Known as America’s first seaside hotel, Congress Hall in Cape May has received many accolades since it was built in 1816. The resort has been named New Jersey’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure readers, and is also considered one of the top hotels in the Northeast by Condé Nast Traveler.
Congress Hall is part of the Cape May National Historic District and is situated just a 3-minute walk from the beach. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the resort was once known as "The Summer White House", and continues to be a welcome retreat for travelers today.
This historical hotel offers guestrooms and suites, including newly renovated junior suites named after U.S. presidents, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses S. Grant, and Benjamin Harrison, who all summered at Congress Hall while in office. These suites feature American heritage furniture and plush bedding.
The resort offers plenty of dining options for guests. Blue Pig Tavern is a favorite of locals and guests. It serves classic American cuisine. Other on-site restaurants include a pizzeria, a coffee shop, in-room dining, and a bar and lounge with live piano music.
Built by Thomas Hughes in the 19th century, the wooden seaside resort took up an entire city block, earning its original name of The Big House. The name changed to Congress Hall in 1828 when Hughes was elected to the House of Representatives. After burning to the ground in Cape May's Great Fire of 1878, it was rebuilt in brick within a year. A large-scale restoration began in 1995 and was completed in 2002.
Guests can relax in a private beach cabana, lounge by the pool, or enjoy a day at the on-site spa. A day can also be spent exploring the area by bike, seeing the Victorian architecture in the neighborhood, or participating in an exercise class on the beach.
