Congress Hall

Congress Hall descritpion

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, in the charming town of Cape May, New Jersey, this historical 19th century hotel offers luxury accommodations and unrivaled service in a stunning natural environment.
Congress Hall is located in the heart of New Jersey's Victorian District on one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the area. This ideal location places guests only minutes from area attractions, including gourmet restaurants, unique shopping, and historic sites.
Equipped with a large variety of thoughtful amenities and facilities, including a newly renovated, full-service spa, activities for children and private beach cabanas, guests at Congress Hall can experience ultimate relaxation and tranquility.

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They speak 2 languages——Congress Hall's staff speaks:Spanish,English
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Facilities of Congress Hall

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (seasonal)

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Fitness Center | Spa | Massage | Bicycle Rental | Nightclub/DJ

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Languages Spoken ：Spanish | English

Reviews for Congress Hall

Review 1：Back at 5pm to find room not madeup. Management resolved by 8pm return.

Review 2：Room was excellent. View not so. Restraunt was also excellent as was evening entertainment.

Review 3：Restaurant is a little pricey, also the Congress Hall souvenirs are unaffordable considering the room rates that you pay

Review 4：Comfort and in the middle of town close to beach and shopping. Love the Brown Room

Review 5：I would replace any worn looking furniture (armchairs) and scratched headboards. The mini kitchens in the Star need upgrading-counters and stools look like high school furniture.

Review 6：The historical feel of the property combined with wonderful amenities on site and the convenience of being immersed in the soul of Cape May is what draws me back again and again.

Review 7：The mattress was too soft, and we kept rolling into each other. The Brown room was usually very crowded and seating was hard to find.

Review 8：the restaurant, location of the hotel near down town and the beach was very nice. The staff was very polite and helpful. Parking was good.

Review 9：Not really a bad experience...just not what I expected. Check-in was confusing...valet parking iffy. They didn't serve breakfast until 7:30AM...another guest and I were commenting on that...kinda late. Standing at the desk, checking out, with ALL my bags, next to door lovely doors...Emergency exit only. Had to lug my bags through the hall to another set of doors. My room had a view of a brick wall. Just not what I was expecting.

Review 10：I liked that I was in Cape May..."Blue Pig" restaurant was lovely...food very good.

Review 11：The only second rate experience was the horrible Caesar salad in the Blue Pig. The lettuce was soggy and the crutons were like cubes of damp sponge.

Review 12：Hotel was very clean. staff was friendly.

Review 13：Spending the time in an architecturally historic building, in a historic city. It was like stepping back in time, but with all of the amenities of today. Truly enjoyable!

Review 14：I did not like our original room and Sam helped us to not leave the property but to stay and enjoy for which I am most grateful and appreciative. Debra Thompson, PhD

Review 15：The swimming pool!

Review 16：The bathroom could really use a renovation.

Review 17：We had an amazing time. The staff was so accommodating and professional. We started planning our return trip before we left. We're definitely going back!

Review 18：There is not much to dislike here. This hotel is amazing. However, I feel as though the front desk staff could be a little more welcoming. (Please note : the rest of the staff smiled and said "hello" everytime I saw them) Also, it must've just been missed by accident because everything else was very clean. But, the toilet was a little dirty upon arrival. However, I stepped out for alittle and when returned, the room was fluffed and I noticed the toilet was cleaned. I didn't even have to ask.

Review 19：Simply put, it was literally a dream come true for me to be able to stay at the Congress Hall Hotel! I have visited Cape May several times and have always wanted to stay here. I booked this last minute stay while I was already in the vicinity and could not believe I found such a great deal on this hotel. I found it on booking.com for $149 for an evenings stay. This is an unheard of price for this prestigious and historic hotel. I am still so excited that I stayed there. It is located at the most prefect spot in Cape May. Close to the quant shops of Washington street and directly across the street from the beach. It literally is the most beautiful building in all of Cape May!

Review 20：The only thing that was slightly disappointing was when 2 pre-teen girls went into the adult pool and loudly played and splashed, and nobody asked them to leave (the pool staff is a little young and stays very helpful and positive. I think they gauged that the confrontation might have cause a worse atmosphere?) The adult area is quite small, I'm not really a grumpy person but the splashing easily reached you in your chairs, which isn't the most relaxing.

Review 21：The day by the pool was the best introduction to summer anyone could ask for. We had lunch then chose a spot by the adult pool to relax, swim, have a few drinks and enjoy the afternoon,

Review 22：If you get a cabana on the beach and the front desk is setting it up over the phone, they should tell you that there is an extra fee that the city charges when you get to the beach so you don't have to make two trips if you left your wallet behind.

