Congress Hall

Step back into history

The Congress Hall is a wonderful historic hotel. The staff is delightful. The Blue Pig Restuarant is fabulous! I want to go back and take friends.

Excellent stay

Excellent room with character. Location was near everything would definitely stay again.

Love Cape May

We were there for a short vacation but also enjoyed bird watching activities. Cape May Bird Observatory has a great web site and we got some great restaurant choices including "Geckos," our favorite for dinner, right by the hotel. Best possible time and place for migratory bird watching. Our guided trips with the Observatory were a wonderful addition to our 4 day stay.

Traveler's tip on dining

Cape May area has about 150 eating possibilities. The Cape May Bird Observatory web site lists 15 or so. We ate all of our meals at the restaurants that support them in some way. All were great with Geckos the best.

Wonderful Hotel

My husband and I just spent an overnight at the Congress Hotel and thoroughly enjoyed the charming accomodations. We had travel plans for the next day and needed to leave Cape May, but will definitely return to the Congress for a longer weekend stay. The Congress is beautifully appointed, and the grounds are very attractive. The staff was very responsive to our needs.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The Congress is located across the street from the beach and around the corner from shops and restaurants. We visited in early October and found the rates to be an excellent buy for such attractive accomodations.

WOULDN’STAY AGAIN

THE HOTEL WAS SATISFACTORY BUT WE WHERE TO GET A OCEANVIEW ROOM & WE DIDN,T MY COMPANION WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED THE SERVICE WAS GOOD & the HOTEL WAS VERY BUSSY A MATER OF FACT THERE WAS LOUD TALKING UNDER ARE WINDOW TILL 2 OR 3 IN THE MORNING.

Traveler's tip on shopping

THERE ARE A LOT OF LITTLE SHOPS WRIGHT ACROSS THE STREET WHICH WAS A PLUS FOR THE STAY!

Friendly and courteous staff.

Nice place to stay.

Congress Hall - Can’t wait to go back

I absolutely loved every bit of my stay at Congress Hall EXCEPT one detail that I will briefly discuss....First, the positives: the pool is amazing, the service is phenomenal, the hotel itself is gorgeous. Right across from the beach and shopping....my only issue was my room itself. We did opt for a ’cheap’ room (town view) and the room was, still, very very pretty....but when I went to put our water bottles into the room fridge, I bent down and was OVERWHELMED with a smell of *sorry* vomit. Someone had clearly been ill in this room....and the odor was not entirely removed. Yuck. In defense of Congress Hall - my husband and I never complained. We were only staying 2 nights and did not want to be a pain. The room did not seem unclean at all and there was no odor unless you bent down to use the room fridge. So, we didn’t say anything....Other than that, it was amazing and I will be back - I will just specifically ask to not stay in that room next time!

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

The beach is lovely but the pool at Congress Hall is just as lovely - there is a kid’s pool and also a quieter ’adult pool’ section - both pools offer full lunch/drink service that can’t be beat....

Very Nice, but not amazing

The grounds were well maintained, facilities seemed to be clean and the decor was very tasteful. However, the staff did not match their surroundings. When we pulled up the valets were less than enthusiastic and we had to hunt one down to take our stuff. When we checked in, we were barely greeted and we were pretty much handed our keys and that was it. Being a first time guest there was no explanation about the property and the amenities available to us, nor was there anything in our room. Not even a menu for room service. In order to get answers we had to ask, which was surprising considering how much they pride themselves on being such a top notch resort. We never ate at any of the restaurants seeing that they were somewhat overpriced for the quality we were receiving. The view from our room was nice, but the floor was sloped (this was never repaired during original renovations and supposedly it was just the 3rd floor rooms that were like this)and it made you feel a little off balance. Also, having an ocean front view with windows afforded a beautiful view, but also a lot of noise. The patios were hopping with weddings and the parties often carried on late into the evenings. It does seem like they try and control noise to a degree, but it doesnt seem like there is really much you can do about it. It was a somewhat pleasant stay, but I think we may try out another hotel in the area next time. The location can’t be beaten, but the service didn’t really win us back.

Won’t stay any place else while in Cape May

Had a lovely time. Staff & service were exceptional. We were treated as if we were the only ones in the hotel. Coffee is a little weak, but they were putting in a new coffee bar during our stay, so I’m sure that’ll address my only issue.

Cape May Stay

After seeing some of the nearby hotels and motels nothing really compared to be as nice as Congress Hall. (i’m sure they were not as expensive too) Congress Hall sits across the street from the beach, and one of my favorite things about this hotel is their beachside services. They will set up chairs, umbrellas, and provide towels for all their guests. The hotel’s restaurant, Plug Big Tavern, is one of the better restaurants in the area. So its pretty convenient that it’s only downstairs or a phone call away for room service. We stayed on the top floor (4th) which was annoying because the two rooms i saw had uneven/tilting floors. it was very noticeable, but thats my only complaint. Housekeeping did an exceptional job. overall i enjoyed my stay. If you are looking for one of the nicer places to stay in Cape May area, this is the place.

Congress Hall was a disappointment

My wife and I checked into Congress Hall for an overnight stay this past April. It was the worst hotel experience I’ve ever had. We asked for a one-bed room; we were given a two-bed room with smallish beds. When I called to complain about the room, the front desk was unhelpful. Our room was situated next to a suite, one with a large outdoor balcony. The guests were throwing a party with their room door open, creating lots of noise. My wife, who is pregnant, wanted to go to sleep around 10, so I called to the front desk and complained. They said that they’d send a manager up. Somehow, we fell asleep. At 11:00, we were both woken up by the partying. When we checked the room door, it was still open. Hotel management had done nothing. Because we were in the smallish beds, my wife and I each took a bed for ourselves. The bed I was sleeping in had an unsecured headboard, so that when I would make the slightest adjustments during the night, the headboard would slam against the wall. Eventually, I shoved a pillow between the headboard and the wall to stifle the crashing. We could hear every footstep of the guests above us. When we went to shower, the showerhead basically dripped water out. It had no power. You had to stand directly underneath it in order to properly shower and rinse. Terrible stay.

