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Mainstay Inn and Cottage – reviews, photos

635 Columbia Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Hotel amenities
Mainstay Inn and Cottage
Ranked #20 of 60 Cape May B&B and Inns
4.5 of 5 stars 49 Reviews
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49 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    35
    7
    2
    4
    1
Date Rating
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Beautiful holiday stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 December 2011

We recently stayed at the Mainstay Inn and it was a wonderful experience. We were in the Henry Clay room and it couldn't have been nicer. It was beautifully decorated and spotless. Could hear the horse carriages going by, and the ambiance of the Inn decorated for the holidays was memorable. Breakfast was delicious and Diane, the Innkeeper, was very gracious and helpful. I believe they are closing for a few months but check them out when they reopen in the Spring. Am sure you will not be disappointed.

Room Tip: Stayed in the Henry Clay room and it was lovely.
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Freehold, New Jersey
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Victorian Jewel”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 December 2011

Since our first visit in may of 2006 we have been back every year for a relaxing back in time getaway. The Mainstay is never a disappointment. We always stay in The Clay, which has amazing authentic furniture. Breakfast and tea were wonderful as always and the foods are always a special treat. After our first visit we searched high ad low for the Mainstay's cookbook. There are always special culinary surprises. The porch and swings are welcoming and relaxing. This visit I spent some time doing a puzzle which is always set up in the mainnroom downstairs. Always a treat when decorated for the holidays, the tree was up gorgeous as ever. The innkeeper Diane has become like family. The inn is always clean, inviting, and nostalgic.. For a relaxing, home away fom home retreat, a visit to the Mainstay is a must.

Room Tip: Any room will not disappoint.. We tried several different and have now chosen a favorite. Read the d...
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  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Mountainside, New Jersey
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Quintessential B&B”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

have visited Cape May for 30 years and finally got a chance to stay here July 4th weekend.  I always like to try different B&Bs in Cape May because each one has it's own personality.  I have always wanted to try here but the dates and availability just never fit.  I was smart and booked earlier than usual this time and I know now I will not be staying anywhere else in Cape May.   This B&B has a special feature that I don't think many other Cape May B&Bs have to offer.  Besides great breakfasts and amazing afternoon teas, it has the best wrap around porch where you can just hang ....And hang we did;  in a swing, hammock, rocker and chair....enjoying our books, music and people watching.  I went with my daughters and we had a blast. We spent many hours on this porch laughing, bonding and relaxing.  You can park your car and never use it again.  Everything is in walking distance.  It is now my favorite and one and only place to stay. 

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Wayne, NJ
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Wonderful getaway”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 November 2011

We stayed here for three days and loved every minute of it. Our room was so comfortable, breakfasts were a treat as was the afternoon tea. We spent time on the first floor veranda reading. All the staff was friendly and the place was as clean as could be. The location is perfect and we were able to walk to everywhere from the beach to the mall to the restaurants. Couldn't have asked for more. Look forward to returning for more R&R.

Room Tip: We had a wonderful room (the Henry Clary); a corner room with BIG windows in the front of the main b...
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  • Stayed October 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Cape May, New Jersey
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“The best of the best!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 September 2011

This is what wealthy Victorians had in mind when coming to the shore! Absolutely outstanding service and accommodations. The afternoon tea is exceptional. The renovation is exquisite!

  • Stayed November 2010, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Mainstay Inn and Cottage

635 Columbia Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Price range (per night):* INR8,668 - 11,184

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