Angel of the Sea
Gingerbread abounds at this breathtakingly pretty Victorian B&B. Ocean-view balconies wrap around the two neighboring buildings—once a single structure. Amenities include complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas and beach bikes, as well as afternoon tea and an evening wine-and-cheese buffet. High-season rates: $215 to $409.
5 Trenton Avenue; 800-848-3369.
The Beach Shack
At the family-oriented (and pet-friendly) Beach Shack, all rooms were redone over the winter with “an island-retreat feel.” Accommodations range from motel rooms to the three-room Big Kahuna suite. The ocean is just across the street. High-season rates: $119 to $819.
205 Beach Avenue; 877-742-2507.
Congress Hall
Following a recent renovation, Congress Hall’s 108 guest rooms, suites and junior suites have a more upscale ambience befitting the hotel’s stature as a grand destination. All-new furnishings (including four-poster king beds in most suites) and color schemes add to the aura of beach-cottage luxury. High-season rates: $199 to $919.
200 Congress Place; 888-944-1816.
Grand Hotel of Cape May
This newly renovated hotel has a wide choice of rooms and suites accommodating up to 10 guests—many with ocean views. The large property features indoor and outdoor heated pools, fitness facility and game room. There’s also an adventure camp for kids. High-season rates: $104 to $925.
1045 Beach Avenue; 609-884-5611.
Leith Hall
Lovingly restored Victorian B&B adorns an appealing tree-lined—and Victorian-lined—street one block from the ocean. The eight themed rooms and suites have period furnishings; some have ocean views. High-season rates: $210 to $295.
22 Ocean Street; 609-884-1934.
The Mission Inn
Luxurious, Spanish-style B&B one block from the beach offers beautifully appointed rooms, each with hand-painted frescoes, some with Jacuzzi tubs. The new owners have added craft beer to the daily happy hour. High-season rates: $230 to $320.
1117 New Jersey Avenue; 609-884-8380.
Montreal Beach Resort
Newly renovated hotel across from the beach offers 15 categories of accommodations, from motel rooms to suites and efficiencies, most with balconies and ocean views. A family-run favorite of longtime Cape May visitors. High-season rates: $250 to $475.
1025 Beach Avenue; 609-884-7011.
The Ocean Club
Recently modernized six-story hotel imports a South Beach edginess to Victorian Cape May, with 90 lushly appointed rooms and suites. Most suites have ocean-view balconies; others have sundeck or poolside cabanas. The handsome pool, tiki bar and sundeck are prime spots for sunning and people watching. High-season rates: $214 to $699.
1035 Beach Avenue; 609-884-7000.
Victorian Motel
A bargain choice one block from the beach, with large outdoor pool and sundeck. Suites come with kitchenette and microwave. High-season rates: $185 to $245.
223 Congress Place; 609-884-7044.
The Virginia
Restored Victorian B&B one block from the beach has 24 elegantly decorated guest rooms, some with balconies. Guests have access to the pool, spa and other amenities at the co-owned Congress Hall. High-season rates: $169-$749.
25 Jackson Street; 609-884-5700.