Montreal Beach Resort

This family-run hotel offers couples and families a comfortable, relaxed beach vacation. The hotel is far enough from busy shopping and restaurants that it stays somewhat quiet, but the beach is also popular and crowded at times. The long three-story building is tan with red-tiled roofing and white railings lining balconies. Stairwells and some areas outside the elevators feel like a parking garage with concrete walls and steps, and steel handrails. The design throughout is largely functional but comfortable, with furnishings in neutral tones. For instance, the lobby has a few brown couches with funky patters, a small shelf cluttered with books, and a kiosk with tourist information. The relaxed vibe is appropriate for a beach getaway, and the amount of repeat guests (many who have been coming for decades) speaks to the quality offerings here.

This hotel is across the street from the beach in Cape May, about midway between the harbor entrance and the wetlands. It is a six-minute walk to the Cape May convention center, where many events are held. A 10-minute walk down the beach road will bring guests to the popular Washington Street Gallery, an outdoor shopping area with many restaurants, a variety of shops, and art galleries. It's a 15-minute walk to the Cape May Welcome Center, where several bus lines stop. The hotel has a free parking lot and bike racks for guests. A 12-minute drive will bring guests to the Cape May Lighthouse, where a climb to the top offers breathtaking views. 

Rooms are clean and comfortably appointed with brown-patterned carpeting, wooden furniture, and patterned bedding -- some with pleasant pops of blue and green. Standard Rooms may have two doubles, a queen, or king-size bed, plus some have a sofa bed for additional guests. Suites add separate living rooms, and both types come with a dry bar. Efficiencies have kitchenettes with a microwave, small stove, and a sink. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, electronic safes, and ironing boards. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. Most rooms have a balcony or patio, and those with ocean views are lovely. Note, however, that those on the first floor have limited privacy as their sliding glass doors open to the pool. 

Also beware that some ocean-facing rooms are close to -- or right on top of -- the restaurant and bar, which is noisy at night. Contemporary bathrooms have walk-in showers, wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, and hairdryers.

The seasonal hotel restaurant serves three meals daily, and guests report good food at a reasonable price. There is some indoor seating, and more outside with a carpeted upper deck housing wicker chairs and picnic tables under white umbrellas, all with a beautiful ocean view. The lower deck has covered tables and chairs on a concrete patio, lit at night with strings of electric bulbs. A free continental is served, but only Monday through Wednesday. The pool and adjacent whirlpool share the lower patio, separated from the restaurant by a fence. Lounge chairs line the pavement on one side, leaving very little room to walk past. More loungers line the patio outside the fence. Across the street at the beach, guests can use the lounge chairs and umbrella for free, or rent a cabana. Food and drink from the restaurant can be ordered from and delivered to the beach. The on-site liquor store has a varied selection too. A small fitness room has a few cardio machines and a sauna. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.