History

Why so many historic accommodations in one place? Cape May, the oldest seashore retreat in the United States, started hosting summer visitors back in the early 1800s. It was considered fashionable then, as now, to have a summer “cottage” at the seashore.

In an effort to save those former 19th century summer “cottages,” preservation-minded innkeepers have slowly turned the huge homes of the past into bed and breakfast inns, guest houses, suites, and apartments. In addition, several wonderful historic hotels have survived the past 100 years or more intact.

The Cape May Historic Accommodations are all lodging places built before 1920. Today, the town is known nationally for its huge collection of Victorian era architecture. Recognizing Cape May’s uniqueness, the federal government has declared the entire town a National Historic Landmark.

About Us

Cape May Historic Accommodations was founded in 1980 to help preserve and promote the historic ambiance of Cape May. We are a coalition of over 40 members, including Bed & Breakfast Inns, Guesthouses, Suites, Apartments and Historic Hotels. All properties in the organization were built before 1920. Our mission is to help visitors find the perfect historic accommodations and make their visit to Cape May a wonderful experience! We welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Our members take turns answering the hotline, helping visitors find lodging. Cape May Historic Accommodations encourages visitors to get a true flavor of Cape May’s past by staying in one of the many historic accommodations throughout Cape May. Enjoy the old-time ambiance and the modern conveniences of home. Walk through a portal, into another century, where friendships bloom and memories are made that will last a lifetime.