s Folly gift shop and boutique, which is packed with a wide selection of designer clothing, Congress hall collection, fine gift selection, plus all the accessories and toiletries you need just in case you forget to pack them.
The Brown Room
The Gatsbyesque cocktail lounge located in Congress Hall’s main level is the hub of the hotel - the place where guest come together. With its large open fireplace, fully stocked marble-and ebony bar and its warm, luxuries decor it’s the perfect place to relax. Antique oil paintings hang on chocolate- colored walls and the massive bookshelf holds a wide range of books and magazines. Weekends through the winter, spring and fall, the crowd in The Brown Room moves to a varied program of live music. During the summer months, the Brown Room has an expanded entertainment schedule with excellent acts performing on acoustic guitar and Piano. You can order from the menu at the adjoining Blue Pig Tavern and enjoy your food in the Brown Room. And for a change of scenery, enjoy a drink on the veranda.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1500
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (30)

Ratings and reviews for Congress Hall

Overall score

4 / 5
30 out of 30
Amenities:
4.1
Room cleanliness:
4.7
Hotel staff:
4.4
Room comfort:
4.3
Location:
4.7
Value:
3.7

80% would recommend to a friend.

Sort by:
Review this hotel
Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

4
Lauren too
Cape May, NJ
Jun 2, 2013

Holiday Get Away

Not only were we given a room for someone impaired, the room was small and terribly tilted! The girl at the desk mentioned we "reserved via internet" while the reservationist provided our room. There were cob webs above the exterior door and holes in the walls (if they placed door stops the holes would be avoided). On a positive note, the bed linens and towels were whiter than white and softer than we experienced at any hotel.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Sightseeing tip: Short drive from hotel

Cape May Winery was fabulous, and 410 Bank Street Restaurant was awesome.

Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

4
Drive Mom
Pearl River, NY
May 16, 2013

Comfortable walk back in time

Quick trip but plan to come back when we have more time

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

4
Super Josey
Monmouth County NJ
Apr 7, 2013

Beautiful Place

The hotel is beautiful and full of history. Our only complaint was that the bed pillows were too fluffy they did not give an inch so it was impossible to sleep on them. (next time we will bring our own pillows)

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
4
Dining tip: In Hotel

Eat at the Blue Pig Pub the food is very good!

Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

3
Golfer Randy
Memphis tn
Feb 11, 2013

Ok weekend stay

The windows in our room allowed cold air to flow freely into the room. The location is fabulous but the hotel rooms certainly need updating.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
2
Value:
3
Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

3
Mike 555
Pa
Jan 1, 2013

unorganized

Hotel was nice, but they charged my credit card for the room, they tried to charge a $192.00 for a dinner we did not eat, they were very nasty and accused me of lyeing. Very disorganized.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
1
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

5
Fall Trip
York, PA
Oct 12, 2012

Fall getaway

We had a wonderful time in Cape May. Congress Hall is located in the middle of town, easy access to everything. We loved our room, it was large, comfy and clean!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Shopping tip: Short walk from hotel

Shopping, dining and entertainment were all within walking distance!

Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

5
Chrissy HD
Wilmington, DE
Sep 8, 2012

A great vacation!

I have been going to the Jersey shore my whole life, and I never knew I could feel like I was away on an island. Great service on the beach! Thanks for making us feel like we were on an island escape!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

4
cat60
PA
Apr 16, 2012

Perfect Location

The only complaint I have is the hotel did not offer complimentary coffee or have a coffee maker in the room.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

So many restaurants, all within walking distance

Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

5
Lpd327
Lakewood Township, NJ, USA
Mar 29, 2012

Awesome.

Great hotel. Would definitely come back. Very old style hotel but also clean and modern.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Congress Hall

Reviewer score

2
Paulyzoo
Point Pleasant, NJ, USA
Mar 9, 2012

Loud Don't Go

I have been coming to cape may for many years. First time I decided on Congress Hall. Very disappointing. Construction on entire lobby and the Brown Room, the best thing that happened to Hotel (bar club style place). Check in was at their other RESTAURANT. Lobby gone. The hotel was noisy with construction. Then noisy with kids. And groups. Staff was overall very nice. But if you are seeking romance instead of loudness. Do not go! I would have spent 50% more on peace and quiet at a nearby b+b. What we usually do!!! Live and learn. Or pay and learn!!!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
2
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