The Chalfonte Hotel Cape May, Cape May
About the Hotel
The Chalfonte Hotel, established in 1876, is the oldest original hotel in Cape May, known for its Southern-style hospitality and historic charm. Located two blocks from the beach, the hotel provides a unique seashore experience where guests can unwind. Its iconic Magnolia Room restaurant is celebrated for family recipes passed down through generations. With ornate verandas and a refreshing sea breeze, The Chalfonte offers a glimpse into America's first seaside resort.
Location
Situated just two blocks from the beach and close to Cape May's shops and attractions, the hotel is conveniently positioned for exploration. Street parking is available around the hotel, and the staff can assist guests in finding free parking upon arrival. The nearest airport is Atlantic City International Airport, approximately 46.5 miles away, with access via various travel routes, including NJ Transit services from major cities.
Rooms
The Chalfonte Hotel features simplistic guest rooms designed to eliminate distractions, lacking modern electronics like televisions and telephones. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including spacious suites, standard rooms with European style baths, and cottage rentals. The decor emphasizes cool seaside colors and crisp linens, fostering a relaxed atmosphere. For those requiring more space, the Satterfield Cottage accommodates up to seven guests comfortably year-round.
Eat & Drink
The Magnolia Room Restaurant serves Southern-inspired cuisine, using cherished family recipes from the Dickerson family that date back over 75 years. Guests can savor meals prepared with love in a charming atmosphere open for breakfast and dinner during the season. Additionally, the King Edward Bar offers a casual spot for drinks, where guests and locals enjoy domestic and imported beers, fine wines, and classic cocktails. Live music enhances the dining experience on select nights.
Leisure & Business
The hotel provides various amenities for leisure and business, such as the King Edward Bar, perfect for unwinding after a seminar with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The hotel’s communal spaces, including a lobby and writing room, encourage guest interaction. The Chalfonte also caters to group events and retreats, making it an ideal venue for meetings, with staff assistance for special arrangements like catered breakfasts in the Magnolia Room.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking property
- Free internet access
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Location
Reviews and Ratings
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms were spotless and nicely decorated, but unfortunately, they were so small that I couldn't move around comfortably, and there was nowhere to put my belongings. The service, however, was top-notch with extremely friendly staff, especially the office manager. The location was wonderful, close to the beach and shops, with a nice bar and porch. The dining experience fell short with very poor options and overpriced items. The facilities were decent but could have been better.
The hotel offers a charming ambiance with water and cookies in the lobby, reminiscent of the '80s era, but my room on the third floor felt unbearably hot. The service was attentive in cleaning up glassware promptly but delayed in serving our wine. The location was convenient, just a few blocks from the beach and local dining spots in Cape May, making it easy to explore the Winter House and Washington Mall. However, the dining experience was disappointing, especially for the price, lacking variety and value.
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The tiny but adorable room was uncomfortably hot, but thankfully became chilly later that night. The service was pretty friendly, which was nice. The location was great for the beach but could have been better if the room had been properly inspected before check-in. The dining was really pretty good with a good value, especially with some vegan dishes. However, the facilities were of poor quality, lacking in service.
My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms, although small for an attic room, were clean, nicely decorated for the holidays, and had all the necessary amenities. The service, provided by only one person, was somewhat surly but thoughtful enough to offer us a place to store our leftovers. The location was convenient, close to the beach and local attractions, despite some disturbance potential. The dining experience was fantastic and reasonably priced. Overall, it was a decent stay with room for improvement in service.
My stay at the hotel was quite pleasant overall. The rooms were nice, with the balcony being a game-changer, but it was a bit cold due to the air conditioning not being properly adjusted. The convenience of having the kitchen close by for tea and coffee was a plus, although the lack of curtains in the bathroom was a minor inconvenience.