Nice hotel @ the beach front !

Nice place to stay if you are planning a trip to Cape May, NJ. This is one of the best in the area and we had a good time here. We ate at the famous ’The Blue Pig Tavern’ and the dishes were delicious.

Traveler's tip

There is NO hotel parking as such and you will have to use the (complimentary) valet parking service offered to the guests. Dont try to find the parking on your own, just pull infront of the hotel and leave the job to the attendant.

Wonderful Retreat

The Congress Hall is close to market street and the beach. It is in great condition given the age of the hotel. The staff was extremely helpful. I can’t wait to go back again.

Traveler's tip on dining

While you are there, try out The Godmother’s restuarant. It is a small restuarant with superb italian food. Make sure to make a reservation.

Grand Hotel

An enjoyable "step back into time". This Grand Dame is like stepping back in time to a more relaxed atmosphere. Accomadations were superb. Location is great. Right in the middle of everything.

Nice hotel, small rooms

Great location, nice building and staff, rooms are very small but very comforable. The bathrooms are in need of new fixtures. Breakfast was wonderful.

Ocean Views are Spectacular

Rooms on the part of the hotel pointed toward the ocean, especially on the fourth flooor, have a spectacular ocean view and a great sunset view. Hotel has entertainment on Friday nights (and Saturday night but we did not stay that long). Friednly staff and just enough businesses open off season to be a great bargain.

Traveler's tip on dining

Lobster House is a great restaurant and hte portions are huge.

Great Service

Arrived late at night and the front desk person went out of his way to help me find food and drink. Stayed at the hotel in the off season for a Coast Guard graduation in Cape May. Old but nice hotel. Worth the price.

Traveler's tip

Hotel address does not work on a GPS.

Cape May Charm

We were extremely satisfied with staff, accommodations and restaurant. The hotel had charm and character! We can certainly recommend it.

congress hall - cape may

Congress Hall is a quaint hotel with historic appointments and a good restaurant with above average table service. Where the hotel fell short was in the small, but important things. The hotel advertised free Internet wi-fi, but the signal varies so widely, that myself and a fellow traveler were unable to connect anywhere with our laptop PCs. The showerheads in the bathroom were not functional and taking a shower was like standing under a faucet with lousy pressure. Some drinks in the bar are overpriced, with martinis priced at $10.50. This is on the high side in the Atlantic City area and not typical. On checkout, the staff seemed uninterested in our experience - never asked us. On the positive side, the staff kept the working fireplaces well tended in the restaurant and lounge.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The hotel is just a few steps from area shops and the ocean.

Nice Off Season Getaway

A very charming stately hotel built in 1818. Right on the beach and in the heart of Cape May. An excellent winter weekend getaway. Staff very courteous. Accommodations not entirely contemporary but very clean and comfortable.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

Expedia offered the best deal, even over the on-line deals offered by the hotel during the off season. Saved about another $75 by going with Expedia.

Exceptional location and service

I stayed at Congress Hall for one night and I wish I could have stayed longer. The hotel is charming and the staff provided great service and they were very friendly. The hotel is located in front of the water and has breathtaking views. My room was well-appointed and very cozy. I will definitely visit again.

Traveler's tip on dining

The weather was cold when I stayed at the hotel so I decided to dine at the Blue Pig Tavern and I was very pleased.

Great Trip

We went between Christmas and New Years for a little get away. The accommodations were good for our two night stay. The staff was very helpful, maid service was good. The Blue Pig Tavern had excellent service and great food. The hotel is in an ideal location. Minor complaint about the lack of drawer space (none) and a slightly slanted floor (I guess it’s to be expected in an old building). Overall experience was very nice, I would highly recommend it to anyone who love Cape May.

Loved it!

I have been dying to stay at Congress Hall for years and finally found a great deal thanks to Expedia. The room was beautiful, comfortable, and the bathroom was huge! The bed was sooo soft that I didn’t even want to get of it. I definitely would love to stay there again if I can get the price that I got this time around!

Traveler's tip on nightlife

You don’t even have to leave the hotel to have fun. Just go downstairs to the Boiler Room for live entertainment.

A Wonderful Hotel...

... especially at Christmas! This is the second year we have stayed at Congress Hall around Christmas and love it. It is so beautifully decorated; it really puts you in the spirit! The hotel is just beautiful and the rooms are comfortable, especially the bed! Overall we had a fabulous stay. I would love to stay here during the summer, but the rates are just too high during the season. The off-season rates (through Expedia) are very reasonable and you get your money’s worth. I would highly recommend this hotel.

Weekend Vacation Gem

I located Congress Hall online and read all of the reviews before deciding to book, as I always do. This was a spur-of-the-moment romantic weekend trip and Congress Hall made it just that. Wonderful location, walking distance to everything we wanted. the hotel is very grand and reminds me of its history. The rooms are very fun (little small)with light pastel colors and soft white linens. The Jazz bar located in the basement was very fun with wonderful live music and the upstairs drinking lounge equally as nice. I was also extremely impressed with the rate we got on expedia, the hotel would seem to cost alot more.