ICONA Cape May

Set across the street from a lovely stretch of Cape May Beach, this property looks quaint and charming from the get-go. It is housed in a long, three-story white building adorned with navy plantation shutters and awnings that lend the property a beachy colonial feel. The lobby is cozy and stylish, with polished checkered floors, white wainscoting, and just a few pieces of off-white furniture with some ornaments and fresh flowers. The feel throughout the property is fresh and chic, with uncluttered common spaces, clean lines, and upscale touches such as marble-like finishes and delicate vases. The outdoor area is pleasant but compact, with just a small pool set adjacent to the beachfront road, and a narrow path along the side of the building offering access to the covered parking garage. 

The property has a quiet vibe year-round, drawing mostly couples seeking some R&R both in the winter and in the summer months. Families are welcome, and the pool is a great perk for those traveling with children, but there are more kid-friendly hotels in the area, in particular the Sandpiper Beach Resort, which has multi-room suites with full kitchens, dining areas, and an arcade on-site. In comparison, the Icona Cape May is sleeker, but rates are high, especially given the limited features on offer. 

The Icona Cape May is located across the street from a long, sandy beach where the hotel has a few free-to-use loungers and umbrellas. There are some restaurants and bars within a few blocks of the property, but the immediate neighborhood is generally quiet. Additional dining and shopping options can be found about a 20-minute walk (or five-minute drive) away, in the area around the Washington Street Mall. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes by car to reach the Cape May Lighthouse and several of the wineries around the city, including the Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and the Willow Creek Farm & Winery. The hotel provides free shuttle service to its sister property, Icona Diamond Beach, a 10-minute drive away, which offers access to another great beach. The nearest major airport is in Philadelphia, located about an hour and a half away. 

The hotel’s 56 rooms are decked out in a modern, chic beach style that combines deep blues and crisp whites. White padded headboards and dressers with geometric patterns tie in well with subtle beach cottage-inspired accents such as wicker-style dining sets, while sapphire-blue carpets and lamps add style and color. Rooms are spacious and airy, with big windows, lots of storage space, and private balconies -- though only some units have ocean views. 

Each room is equipped with a good array of solid amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, and air-conditioning. Additionally, all feature at least basic cooking facilities, such as microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Studios and suites have fully equipped kitchenettes, complete with cooktops, sinks, cookware, and dishes. Bathrooms are sleek and spotless, with marble-style walls and floors and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Organic toiletries, robes, and hairdryers are provided in all rooms. 

Overall, the Icona Cape May is light on amenities. The pleasant outdoor pool is heated seasonally and offers a handful of loungers along with free towel service. However, it's better for a quick dip than for laps, as it is small and has a very shallow end with steps that take up almost half the pool. A few additional chairs are available at the beach across the street when the weather is nice, and guests are free to use them on a first-come, first-served basis. Covered parking is also available free of charge, but there aren’t enough spots for all rooms, so some guests may have to end up having to park on the street during peak season. 

There is a vending machine with snacks and sodas, and all rooms have at least basic cooking facilities, but the hotel lacks a restaurant and a bar. There are no gym or spa on-site. However, the hotel offers free shuttle service (limited during the off-peak season) to its sister property Icona Diamond Beach, located a 10-minute drive away, in Wildwood Crest. There, guests have access to a full restaurant, a pleasant bar with live music, another pool -- plus a splash pool for kids -- a fitness center, and a lovely stretch of beach with food and drink service.