The Chalfonte Hotel, Cape May

The Chalfonte Hotel, established in 1876, provides guest rooms, spacious suites, and cottage rentals. Options range from rooms with premium baths and European-style baths to traditional rooms with shared baths. The majority of guest rooms do not include televisions, telephones, or clock radios. Wireless internet is available. Suites feature ocean views, one queen-size bed, one full-size bed, and a private bath. Standard Rooms with European bathrooms have ocean views with a queen or full-size bed, glass shower, and commode; the sink is located in the guest room. The Satterfield Cottage accommodates seven guests and features a combined kitchen and living area. The first floor has one bedroom with two single beds and a bathroom with a shower. The second floor has three bedrooms and two bathrooms: a front bedroom with a king bed and en suite bath with shower, a middle bedroom with two single beds, and a back bedroom with a full bed. The Old Laundry Cottage accommodates seven guests year-round. The first floor features a full kitchen, a family room with a queen sleeper sofa, and a queen bedroom with an ensuite bath. The second floor features a kitchenette, one large bedroom with a king bed and a twin bed, an ensuite bath, and access to a second-floor porch. Smart TV and Wi-Fi are included, as are toiletries and linens; one reserved parking space is provided.

The Magnolia Room serves meals from May through September, featuring Southern-style fare with family recipes. Restaurant patrons have enjoyed Helen, Dot, and Lucille's recipes for over 75 years. A special breakfast can be arranged. The King Edward Bar serves domestic and imported beers, fine wines, and cocktails, and is open to the public daily from 3 p.m. in season. Bar Bites are available from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Caleb Stine and Jim Hannah bring their Americana party to the Chalfonte the first Wednesday of each month. A Chalfonte Breakfast includes eggs, bacon or sausage, and potatoes, while other options include a Smoked Salmon Bagel, Avocado Toast, and Vanilla Yogurt with Seasonal Fruit. Appetizers include Deviled Eggs, Pimento Cheese Dip, and Seared Gulf Shrimp. Main courses feature Miss Dorothy's Skillet Fried Half Chicken, Potato Crusted Flounder, and Grilled Flat Iron Steak.

The Chalfonte Hotel hosts weddings and private events. Outdoor ceremonies can be held in the Secret Garden. The Magnolia Room seats up to 150 guests, and up to 200 guests can be accommodated using the adjacent outdoor porch and first floor of the hotel. Groups of 25 or more can host retreats. Weekly volunteer work weekends are available, providing accommodations and meals in exchange for labor.

The Chalfonte Hotel is a short walk from Cape May's shops. It is near a golf course, a 1-minute drive from Washington Street Mall, and 6 minutes from Sunset Beach. The hotel is 75 km from Atlantic City International Airport. To reach the hotel by car, continue three blocks past the traffic light at Washington Street (PNC Bank on the corner) to the corner of Sewell Ave and Howard Street. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is nearby. NJ Transit provides service from New York, Philadelphia, and all points in NJ. The front desk staff can advise on where to find free street parking. Parking is street parking only around the hotel, with a 15-minute unloading space in front.

Cottage renters have access to Chalfonte Hotel amenities including the Magnolia Room restaurant, King Edward Bar, Lobby and Writing Room. Housekeeping services are available upon request for an additional fee. The front desk is available to advise on parking. The hotel has had four owners: Henry Sawyer and the Satterfield family of Richmond, Virginia. An on-site wedding coordinator is provided for weddings. Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms.