In-season, most of Cape May's accommodations have minimum stay requirements (2 to 7 nights) and strict cancellation policies. Most will retain all or part of your deposit in the event of a cancellation. Others may require the room to be rebooked in full before issuing a refund.
Call to reserve your accommodations ahead of time or book online. Specify if you will be a late arrival. You may surprised how many people neglect this process and end up disappointed.
Not all hotels in Cape May accept credit cards at check-in, so ask about payment when you make your reservation.
One-night stays are uncommon between Memorial Day and Labor Day, unless you are in town for Coast Guard graduation. Expect to pay a higher per-night fee for a one-night stay if the accommodation is able to grant you one.
It is unlikely you will be able to book a one-night stay in advance. If your stay in Cape May is more spontaneous than planned, we advise being flexible (and if you're being spontaneous, you're probably flexible). Even in the summer, you can often find a great place to stay at the last minute if you call around.
If an ocean view is a must-have, look for hotels and B&Bs located on or near Beach Avenue, which runs parallel to the ocean. Ask when booking which room types have ocean views. They always come at a premium, so expect a higher price if you want to wake up to the waves.
Higher address numbers are nearest to the Coast Guard Training Center, and lower numbers are in the historic district.
The closest you can stay to the beach is across the street. There are no accommodations located directly on the beach in Cape May (or any of our neighboring towns).
No, there are not any major hotel chains in Cape May.
Not all accommodations have on-site parking due to the historic nature of the town (it was built before cars existed!), so please check with yours before booking to find out about the parking situation. Some have off-site reserved parking available for you.
According to a local innkeeper, it is appreciated when tips are offered, but they are kindly declined. Basically, she says, if offered cash, she refuses, but adds, "You can show your appreciation simply by coming back to visit." If offered a tip in an envelope, she often reciprocates by sending the "tipster" a token of her appreciation – a small remembrance of some kind. Basically, however, she feels the innkeeper should not be tipped because that is his/her job to make the guest feel comfortable and welcome. She strongly, however, urges guests to remember their chambermaid.
We would agree - it is polite (and recommended) to tip your chambermaid, but better to repay a good innkeeper with a future stay.
If you can't find the answer to your question here, please get in touch with us so we can help.
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