Review 23：Great staff

Review 24：In spite of asking twice for a quiet room for my elderly mother, we were placed right above the bar. It was loud until midnight on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Review 25：Perfect location

Review 26：The floor in our room was pitched. I felt like I was sliding off the bed. Lighting in the bathroom was not adequate to shave or put on makeup.

Review 27：Location of hotel to attractions.

Review 28：I was hopefully my room would have been more cleaner. I could tell they did not clean the bathroom good enough.

Review 29：I liked that it had little shops in the hotel and a bar.

Review 30：I asked for a quiet room, but got one right off the main stairway. My goodness, how sound carries! I was awakened both nights at 2 am by loud talk from other guests who were sitting at the tables on the stair landing looking out at the ocean.

Review 31：I loved the historic charm of this 199 year old hotel. The bed was comfy and I loved having a deep bath and a refrigerator in my room.

Review 32：March is probably not the best time to go to the shore, but its the month of our anniversary, 53rd this year! Attended a Doo Woop Concert that was great fun and brought back memories! It really was a great way to spend what could have been a not great time.

Review 33：History wraps around you in this lovely Inn.

Review 34：I liked everything! It was a wonderful visit!

Review 35：I love the charm. I love the location. I love the many activities and different bars. We loved the entertainment in both the Boiler room and the Brown room.

Review 36：1.) Being charged every day for a room key deposit, 2.) New mattress needed - queen bed that bowed in the middle

Review 37：1.) Free parking, 2.) Aveda product line, 3.) staff was helpful

Review 38：Lack of a hotel guide in the room- wasn't sure about restaurants, hotel policies, etc. Front desk staff a bit brusque, but maybe because it was so busy.

Review 39：Unique hotel with original tiled baths, comfy beds, and lots of charm. Winter market on the back lawn and beautiful decorations for Christmas. Right off Washington Street Mall in downtown Cape May.

Review 40：Not a bad comment, but my computer could not get friendly with the WiFi. It did show it was connected, but my computer kept insisting there was a security concern and wouldn't let me go anywhere (used my I-phone as a hotspot & no problem). Did not mention it to hotel staff.

Review 41：Left wallet in coffee shop, no problem, came back intact. Very friendly and smoothly run (highly competent).

Review 42：Older building. Floors tilt. Poor climate control in the rooms. Extremely uncomfortable beds. Very noisy.

Review 43：Excellent location within working distance of downtown and the beach. Beautifully decorated common areas. Attentive staff. Excellent restaurant in the facility. Free parking.

Review 44：Can be better staffed for check in.

Review 45：Beautiful building with lots to do for everyone. Visit the Brown Room for drinks, don't miss breakfast at the Blue Pig, and take a stroll to the beach or town for shopping. Great, relaxing mini vacation!

Review 46：While I did have a balcony and ocean view room it was not directly facing the ocean nevertheless I could see the ocean and beach from all windows.

Review 47：I especially liked the atmosphere and ambiance of the hotel and Blue Pig restaurant, the freshness of their food, the nearness to the beach and the friendliness of the staff. The holiday decor was very pleasing to the eye and the energy was very positive.

Review 48：The room was very small and did not have any drawers. Had to live out of suitcase. Only one hard wooden chair in room for 2 occupants. Desk was nearly unusable due to that being the only surface in the room. Ice bucket, glasses, lamp, everything, was on the desk. It was totally overpriced. Lastly the hotel seemed to cater to the public MORE than to the hotel guests.

Review 49：Activities. The hotel had numerous activities.

Review 50：I booked our room via Booking.com and was only able to choose from one of the "Annex" rooms. The woman at the front desk felt inclined to tell me that ours was the "cheapest" room in the hotel because we only had a view of the air conditioning units. We knew it wouldn't be like the Ocean Front room we has stayed in previously, but the hotel is beautiful, so that was fine with us. The room was lovely, but what wasn't okay was the sound of multiple bottles being smashed in the dumpster all night long. It started back up at 5am. Not good. Also, they tell you up front that there will be a 125.00 card hold for up to 2 weeks (that's fine), but they didn't mention the additional 30.00 they hold on top of that for the key deposit--I discovered this when I got home & looked up my account. I almost felt like I was being talked down to by the woman who checked us in because we were booked in the annex. I didn't care for that kind of treatment. I know that we were treated quite differently when we stayed oceanfront. Also, about an hour after checking in, we went shopping & for a bite to eat on Washington Street Mall. When we arrived back to the room, we discovered that housekeeping had been in our room and changed the towels we had used for showering. We hadn't even been checked in for 3 hours and they were in our room when we left. I found that odd.

