With its iconic yellow and columned exterior, Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ, is the kind of place where you feel like you’ve stumbled into a real piece of history. But it’s more than just a pretty place—the 200+-year-old restored building is in the heart of Cape May’s historic district, and pairs classic style with lots of kid-friendly touches, including beach amenities, kid activities like scavenger hunts and dive-in movies, and on-site restaurants known for hosting families. You’ll stay busy from sunrise to sundown, making any visit to Congress Hall, whether a week or a weekend, a solid shore vacation. Ready to make a rezzy? Read on for more to know about Congress Hall, America’s first seaside resort. (feature photo credit: istock/aneese)
Congress Hall in Cape May
Take in the history
Congress Hall has been welcoming guests since 1816, when Thomas H. Hughes, a local businessman, purchased the property and renamed it “The Big House.” In 1828, it got its new name, Congress Hall, to celebrate Hughes’s election to Congress. After a fire in 1878 took down most of Cape May’s seafront, Congress Hall was rebuilt and earned the nickname “Summer White House” after hosting four presidents. History buffs will love the blend of old-school charm and modern comfort in the stunning lobby, which features rich browns and reds along with 19th-century oil paintings. Don’t miss the Congress Hall History Tour, where you’ll be guided by “Annie Knight,” a guide recreating the role of the hotel owner from the early 1900s, as she takes you through the hotel’s amazing history. This interactive 60-minute tour is a fun way to learn all about the Big House by the Sea.
Checking in to the Big House
Ever wanted to own a cottage by the shore? That’s what the charming rooms at Congress Hall feel like with soft blues, whites, and whimsical touches that reflect endless sunny summer days spent in Cape May. Families will appreciate the roomy Junior Suites, giving littles ample room to roam around and feel comfy settling in for the night. With classic furnishings featuring antique brass hardware, plush bedding, and hand-dyed linens, the chic vibe blends modern pops like zebra fabrics against the cool seaside tones.
Enjoy a delicious meal
Families appreciate the ease of eating at Congress Hall, thanks to a few restaurants and eateries that cater to kids (and their parents who need an adult beverage). For a hearty breakfast, delish lunch, or dinner with timeless classics along with new seasonal recipes, stop by The Blue Pig Tavern, where you will find meals that are always farm-fresh from the nearby sister property, Beach Plum Farms. For an upbeat kind of night, The Boiler Room serves up brick oven pizza, salads, appetizers, pasta, and desserts with live music. Kids will find a favorite flavor at Tommy’s Folly Ice Cream Parlor with their oversized cones and classic sundaes. Got a sitter? Indulge in a prohibition-era cocktail at the Brown Room, a sleek chocolate brown lounge in the former site of the first legal post-Prohibition cocktail bar in Cape May (the downstairs Boiler Room is where the illegal speakeasy once was). For quick bites, stop by Tommy’s Folly Coffee Shop for a cold brew from La Columbe coffee purveyors.
An abundance of activities in any season
One of the best things about staying at Congress Hall is that you don’t have to leave the resort for fun. In the summer, the Grand Lawn turns into a lively hub with Carnival and Movie Nights—think face painting, old-school games, and movies under the stars. Kids can head to Blue’s Clubhouse on Saturday nights in the summer for fun-themed activities, games, and dinner (this is your cue to enjoy a cocktail). There’s also plenty of active fun—families can rent bikes to explore Cape May, splash around in the outdoor pool (there are separate family and adult pools), or head to the beach just steps away, where the resort sets you up with chairs, towels, and umbrellas. And it’s not just about the kids—grown-ups can sneak in some downtime at the Sea Spa, where everything from massages to ocean-inspired treatments will leave you feeling refreshed. When winter rolls in, Congress Hall transforms into a festive Winter Wonderland, when the whole resort twinkles like a Hallmark movie, complete with train rides on the Congress Hall Express, and cozy activities like gingerbread house decorating and ornament making. They also host seasonal events, such as Easter egg hunts in the spring and Breakfast with Santa during the holidays.
What to know before you go
Congress Hall offers standard rooms, with prices starting at approximately $327 per night. Junior Suites and Apartments (across the street from the main building) are also available. The Blue Pig accepts reservations, while the Boiler Room and Brown Room do not. Activities are scheduled for the week, and the Boiler Room and Brown Room offer live entertainment, so be sure to check out the event calendar. You will find free self-parking on-site or valet parking for a fee. Congress Hall is part of Cape Resorts, which has other properties in Cape May, Shelter Island, NY, and Sag Harbor, NY.
To learn more about Congress Hall, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Congress Hall
200 Congress Place
Cape May, NJ 08204
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