Angel of the Sea
5 Trenton Avenue
800-848-3369; angelofthesea.com
Victorian elegance in two neighboring buildings (once a single structure) amply adorned with gingerbread and wrap-around porches and balconies. A classic B&B with ocean views. High-season rates: $195 to $350.
The Beach Shack
205 Beach Avenue
877-742-2507; beachshack.com
Fun and funky, the motel-like Beach Shack is the new incarnation of the former Coachman’s Motor Inn. Rooms sleep four to six guests; there are oversized suites and cottages for larger parties. Speaking of parties, the adjacent Rusty Nail is a jumping bar and restaurant, day or night, with outdoor and indoor service. High-season rates: $159 to $469.
The Billmae Cottage
1015 Washington Street and 1037 Lafayette Street
609-898-8558; billmae.com
The Billmae is not a B&B. It’s a B&D—the D stands for dogs. Bob and Linda Steenrod are animal lovers, so they welcome patrons with dogs in tow. When the cottage’s four suites are full, they host an evening “Yappy Hour,” where guests and their pups can hang out for a drink along with the Steenrods and their two mutts, Guinness and Jameson. High-season rates: $200 to $270.
Congress Hall
200 Congress Place
888-944-1816; congresshall.com
The largest hotel in Cape May, Congress Hall dates to 1816. Gutted and renovated in 2002, this grand edifice offers high-end amenities at high-end prices. The Brown Room is a favorite gathering place, just off the main lobby. The hotel’s Blue Pig Tavern is moderately priced for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s live music in the Boiler Room, a basement club. High-season rates: $319 to $639.
The Grand Hotel of Cape May
1045 Beach Avenue
609-884-5611; grandhotelcapemay.com
This newly renovated hotel has a wide choice of rooms and suites accommodating up to 10 guests. The sprawling property features indoor and outdoor heated pools and an on-site steak-and-seafood restaurant, E.M. Hemingway’s.
High-season rates: $128 to $440.
Inn at the Park
1002 Washington Street
866-884-8406; innattheparknj.com
An intimate Victorian B&B with just six guest rooms. Families are accommodated in the Champagne Cottage. High-season rates: $215 to $300.
The Ocean Club
1035 Beach Avenue
609-884-7000; capemayoceanclubhotel.com
The former Atlas Inn was renovated into this posh place in 2011, bringing a little bit of South Beach to the Jersey Shore. The on-site pool doubles as a bar scene, thanks to its attached tiki-hut bar. High-season rates: $159 to $469.
Queen Victoria
Bed & Breakfast
102 Ocean Street
609-884-8702; queenvictoria.com
A complex of four restored buildings, the oldest dating to 1776. The buildings contain 32 guest rooms and suites, all with period furnishings and modern comforts. High-season rates: $235 to $515.
Victorian Motel
223 Congress Place
609-884-7044; victorianmotelnj.com
For Cape May on a budget. Nothing fancy, but it is in the middle of town, a short walk to the beach, has a pool, and each room comes with an efficiency kitchen. It’s also one of the few places open year-round. High-season rates: $165 to $225.
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