Est. 1872 · Cape May, New Jersey
Twelve individually styled rooms in the Main House and the Cottage, plus a private beach apartment, a block from the ocean. Full breakfast and elegant afternoon tea included with every stay.
635 Columbia Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204 · mainstayinn@comcast.net
Guest ratings
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Rooms & suites
Twelve rooms across the 1872 Main House and the 1870 Cottage, plus a self-contained beach apartment. Every room is individually furnished with Victorian antiques. Rates vary by season: see live rates on our secure booking page.
Six rooms in the original 1872 mansion, each named for a figure from Cape May history. Parking is provided with every Main House room.
Main House
Queen-sized Renaissance style walnut bed. Sleeps 2.
Second floor of the mansion. The large bathroom was the home's original bath, with the original wood framed tub and pedestal sink.
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Main House
Two double beds. Sleeps 4.
Our largest room, second floor at the front of the mansion, with hand silk-screened wallpaper and furnishings from the original Clubhouse.
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Main House
Queen-sized Victorian bed. Sleeps 2.
Second floor at the front of the mansion. The bed and marble topped dressers have been here since the 1870s.
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Main House
New california king bed. Sleeps 2.
Second floor of the mansion, with museum quality dresser and hand silk-screened Bradbury and Bradbury wallpaper.
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Main House
King-sized bed plus twin-sized sleep sofa. Sleeps 3.
Second floor suite at the rear of the mansion, with nine windows on three sides. Light and breezy.
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Main House
King-sized brass bed with separate sitting room. Sleeps 2.
Third floor suite, the most private room in the mansion. Reached by a separate stairway that is steep, so not recommended for guests with mobility issues.
Check ratesSix rooms in the neighboring 1870 Victorian, across a brick walkway and garden with a Victorian fountain.
The Cottage
Queen-sized bed. Sleeps 2.
First floor of the cottage, our most easily accessible room, with a bay window overlooking the garden and fountain.
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The Cottage
Queen-sized bed with carved headboard. Sleeps 2.
Second floor front of the cottage, opening onto a large private wraparound veranda with vintage wicker furniture and a hammock.
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The Cottage
Queen-sized Victorian bed. Sleeps 2.
Second floor of the cottage, with a bay window over the garden. The small bath is popular for its large two-person shower with dual showerheads.
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The Cottage
Queen-sized Renaissance Revival bed. Sleeps 2.
Second floor rear of the cottage, with a private back porch overlooking the garden and fountain, and a large bathroom with tub and shower.
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The Cottage
King-size bed. Sleeps 2.
Sunny third floor room with five windows over Columbia Avenue and a seating area facing the beach, just a block away.
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The Cottage
Victorian queen-sized bed with separate sitting room. Sleeps 2.
Third floor of the cottage, light and airy with six windows on all four sides.
Check ratesA self-contained apartment for up to four, with breakfast and afternoon tea in the Main House included.
Beach Apartment
Queen-size bed plus queen-sized sofa bed. Sleeps 4.
Recently renovated modern accommodation: living area with gas fireplace, small kitchen with stove, microwave and refrigerator, dining area, private deck. The second floor bedroom and bath are reached by a spiral staircase. Parking is provided.
Check ratesIncluded with every stay
A full breakfast is served each morning, included in your reservation. Start the day before heading to the beach or into town.
Each morningAn elegant afternoon tea service is served every day in the Main House, a tradition guests plan their afternoons around.
Daily, 3pm to 4pmBreakfast and afternoon tea are included with every reservation, including the Beach Apartment Suite. Guests also enjoy the veranda and garden, beach chairs, free high-speed internet, and the inn's famous chocolate chip cookies.
Explore Cape May
Cape May sits at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Atlantic meets Delaware Bay. These are the places our guests ask about most.
Lifeguarded ocean beach with soft sand and gentle surf. The inn lends beach chairs, and the shore is an easy stroll away.
About a block on footPhoto: Cape May Magazine
Built in 1859 and still an active aid to navigation, the 157-foot lighthouse stands in Cape May Point State Park. Climb 199 steps for panoramic views of the peninsula.
About 2.5 miles, under 10 min by carPhoto: NJ Family
The entire city is a National Historic Landmark District, with more than 600 Victorian buildings. The car-free Washington Street Mall, three blocks of independent shops and restaurants, is minutes away.
About 4 minutes on footPhoto: Lonely Planet
Gallery
Real photos of the property. The last image shows Victorian Cape May beyond our doors.
Good to know
Check-in from 2PM to 8PM daily; check-out any time before 11AM. Arriving after 8PM? Call the inn and a late check-in can be arranged. After check-out, a changing room and shower are available so you can extend your beach day.
Full payment is required for a one-night stay. For longer stays, a 50% deposit (less applicable tax) secures your reservation and is charged to your card.
Notice is required 30 days before arrival; with this notice the deposit is refunded minus a $35 cancellation fee per room. Later cancellations are charged in full unless the room is re-booked. Cancellations must be made by phone, not by email.
Children aged 10 years or older are welcome. The fire escapes require through-window access in some cases and are not rated for small children.
The inn is unable to accommodate pets.
The Mainstay Inn is a non-smoking and non-vaping property. A minimum $250 cleaning fee applies for smoking inside the house.
Book direct
Book through our secure reservation system, or call and talk with us the old fashioned way. We are happy to help you choose the right room.
(609) 884-8690 mainstayinn@comcast.netQuestions
Yes. Every reservation includes a full breakfast each morning and an elegant afternoon tea service from 3pm to 4pm each day. The Beach Apartment Suite also includes breakfast and afternoon tea in the Main House.
The inn is open daily from late March through the first part of January. Please call or email to confirm current dates before you book.
Check-in is from 2PM to 8PM daily, and check-out is any time before 11AM. If you plan to arrive after 8PM, call the inn to arrange a late check-in.
Children aged 10 years or older are welcome. The inn is unable to accommodate pets. It is a non-smoking and non-vaping property.
Cancellation notice is required 30 days before your arrival date. With this notice, the inn refunds the deposit minus a $35 cancellation fee per room. Reservations cancelled less than 30 days before arrival are charged in full unless the room is re-booked. Cancellations must be made by phone.