Review 51：I love historic feel of Congress Hall. Some of the floors slope, but it's all part of the charm of an old building. The rooms are lovely and very clean. It almost feels as if you've gone back in time.

Review 52：An old hotel with wonderful charm, kept in excellent shape with all modern amenities. Extremely welcoming atmosphere. Lovely dining room with very good food.

Review 53：The appearance, you felt like you went back in time. The ambience as well. We had terrible weather from rain, to wind to bone chilling cold; it was nice to have a drink at the bar by the fireplace. The staff, were all great; our breakfast waitress, Rosie, was fantastic. We will definitely go back but during warmer months.

Review 54：Don't expect super modern bathroom with double sinks, etc. this is an historical building.

Review 55：Loved staying at this historical hotel. Spending time in the lobby by the fire or having a drink in the brown room. Everything is in one place or you can walk to the town center for shopping or dining. We got a good rate for booking midweek. Will definite book again!

Review 56：The wet and windy weather.

Review 57：The cleanliness of Congress Hall, friendly staff and fine dining. Reading up on the history of the Hotel was worth the trip, also the Cape May Wineries . Great trip !

Review 58：Our room was at the top of a stair landing which became grand central station for house keeping, with their carts & supplies.

Review 59：We were impressed with how the property was renovated/updated but kept the integrity and charm of the building. Real wood burning fireplaces just added to the ambience.

Review 60：The late evening drink in the Brown Room, a beautiful piano /martini bar setting, violated by harsh piped in music. Possibly not mytaste, but it certainly was too loud, didn't fit the room, thecrowd, or the 11pm hour.

Review 61：The location was perfect. Walking through the hotel was a walk back intime. Old European feel with the largeness of an American icon.

Review 62：stained but clean sheet was a bit tacky. The reservation site said i was getting an "Annex View', turns out that means you get a view of the other side of the annex across the air conditioning units.

Review 63：location

Review 64：When we arrived, the comforter on our bed had a huge wet spot that the staff said was Febreeze. We had to ask that we receive a different comforter.

Review 65：The location was great and overall atmosphere was pleasant.

Review 66：Minimal wifi connection in our room. The value was so so. When you can stay across the street at the Victorian motel for 1/3 of the price it doesn't seem worth the price tag.

Review 67：Congress Hall is beautiful and a Cape May landmark. The staff however could be more accommodating overall. The view from our room and the grounds were great. It was our first time staying here and we will probably stay again.

Review 68：small bedrooms with wavy floors Bar area has bad furniture Breakfast room had old chipped chairs. Door keys were difficult to use. Room rates were overpriced. Next time I will go to the Borgata!

Review 69：sitting on the lawn chairs

Review 70：This was our 1st time staying at Congress Hall. We normally stay at a bed and breakfast , since we could only go for 1night we chose congress hall. We loved it and will make a return visit for sure

Review 71：TV reception was poor.

Review 72：So relaxing and everything on site. Heated pool was awesome for a mid-October swim. Smoking area away from General population-loved it! Poolside bar, lounge, and excellent food and service. 5 Star!!

Review 73：Air conditioning is on the noisy side, but did keep the room at temp. Because its an older hotel, there is not a lot of sound deadening, we could hear guests in the hall and in the courtyard.

Review 74：Check-in was quick. There is not a level floor in the hotel adding interest where ever you walk, consistent with being in Cape May. Our room was touched up twice a day with fresh towels and made bed. We had a nice ocean view, beautiful in the morning. Staff was friendly, drinks well made and served with a smile. Breakfast was excellent at the Blue Pig. Parking is on-site.

Review 75：The restaurant was overwhelmed on a holiday weekend. Food was taking more than an hour. Went to pick food up, they had me wait but food had been sent to room. Frustrating, but it was busy. Pool was similarly overwhelmed. If go back on a non holiday, but not again for a holiday.

Review 76：I loved the location and big feeling. Other than that, I was not sure what I was paying for. The room is average and the door to our room was semi broken and took 10 mins to open. Not a lot of extras when you got in. I am not sure if I will be staying again.

Review 77：My room was right at the top of the stairs on the 2nd floor - it was too noisy at night (midnight!) in the am, the boys who came to work were so loud (6:30 am) right outside my window. If I stay there again, I will request a room down the hall and facing the back. Too loud at night and woken up too early in the morning!

Review 78：Nice place - convenient - nice pool - staff at pool were great

Review 79：Even though we booked early, we were placed in an adjoining building where banks of the air conditioning machinery was just off our window. This created a loud, wind tunnel-like roar 24 hrs a day. We had to really insist to be plAced into the main building for the following night. The coffee shop was not adequately staffed in the morning hours, causing uncomfortable lines of guests queuing for their morning coffee and snacks.

