Mainstay Inn and Cottage
635 Columbia Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204-2305
Full view
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Dining (9)
Room & Suite (7)
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What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#4 of 36 B&Bs / Inns in Cape May
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
Travelers' Choice
A charming guest house that was built in 1872.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Air conditioning
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Centrally Located
Location
Full view
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
71Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
51Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
635 Columbia Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204-2305
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Cape May rental cars
236Reviews3Q+A75Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Most Recent
The Mainstay Inn is tremendous. The building itself is phenomenal and has one of the best porches you will ever see. The staff are excellent. They are courteous, professional and maintain the Inn in great shape. In short, you will have a great stay in every measure.
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Date of stay: August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Excellent bed and breakfast. Fantastic room and outstanding daily breakfast. We stayed here in December for Christmas, another great time to stay at the inn in cape May. There afternoon tea is a great treat after a day at the beach
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Helpful
+1
Stayed 4 days. Clean. Quiet. Great location. Great breakfast. Stayed in the Brett Harte room. This room has a private wrap around porch located on the second floor that overlooks the street. I thought I must have misunderstood the description when I read it. I didn't. The porch is fantastic. What a great place to relax with a bottle of wine. Very peaceful and relaxing. Will definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Brett Harte room. Private porch. We loved it.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We have stayed in several Bed and Breakfasts and they all have their splendid uniqueness but The Mainstay totally captured the elegance of the Victorian error for us. We enjoyed the porch more than I can explain. It feels like you are in another time period, surrounded by hydrangeas and a fountain. The pillars on the porch are two stories high! The breakfast and afternoon tea were delicious, homemade and generous. The accommodations were stunning! This was not a home changed into a bed and breakfast but a gentleman's club evidently and originally built to accommodate many guests. We enjoyed our brief stay immensely and highly recommend The Mainstay!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
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Helpful
Fantastic B&B. We will return. The room and accommodations are amazing. The inn is beautiful and very well maintained. Location is perfect in the heart of the area with all of the Victorian homes. Even breakfast exceeded expectations.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My friend and I stay at the Mainstay every year. The accommodations are stellar. The inn is beautiful and so well-kept. The landscaping is breathtaking and it is so peaceful. The breakfasts are always delicious. We have been there several times when the owners have been on the property and they could not be more accommodating or pleasant to deal with. We wouldn’t stay anywhere else.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My daughter and I just returned from a week at the Mainstay Inn and it was wonderful -- the porch is heavenly and though the days were warm it was wonderful sitting outside in a rocker early evening on the massive deck with a cool breeze watching the occasional horse-drawn carriage ride go by -- which was interesting as the "driver would always point out the Mainstay Inn to his riders -- breakfast on the porch was also lovely and filling -- shopping is only a block away as well as the beach -- we stayed in the Henry Clay room with peacock wallpaper and though bold was absolutely beautiful and also came with a lovely bathroom !
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This was by far the best vacation we have ever had! The Mainstay Inn was such a wonderful experience for us. If we could give this place 10 stars we would! Right from the start we experienced nothing but the best. The women running this were kind, friendly, and did everything they could to make this stay what it was. They were all this way too! Not a single bad experience here. We parked our car when we came and had no need for it again until we left because the inn is walking distance to everything. The room was immaculate and the furnishings were beautiful! The morning breakfast was as if it were made in my own kitchen, and it was very organized. The afternoon 3:00 tea on the porch was something we looked forward to each day. The sycamore trees and gardens provided shade and beauty while sitting in the large swings and rocking chairs.I can't recommend this enough! The Mainstay Inn was the most charming and relaxing stay we have ever had!…
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Wonderful, Stay in Cape May, quiet, beautiful B&B with exceptional service and staff. Great Breakfast, excellent coffee!! and just off the busy streets for a peaceful retreat. Super shaded porch and gardens.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
My husband and I stayed at the Mainstay Inn for 3 wonderful days! The staff as well as the guests were so very friendly and welcoming! The breakfasts were delicious and beautiful. This inn is so historic and gorgeous! Also the afternoon tea was great!! Yum!
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
mainstay inn and cottage hotel cape may
LOCATION
United StatesNew JerseyJersey ShoreCape May CountyCape May
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Mainstay Inn and Cottage
Which popular attractions are close to Mainstay Inn and Cottage?
Nearby attractions include Washington Street Mall (0.2 miles), Cape May Stage Professional Equity Theater (0.2 miles), and Valentino's (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Mainstay Inn and Cottage?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Mainstay Inn and Cottage?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Mainstay Inn and Cottage?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Mainstay Inn and Cottage?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cape May Peanut Butter Co., Washington Inn, and Union Park Dining Room.
Is Mainstay Inn and Cottage located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of Cape May.
Are there any historical sites close to Mainstay Inn and Cottage?
Many travelers enjoy visiting World War II Lookout Tower (2.7 miles), Historic Cold Spring Village (3.0 miles), and Emlen Physick Estate (0.6 miles).