Cape May is often regarded as the perfect spot to vacation with your pet, and in this guide, we’ve rounded up 3 of the best hotels for you to consider.
Plan your trip with our help to guarantee a dream-like vacation with your best friend and continue reading to discover the best Cape May dog-friendly hotels and what they have to offer!
What Cape May Has to Offer for You and Your Pet
As the cusp of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May is a popular vacation destination located in Cape May County, New Jersey. The Cape May Historic District is considered a National Historic Landmark due to the remarkable Victorian gingerbread buildings. Being well-known as America’s original Seaside Resort, it reached the Travel Channel’s top 10 beaches in the United States list.
Among the variety of cultural offerings, the town also hosts multiple music and film festivals you can experience. Furthermore, Cape May offers many year-round activities, such as visiting the City Library and Zoo, going whale watching, and taking your furry friend to the dog park.
For those who are interested in spoiling themselves, the town has a picturesque outdoor shopping mall spanning three blocks. If you need a break, you can stop by some of the pet-friendly diners, including Saltwater Cafe, Blue Pig Tavern, and Tisha’s.
A noteworthy destination has to be the Cape May Stage, operating as a professional Equity theater since 1988. It’s considered one of the key buildings in the Historic Landmark district due to its 1853 construction.
3 of the Best Dog & Pet-Friendly Hotels in Cape May
After summarising what this coastal town has to offer, let’s dive into our favourite pet-friendly accommodation recommendations. We handpicked these places based on the comfort they provide, the pet fees, and the overall customer experience. Here are our top three picks of the best Cape May dog-friendly hotels:
Boarding House Cape May
This pet-friendly hotel is inspired by the town’s classical surf culture, offering a combination of both rustic and modern vibes. Its newly renovated and intimate setting is perfect for couples and groups to relax and unwind.
One thing that stands out at the Boarding House is its luxurious rooftop deck. This deluxe umbrella-covered area is the ideal location to loosen up after a day of exploring. However, the downside is that the rooftop isn’t wheelchair accessible as there’s no elevator.
Location and transportation
Located at the southern end of the Garden State Parkway, the Boarding House lies in the heart of Cape May. It’s just a short walking distance from the renowned shopping district and restaurants, during which you can enjoy the scenery. Moreover, it’s just a five-minute bike ride if you’re looking forward to spending time at the beach.
For those not feeling like walking or biking around, there’s a bus stop only a block away from the hotel. The 13-passenger buses provide air conditioning and are a great way to get around.
If you need any help reaching the facility, they provide directions from your current location on their website.
Hotel and room amenities
This hotel offers 11 rooms you can choose from, but make sure to ask which ones are dog-friendly. The owners make sure that all the guests are treated respectfully, so they offer dog-free rooms for those with allergies.
The rooms are equipped with a safe, Bluetooth speakers and alarm, Wi-Fi, bath products and towels, and a 43″ LED TV. As for decor, the hotel is filled with artwork from local artists, such as Lou Fermonte, David Macomber, and Kathy Fallon, as well as surfboard art by Kona Surf Co.
If you’re a wine or beer lover, you can enjoy the taste of the local breweries and wineries right at the hotel between certain hours. Moreover, even yoga mats are available upon request.
As ecotourism becomes more popular, the Boarding House rides the wave and provides eco-friendly amenities and practices. Some of them include LED lighting, handcrafted soaps, low-flow toilets, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
Pet policies
The hotel can accommodate up to two dogs per room, and the price is $45 for each dog per night. However, the pet fee doesn’t apply to assistance and guide dogs. There’s also an 80-pound weight limit, and the dogs should always be on a leash outside the room.
During maintenance and housekeeping hours, from 11 AM to 3 PM, you have to make sure your dog is either out of the room or secured in a crate. Furthermore, the hotel has designated dog walking areas, but make sure to respectfully clean after your pet.
You can do many activities with your furry friend just a short distance from the hotel. Right across the street is Lafayette Street Park, while lots of dog-friendly shops and restaurants are nearby
As the dog-friendly rooms are limited, make sure you make a reservation on time.
Blue Fish Inn
If you’re searching for comfortable and affordable dog-friendly accommodation, the Blue Fish Inn is the right fit. With its 1950s style and extraordinary hospitality, expect warm welcomes from this family-owned hotel for you and your dog.
Location and reservation
The Blue Fish Inn is located at 601 Madison Avenue, Cape May. It’s only six blocks or a 15-minute walk away from both the beach and the Washington Street Mall.
To make a reservation, you have to be at least 21 and fill in the reservation requirements. It’ll only take a few minutes since all that’s needed is your name, email, phone number, mailing address, and credit card information. Keep in mind that proper ID is required upon arrival.
