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Introduction
A pair of wealthy gamblers pooled their resources in 1872 and built an elegant, exclusive clubhouse where their friends could devote themselves to gambling and other gentlemanly amusements. They spared no expense and hired a famous architect to design a grand villa with fourteen foot ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, a sweeping veranda, and a cupola to top it all off.
Select Registry Innkeepers of the Year Award in 2002!
This beautiful building is now The Mainstay Inn. It looks much as it did when the gamblers were there, except for a few concessions to 20th century comfort. Our guests can enjoy great variety in accommodations in the three buildings that comprise The Mainstay Inn. Rooms and suites range from ostentatious Victorian splendor to contemporary elegance. All have private baths and most have off-street parking.
"I don’t believe I have ever seen a historic house so painstakingly and lovingly restored and preserved. Nor have I seen an Inn more inviting and attractive." Richard Moe, President National Trust for Historic Preservation
The Mainstay Inn was originally known as "The Clubhouse," a 19th century pleasure palace, where gentlemen gathered in an elegant setting for gambling and other amusements. Since 1976, visitors have been able to enjoy the same grand spaces, with fourteen foot ceilings, and museum quality antiques. The six spacious guestrooms are furnished with splendid antiques, much as they were in the 19th century, but now all have private bathrooms with tub and shower. All guest rooms have central air conditioning and most have designated parking spaces.
The building known as The Cottage became part of the Mainstay in 1981. Built as a private summer home in 1870, the Cottage is joined to the Inn by a brick walkway transversing a lovely garden with a Victorian fountain. The six rooms in the Cottage, all with queen or king sized beds, have private baths, and central air conditioning, and most have designated parking spaces. Two rooms have private porches overlooking the garden.
The Mainstay Inn has been featured in Americana, New York, Country Magazine, Victorian Homes,
Insider, Conde Nast Traveler, Smithsonian, Travel and Leisure, Architectural Digest's Classic Country Inns,
The Washington Post, National Geographic Traveler, Philadelphia Magazine, Offshore Magazine, Washington Times,
Travel and Leisure Golf, General Store, Washington, Coastal Living, and 1000 Places to See Before You Die.
Guest in the Inn and Cottage enjoy breakfast served family style in our lovely dining room in the spring and fall. In summer a generous buffet is provided, allowing guests to take their plates onto the wide veranda or into the garden. All guests are invited to partake of the famous Mainstay afternoon tea, served each afternoon from 4 until 5 pm. A vast array of beverages, homemade sweets, and savories are presented each day.
Also provided for all guests are lush beach towels, and beach chairs with umbrellas. A shower and changing room are available for those who wish to extend their beach time beyond checkout.
Special PackagesEvening of Romance to Say I Love You 1 night stay in our premium room with a queen or king bed, a complimentary bottle of champagne with chocolate covered....(more)
Evening of Romance Package Includes gift certificate for a romantic dinner at Peter Shields, one of the finest restaurants in Cape May....(more)
Dinner With a View A four course dinner for two at the elegant Peter Shields Inn....(more)
Spa Getaway Get 10% off at the Cape May Day Spa during off season visits. You deserve to be pampered....(more)
The Mainstay Inn is a member of the following associations: AAA Mobil Travel Club Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America
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