Marquis de Lafayette Hotel
Spanning a full block overlooking the ocean, the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel has matchless views of sand, surf, and much of the city.
From the uppermost level, visitors have a bird’s-eye view of the beach, the water, and a horizon that seems to stretch on forever. In the other direction, it’s a panorama of ornate rooftops, chimneys, gables, church spires—the motley mix of period architecture that Cape May is known for.
I enjoyed both views—and everything about my stay—when I visited on a late spring weekend.
The Marquis stands in the footprint of the historic Lafayette Hotel, which was built in 1855, burned in the Great Fire of 1878, and was rebuilt in the 1920s. In 1971, before the city’s designation as a National Historic Landmark, the Lafayette was replaced by the present-day contemporary structure. Several heirlooms remain, like an immense wraparound reception desk and antique keycard holder. But overall, the look is carefree, comfortable, and modern, with a subtle coastal aesthetic that matches the setting.
My sixth-floor suite was light-filled and restful, with brushed French oak floors in a pearly gray, and creamy walls. The king-size bed was dressed with rich white cotton bedding; the living area had a navy sofa that pulled out to a queen-sized bed. A small, elegant bath featured white fluffy towels and gleaming white subway tiles, inset with glass mosaic tiles in iridescent blue. Sliding glass doors let in the sun and salt breezes, and on the balcony, white wooden rockers offered a perfect sea view.
In recent years, the hotel has undergone major renovations (still ongoing) to add new furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. The suites have kitchenettes with granite counters, two-burner glass-top stoves, microwaves, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers (with eco-friendly pods, hurray!), and cabinets filled with glassware and cutlery.
The Marquis de Lafayette could be a vacation, with its relaxed dining, swimming pool with hot tub, lovely occasional seating areas, and in every direction, those knockout ocean views. You could check in, put your feet up, and spend all your time right here. But you’re also steps away from the city’s bars and shops, plus Convention Hall and the promenade, the Washington Street Mall, and of course, those broad white beaches.
After checking in, I met a friend at the outdoor Barefoot Bar for an early dinner, to the sounds of reggae music. We started with drinks: my friend had an Absolut Bloody Mary, rich and tangy, while I tried the Blueberry-Ade, made with blueberry Stoli, fresh lemon sour, muddled berries, and house-made simple syrup. I was struck by the freshness of the berries, which were big, sweet, and clearly picked at the moment of perfect ripeness.
Chris Monge, chef at Bella Vida Café in West Cape May, recently also took over the food and beverage operation here and has whipped up a satisfying dinner menu. Cobb salad, done well, is complex, yet light and refreshing. Monge’s Cobb could rival the Brown Derby original: a garden of romaine lettuce with tomato, guacamole, chopped hard-cooked eggs and bacon, black bean corn salsa, and Colby Jack cheese.
We also sampled a very good grilled chicken bruschetta sandwich, with mozzarella cheese and balsamic glaze on sourdough bread, and the just right mahi sandwich on a buttery brioche. But for me, the buffalo chicken eggrolls stole the show. They were melt-in-your-mouth tasty, but with a pleasing crunch, and a side of bleu cheese for dipping. Try these!
The Marquis de Lafayette was named for the famous French general but has no actual association with him. However, Ulysses S. Grant is said to have stayed here, as well as the Beatles (!), during an early concert tour. And, typical for Cape May, this place comes with resident ghosts. Some night staff saw people passing through who were then not visible on video cameras. And some have reported a strong smell of licorice in the air—a candy favored by late owner Robert Menz, who once kept a residence here with his wife, Doris.
I was undisturbed by spirits, or anything else. With the sliders open, I could hear the pleasant noise of revelers at street level, laughing, and having fun. But when I closed the doors, my room was whisper-quiet for perfect sleep.
Next morning, it was great to make my own coffee and enjoy it on the balcony. For breakfast, I couldn’t resist the Nutella French toast, topped with strawberries (again, super-fresh and sweet), dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with Nutella, and topped with dollops of whipped cream.
With its clean, bold lines, imposing scale, new amenities, and all the comforts of home, the Marquis de Lafayette is a perfect summer getaway. It can also host parties, weddings, and other special events. And don’t leave Fido at home—17 first-floor rooms and suites are set aside just for four-legged guests and their owners (the poolside bar even has doggie treats on the menu!).
Rooms Division Manager Joe Morana credits the hotel staff for the welcoming vibe here. “We hired nice people at the front desk, we have a great housekeeping staff. We really take to heart taking care of our guests, so they feel like they’re at home.
“Once they stay here, they keep coming back.”
