The Mainstay Inn Review

	A photographic tour of Victorian Cape May, New Jersey *accommodations, dining, attractions*

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Hotel Reservations

Cape May
Wildwood
Atlantic City
Absecon

Reviewed June 2005

the front porch of the Mainstay Inn in Cape May, NJ

The Mainstay in is comprised of three buildings. The main building was originally built as a Gentleman’s Club in the Italianate fashion. The first floor has 12 foot ceilings and is tastefully furnished in the period style. There is a spacious wrap around porch where you will find shade and, on most days, a refreshing breeze. The common areas on the first floor of the main building are not air conditioned. We happened to be there during a heat wave but the rooms were still fairly comfortable.

Look for some of the nice touches such as the embossed wallpaper and an magnificent mirror in the hallway.

If you are feeling adventurous, take a trip to the cupola. On the second floor there is a steep latter leading to the trapdoor of the cupola. Up there you will find cushioned benches, binoculars, cool breezes and a rare view of Cape May.

Next door is the ‘cottage’. This was once a private residence designed by the same architect responsible for the Mainstay itself. Guests can find tea, coffee and juices there throughout the day.

The Officer's Quarters of the Mainstay Inn, Cape May, NJ
The Officer's Quarters at the Mainstay Inn

We stayed in the Officer’s Quarters which was across the street. There are only 4 suites in the entire building. The second bedroom is locked unless you pay for it. That’s not a bad idea since it allows you to choose your suite size in an ala carte mode. The suites are air conditioned with a spacious porch and a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. The bathroom has a large Jacuzzi. Other amenities include a Bose cd player with a supply of classical CDs. Guests have off street parking available.

The staff was friendly and accommodating. They offer free wireless access in all of the buildings. Tea consisted of an assortment of tea sandwiches, cakes, prosciutto, fruit, assorted cheeses and pastries. Breakfast was served in the same room and consists of a similar assortment plus hard boiled eggs and an assortment of cereals.

They will accept well behaved children over a certain age. Check with the Mainstay for details. I found the guests to be quite sociable. On checkout day I was working with my laptop on the porch. One conversation led to another and soon I found that we had to checkout in a half hour.

Kiki's review:

The Officers quarters is an early 20th Century building . The suite had 2 bedrooms, living room, and dining room. They were decorated with floral wallpaper, lace curtains, and Victorian furniture. A deck from the French doors overlooked the garden. Tea is served 4 –5 in the Italianate style building across the street in the Victorian dining room. Tea consisted of fruit , cheese, vegetables, mini-cakes of all sorts, lemonade and ice tea.

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Copyright 2004 CGM Systems, Inc.
Cape May Views
a photographic tour of Victorian Cape May, New Jersey. (a seashore resort)
Photographs may not be reproduced without permission.
Some photos have been digitally retouched.

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