The Best Beach Hotels in Cape May

The full and side sea view rooms at the Ocean Club Hotel are nothing to scoff at, but if you’re taking a long-overdue beach vacation to Cape May, we insist you upgrade to a cabana suite with a private oceanfront sundeck. Not enough space for your crew? The Penthouse Floor is an adults-only affair, and each suite has its own private oceanfront balcony. Wherever you choose to lay your head, you’re welcome to dine on Cape May oysters downstairs at SeaSalt or indulge in a liquid lunch of Ocean Club cocktails by the pool at Tiki Ten35.

Seaside sophistication as refined and renowned as this historic building from 1879, the Virginia Hotel will wow you with its balance of timeless charm and modern convenience. Sip fresh coffee on the whitewashed porch then begin the short, splendid walk down to the beach. When you return to the Ebbitt Room for your dinner reservation, Cape May scallops and homemade ice cream will make you want to slip into a terry towel robe and spend the night snuggled up in your suite’s Belgian cotton sheets.

Vacation in your own private beach house at La Mer’s Beachfront Resort. This three-storey, 10-bedroom home caters to large groups and couples’ getaways, with two full kitchens and generous living spaces only steps from the beach. Those who prefer more condensed quarters will feel right at home in the hotel suites and condos. After all, the beach, gym and heated outdoor pool will give you plenty of reasons to leave your bedroom behind.

No shirt, no shoes, no problem. The Beach Shack is a relaxed, family-friendly hotel with the casual vibes of a Caribbean bungalow. Your four-legged friend will wag their tail at the special Beach Shack dog bed, Frisbee, and treats waiting on their arrival. Whether you have kids, dogs, or a partner joining you, get acquainted with the Beach Shack’s neighbor, the Rusty Nail. Rated one of the best beach bars in the country, “the Nail” has beachy bites including a doggie menu, kids’ menu, and an amazing beach plum farm fresh berry cobbler on the dessert list.

A bathing suit is all you’ll need to pack for your visit to Montreal Beach Resort. The Beach Club will take care of the rest by pampering you with private cabanas, beach umbrellas, and snacks delivered straight to your beach chair. You don’t need to be on the sand to receive such generous hospitality, though, as the 24-hour concierge service will gladly set you up with reservations at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille or send up wine and dinner to your panoramic ocean-view suite.

Wrap yourself in the easy breezy Bahamian chic vibes of ICONA Cape May. Luxe yet laid-back rooms all feature dazzling private balconies, dreamy Carrara marble bathrooms and delicious home-blend coffee. If you need a change of scenery from the outdoor heated pool, wrap a towel around your waist and hop on the free shuttle to ICONA’s private Diamond Beach. What’s better than sunbathing on two beaches? Chartering ICONA’s 64ft (20m) yacht for an unforgettable day at sea.

The Sandpiper Beach Club will have you torn between the beautiful shores of Cape May and the stores of the Washington Street Mall. Close to both, the Sandpiper’s condo-style suites combine the convenience of at-home living with the bliss of a beachfront hotel. The sauna, arcade, and Piper Lounge are laid-back spaces for indoor hangouts if the clouds are hovering around the ocean view pool. Whatever color the sky may be, a private beach tent offers an escape from every worry you may have.

First-floor pet-friendly suites at the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel make it effortless for you and your pup to hit the beach. When they’re done digging holes in the sand, a half-mile (800m) walk will lead you both to the Cape May Dog Park right outside the historic district. If you’re only travelling with two-legged friends, we suggest taking the elevator to the sixth floor, where an apartment-style penthouse suite will convince you to spend the week lounging on your private balcony listening to the waves crash.

Fine dining arrived in Cape May thanks to the Carroll Villa Hotel and its Mad Batter restaurant. Award-winning crab cakes and oh-so-delectable bloody marys have been a huge draw for locals and visitors, but do remember that the bed side of this B&B is just as spectacular. Nineteen cozy rooms, some with private bathrooms, are only a half-block from the ocean. Grab a complimentary beach chair and umbrella, and stroll down to the sand (after a few bloody marys, of course).