Victorian Getaway at The Inn of Cape May

One Hundred Year Old Hotel on the Jersey Shore Leads Back in Time

Oct 8, 2008

In the National Historic Landmark district of Cape May, on a street of restored Victorian buildings, the Inn of Cape May is ideal for those seeking a quiet seaside escape

In stark contrast to it neighbor, Atlantic City, where action is king, Cape May is geared to a slower pace. The Inn of Cape May, built in 1894, maintains its Victorian charm, complete with a large veranda where guests can relax and watch the sea. Or stroll across the street to the beach where dolphins swim past regularly.

The History of the Inn of Cape May

Built as a sixty-room boarding house at the corner of Ocean Street and Beach Avenue, the Inn of Cape May has expanded and includes a few modern amenities such as a swimming pool. The elevator has not, however, been modernized to be self service, so guests must request assistance from the front desk, which only adds to the charm of the inn.

The Rooms

A variety of sizes and amenities are available from a small cityside room to the premier rooms on the fifth floor. Suites of either two bedrooms or a bedroom and a sitting room may also be booked. There is a choice of ocean view or city side for these rooms as well. All rooms have their own unique Victorian decor.

There are no telephones in the rooms but televisions and WiFi are among the concessions to the modern world. VCRs and DVD players can be borrowed, along with tapes and DVDs.

Aleathea’s Restaurant

Dining at the Inn of Cape May is a relaxed yet elegant. As is often the case in seaside towns, dress may be casual but the food is sophisticated. Not surprisingly, the menu leans heavily toward seafood but other options are available including several vegetarian dishes. An early fixed price three course dinner is offered from five to six p.m.

There is an extensive wine list and a full bar. Many diners have a cocktail on the open porch before being seated in either the main dining room, done in Victorian parlour style, or on the enclosed porch. If the weather is less appealing, there is comfortable seating in the bar itself.

Lunch, which is served after eleven a.m. daily, is more basic fare of simple starters, salads, sandwiches and wraps or fried food platters. A reasonably extensive breakfast menu is included in the room rate.

Aleathea’s Parlour

For the antique and collectible fan, the ground floor of the Inn of Cape May will be irresistible. In addition to a large area next to the front desk, there several nooks filled with furniture, glassware, dishes and artwork which make up the Aleathea’s Parlour collection of shops.

The Cape May area has plenty to offer in terms of activities, including the surrounding historic district and the beach and birding at Cape May Point State Park. But save some time for sitting on the verandah and letting the world pass by.

The copyright of the article Victorian Getaway at The Inn of Cape May in New Jersey Travel is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish Victorian Getaway at The Inn of Cape May in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.