Congress Hall - Your Boutique Escape in Cape May

Congress Hall has overlooked the Atlantic Ocean in Cape May, New Jersey for over 200 years and is known as America's first seaside resort. Once called 'The Summer White House,' the hotel has hosted U.S. presidents and dignitaries who spent summers there. The property sits in the center of the Victorian District, with direct beach access across the street and a 5-minute stroll to the West End Garage, a hall of 50 independent shops.

The hotel offers 106 guestrooms, including newly renovated Junior Suites, each individually named for the U.S. presidents or dignitaries who spent their summers there. Each Junior Suite is furnished with pieces modeled after American heritage furniture, antiqued brass hardware, plush bedding, and hand-dyed linen. Room categories include ocean-view and town-side options, with some rooms featuring balconies and spacious bathrooms with separate tubs.

The Blue Pig Tavern offers fireside dining with seasonal, locally sourced menus for breakfast and dinner. The Boiler Room serves pizza and has a bar with live music, while the Brown Room provides cocktails by the fire with piano or guitar performances. Tommy's Folly Cafe serves coffee and light fare, and the hotel also has a pool bar and a smoothie shop.

The on-site Sea Spa offers ocean-inspired treatments including full body, head, neck, and foot massages. The outdoor heated pool features a pool bar, sun loungers, and umbrellas, with a fence around the pool for safety. Guests also have access to a fitness center at a sister property a 5-minute walk away, and beach service includes private cabana tents, chairs, and towels.

Congress Hall is located directly on Washington Street Mall, with shopping and dining within walking distance and the beach and Cape May promenade just yards away. The hotel offers bicycle rental, a kids' club, nightclub/DJ events, and complimentary historical walking tours. Self-parking and valet parking are available, along with an electric vehicle charging station and a 24-hour front desk with concierge service.

History: America's first seaside resort, over 200 years old

Rooms: 106 guestrooms, Junior Suites named after U.S. presidents

Dining: Blue Pig Tavern, Boiler Room, Brown Room, Tommy's Folly Cafe

Wellness: Sea Spa with ocean-inspired treatments

Location: Beachfront, in Victorian District, steps from Washington Street Mall

Activities: Kids' club, bicycle rental, historical tours, nightclub