Hotel and room amenities
While the hotel has 12 ground-level rooms available, only four of them are dog-friendly. You have the option to choose between the two-room suite, the standard room with a kitchenette, the standard room with a pantry, and the full kitchen suite. All of them have modern furnishings but provide different convenient in-room amenities depending on the type of room you book.
The rooms are equipped with personal refrigerators, blow dryers, independent climate controls, microwaves, USB charging stations, and eco-friendly bathroom supplies. Furthermore, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi, on-site parking for one vehicle, a heated swimming pool, coin-operated laundry, an ice machine, and more.
The owners are also kind enough to provide their guests with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas to enjoy their beach time.
Pet policies
Unfortunately, the Blue Fish Inn only provides accommodations for dogs, so no other pets are allowed in the hotel. The price for an overnight stay per dog is $25, and they accept a maximum of two dogs per room.
You’ll have to ensure your dogs are always on a leash when outside the room. Furthermore, they’re not allowed in the common areas, such as the pool, courtyard, and lobby.
Like the Boarding House, the Blue Fish Inn requires your dog to be crated or outside the room during housekeeping activities. However, the hotel property has a designated dog walking area for you to enjoy with your companion.
Another thing to note is that you have to provide an active cell phone number at all times, so the staff can contact you if there are any noise complaints. This way, they ensure a relaxing and carefree stay for all the guests at the hotel.
Highland House
If you’re looking for a place with a homey vibe and affordable prices, you have to check out the Highland House. It’s the perfect place to escape from your mundane routine and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The patio, gazebo, and porches are ideal for unwinding in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere.
Location and reservation
Highland House is located at 131 North Broadway, Cape May, and is within walking distance of many attractions. You can check out some amazing flea markets and festivals at Wilbraham Park, while the beach is only four blocks away. Moreover, several nature trails, a bird observatory, and a lighthouse are only a bike ride away.
Regarding reservation, you can easily book your stay with the information on their website. They also provide a detailed map and additional contact information for those in need. If you have any special requests, you can phone them or email them before your stay.
Hotel and room amenities
Highland House offers a variety of accommodations you can choose from. There are several rooms, suites, and a full cottage deal, which are all pet-friendly.
If you choose to stay at the Highland Cottage, your pet will be pleasantly surprised by a large fenced yard where you can spend hours having fun together. You should expect a clean, pet-friendly home that includes a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
On the other hand, if you choose to book a room, they’re equipped with televisions, air-conditioning, refrigerators, and Wi-Fi.
Pet policies
As they’ve been awarded the ‘First Place Best Pet-Friendly Accommodations‘ by New Jersey Life Health & Beauty Magazine, you can only expect the top-most quality stay for your furry friend. Furthermore, this is the first accommodation on the list that doesn’t require you to pay a pet fee! Your pet can get as much exercise as it needs on the nearby beaches or simply enjoy the fenced-in yard.
Other Activities for You and Your Pet in Cape May
Dog-friendly beaches
As Cape May is popular for its mesmerizing beaches, it’s only natural that you would like to visit them with your four-legged friend. That’s why it’s important to note that not all of them allow dogs throughout the entire year.
Most public beaches aren’t dog-friendly in the warm seasons but allow your furry friends from November to March. If you’re looking for the ones that are open to pets year-round, your best chance is in Lower Township along Delaware Bay.
Some honorable mentions that you should visit are Sunset Beach, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, Cape May Point, and the Cape May City Beaches.
Cape May Dog Park
If you’re looking to spend quality time with your companion, there’s no better place to do it than the dog park. However, you’ll need a license if you wish to enter the park. You can easily get one by applying at the Cape May City Clerk’s City Hall office and providing the necessary paperwork.
The Cape May Dog Park offers a double-gated wide fenced area suitable for dogs and their owners. It’s equipped with a gazebo, waste bags, a water station, and proper seating for the dog-lovers.
Other activities
Some other great mentions and ideas for pet-friendly activities include cycle cruises, whale watching, and visiting dog-friendly wineries and breweries such as Slack Tide, Willow Creek, and Cold Spring. You can also enjoy the local cuisine in pet-friendly restaurants, including 5 West Pub, Tisha’s, Ocean 7, and Elaine’s.
Conclusion
Having read the article, we hope you have been won over by Cape May’s dog-friendliness and have decided to visit it. The unique seaside setting, with a wide variety of diners, beaches, outdoor activities, and shops, is even more remarkable when shared with your furry friend. Now it’s up to you to pick one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Cape May to stay at and treat yourself to a dream-like vacation!
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