Review 80：The location was super, right across from the beach. The hotel is a venerable historical jewel. The bar- lounge was great

Review 81：I loved the facilities. Very classy! Made you feel back in time. Sleeping was a little tough, could hear everything above us. But overall would go back.

Review 82：Can't think of a thing.

Review 83：Courteous staff, love that you can get coffee as early as 6am, great view, especially liked the smoking section that's far enough away from hotel that we didn't annoy anyone. Very nice pool and the staff there were so pleasant. Great place for breakfast! All in all, we felt pampered.

Review 84：Bed was badly slanted and very uncomfortable (so no sleep for two nights.) Check-out in the morning was far too challenging (and we were overcharged, but then got it corrected.) The adult pool was far too small (and there were kids in it playing ball), my manicure was not very good (in addition it took too long and was over priced). Though we loved Blue Pig last time when we sat outside, I was not very pleased with our indoor seating this time as there were a lot of screaming children at 9pm seating (I guess it was bed time.) The food was still good. The lack of luggage storage for check out seems ridiculous making valet bring the car around for storage even though we were not leaving.

Review 85：Loved the overall look, the incredible beach chairs, beach service, coffee shop and morning green juice, the Brown Lounge, the shops. I loved the rocking chairs and the adirondack chairs. Nice bathroom amenities. I had a fabulous massage with Stephanie.

Review 86：consider a mens & womens bathroom on the first floor instead of always going down into the basement that would be a good move.

Review 87：the location is as good as it can be.

Review 88：It was 400 for one night so I would have loved for that to be cheaper. With that said I will go back in a minute and we are already planning more stays this summer and in the fall when it's even nicer in cape may.

Review 89：Loved the grounds, the pool, the Brown bar, the Boiler room, proximity to the beach and restaurants, and we really liked our room with a partial view if the ocean and pool. The room was very clean, comfortable and does. It feel like a typical hotel room at it.

Review 90：Maid staff did not thoroughly clean, the hotel nickel and dimed us to death by making us pay for things that are free at most other hotels, wait staff at Blue Pig was extremely slow, even when the restaurant had barely any customers.

Review 91：Atmosphere.

Review 92：There could have been bottled water in our room, more accessible. The bed was not the most comfortable but not uncomfortable either.

Review 93：Wonderful and attentive service. So kind. The place was SO clean and beautiful. Great activities.

Review 94：Dinner at the blue pig was one of the worst meals my wife and I ever ate. Other couples at the hotel said the same thing

Review 95：Great weekend, will stay at Congress Hall again in the future.

Review 96：Nothing

Review 97：Everything

Review 98：No railing for stairs going up to our room on second floor- unsafe!

Review 99：A bit expensive. Took us a while to get a room.

Review 100：Historic nature of the hotel

Review 101：Power failure

Review 102：The restaurants were very good but the outdoors were fabulous. Hated to leave, so relaxing!

Review 103：Location and history

Review 104：Beautiful room and hotel!

Review 105：Slow breakfast service. Was overcharged for room charges, but graciously corrected at checkout

Review 106：Room was great, brown room bar was nice

Review 107：none

Review 108：ambience

Review 109：Amazing colors and interior design.

Review 110：Air conditioning fan very noisy and the bed was very uncomfortable.

Review 111：Close to beach and Washington Street mall.

Review 112：General ambience, well maintained, stylish property. Nice selection of onsite restaurants and bars. Charming room.

Review 113：Very comfortable place to stay. Nice atmosphere.

Review 114：Nothing.

Review 115：The staff and the facilities were second to none!

Review 116：room had window looking right into guest rooms with floors that were crooked with a down slope

Review 117：outdoor facilities

Review 118：CLASSIC OLD HOTEL

Review 119：I love the blue pig

Review 120：Middle of winter - everything in town was shut!

Review 121：History of hotel Querky On the beach - lovely walks The log fire

Review 122：Not a big deal but our room was cold. Until we got under those warm comfortors !!

Review 123：The atmosphere of the Brown Room and menu at Blue Pig.

Review 124：The location facilities.

Review 125：Loved the fresh flowers and the whole lobby.Ate at the Blue Pig and it was wonderful!

Review 126：I did not like the late check in.

Review 127：I liked the facility. It was interesting, well maintained, comfortable, and located.

Review 128：Furniture in room needs overhaul badly.

Review 129：Love being down in Cape May on the ocean!

Review 130：I loved the Brown Room! The low dim lights, fireplace roaring, comfy sofas and great service was perfect!!

The Fine Print

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.