A Coastal Refresh at Montreal Beach Resort
Nestled along the serene shore of Cape May, the Montreal Beach Resort has been a beloved destination for generations of beachgoers. Its reputation for classic seaside charm has anchored its place in this coastal community for over 55 years. Now, under new ownership, the resort is undergoing a transformation—one that infuses modern coastal elegance into its rooms and spaces while maintaining the nostalgic spirit so many have come to love. The result is a light, airy, and sophisticated retreat that beckons both long-time guests and new visitors alike to relax, recharge, and revel in the timeless beauty of the Jersey Shore.
A New Era, A Fresh Vision
Purchased by Madison Resorts in December 2021, the Montreal Beach Resort is embracing a thoughtful rebrand that prioritizes updated interiors and renewed guest experiences. Leading this charge is Lindsay Taylor, the resort’s newly promoted Vice President, whose background in fashion, events, and design has uniquely positioned her to refresh the Montreal’s aesthetic. Taylor’s approach combines Cape May charm with modern sophistication—a delicate balance that respects the property’s heritage while introducing a contemporary flair.
“We didn’t want to come in and drastically change everything,” Taylor says, mindful of the families who have returned to the resort year after year. “The previous owners built something iconic, and our goal has been to enhance that—to make it light, airy, and elegant while keeping the experience familiar for our guests.”
This philosophy is apparent throughout the resort’s phased renovations, which began in 2022. From redesigned guest rooms to subtle touches in the lobby, the Montreal Beach Resort now evokes a modern boutique vibe that feels both fresh and welcoming.
Coastal Elegance Meets Beachy Bliss
Taylor describes the new aesthetic as coastal elegance, an ideal blend of modern simplicity and seaside tranquility. Think soothing palettes of soft blues, airy whites, and natural wood tones that instantly suggest driftwood, sea spray, and the gentle rhythm of ocean waves.
“The rooms were darker before, and they didn’t have much of a design palette,” Taylor explains. “We wanted to create something light and clean—a natural extension of the beach itself.”
The flooring has been replaced with pale gray tones that feel both sleek and warm, while carefully chosen cotton candy colors add personality without overwhelming the space. Draperies, custom designed by local vendor, DeSatnick’s Window Fashions, echo these muted hues, ensuring that natural light and sweeping ocean views remain the stars of the resort.
“We wanted guests to walk into their rooms, take a deep breath, and feel instantly relaxed,” Taylor says. “It’s all about creating a calming environment where the beach is the backdrop.”
Textures play an understated but important role in the design. Natural wood accents—a slight departure from the typical light beach aesthetic—offer a hint of rustic sophistication. “It’s like driftwood but with a touch of country,” Taylor notes. This unique blend of styles feels fresh and intentional, catering to a modern traveler who values both comfort and elegance.
Thoughtful Touches, Boutique Charm
One of the standout elements of the Montreal Beach Resort’s redesign is its boutique hotel feel. Rather than a universal cookie-cutter design, each of the 70 rooms has been thoughtfully styled to feel unique, offering guests an experience that’s as personal as it is luxurious.
This bespoke approach extends to the resort’s common areas, where guests are welcomed with clean lines, white and gray shiplap walls, and accent pieces that tie the coastal theme together. In the lobby, a retro-inspired refrigerator adds a charming nod to Cape May’s vintage appeal while offering waters and teas for guests to enjoy. Brand new marble-topped desks complete the space, setting the tone for a refined yet welcoming stay.
Beach Living, Inside and Out
At the Montreal Beach Resort, the guest experience is designed to extend seamlessly from the rooms to the sand and back again. The resort’s full beach service provides a level of convenience and luxury that feels effortless.
Guests can sink into the resort’s brand-new beach chairs and umbrellas, which are coordinated to match the soft blues and neutrals of the guest rooms. Servers from Harry’s, the on-site restaurant, deliver food and drinks right to the beach, ensuring a laid-back yet elevated experience.
“It’s about creating what we call ‘Madison moments,’” Taylor explains. “Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, having a girls’ weekend, or just getting away with family, we want guests to make memories here that last a lifetime.”
Bringing New York Sophistication to Cape May
For Taylor, whose background includes years spent working in Manhattan, inspiration for the redesign has come from a mix of sources, including her travels abroad. “I’m always taking pictures of lighting, furniture, colors—you never know where inspiration will strike,” she says.
Her vision for the Montreal Beach Resort has been informed, in part, by Cape May’s growing reputation as a destination for New Yorkers seeking an upscale beach escape. “I put myself in their shoes,” Taylor says. “If I were coming from the city, where would I want to stay? I think we’ve created that here—something upscale, modern, and beautiful, but still full of charm.”
A Timeless View with Modern Comfort
While the interiors have been refreshed, one thing that has not changed is the resort’s breathtaking ocean views.
“The rooms are light and neutral for a reason,” Taylor says. “We want the view to be the focal point. You walk in, see the ocean, and instantly feel like you’re on vacation.”
Nearly all the resort’s rooms have beach views, offering guests an unparalleled view of Cape May’s pristine shoreline. Combined with thoughtful interior upgrades, the experience is one of seamless indoor-outdoor living, a hallmark of true coastal luxury.
A Place to Relax, Recharge, and Return
The Montreal Beach Resort’s transformation is about creating a space where guests feel welcomed, relaxed, and inspired to return. From the calming color palette and natural textures to the thoughtful beachside service, every detail has been designed to evoke a sense of peace and comfort.
“We want guests to take that feeling home with them,” Taylor says. “When life gets busy, they can think back to their time here—sitting on the porch, listening to the waves crash—and know they’ll be back.”
With its mix of modern elegance, thoughtful design, and classic Cape May charm, the Montreal Beach Resort offers the perfect blend of beachy bliss and boutique sophistication. It’s a fresh take on a timeless favorite, ready to welcome new memories for years to come.
