Review of the Queen Victoria Inn in Cape May, New Jersey

While visiting Cape May, New Jersey for over 10 years, my husband and I had stayed at various inns. All of them were very nice, but last year we decided to try the Queen Victoria Inn. After experiencing the comfort and hospitality of this bed and breakfast, we knew we would return this year to spend more time in Cape May.

Cape May is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. If you look at a map of New Jersey, Cape May is at the bottom of the "finger" that is the last portion of land in New Jersey. There is nothing but ocean south and east of Cape May, and the western section of Cape May faces the Delaware Bay. Cape May is a beautiful victorian-style town with tree-lined streets with restored victorian houses and bed and breakfast inns. It also boasts a beautiful beach and numerous restaurants and cafes that iare an easy walk from where you stay.

Located just a short block from the ocean, and within a short walking distance to restaurants and the Cape May mall, the Queen Victoria Inn is one of the most convenient bed and breakfasts for a stay in Cape May. The Queen Victoria is owned and operated by a wonderful couple, Anna Marie and Doug McCain who spend time with their guests each day at breakfast, tea times, and in between. Their dedication to the inn is seen in the many details you will find at Queen Victoria. Delicious breakfasts and afternoon teas, a high standard of cleanliness, the beautiful antique furniture included in each room, and you'll even find a flower floating on the toilet water when you first arrive at the inn and lift the toliet lid!

As its name states, the inn reflects everything Victoriana. There are four buildings that are part of the inn with a total of 32 rooms and suites including the main Queen Victoria building, the House of Royals, Prince Albert Hall, and the Queens Cottage. All rooms are decorated beautifully in the victorian sytle. Along with the quaint style of the inn, there are modern conveniences such as air conditioning, TV and DVD player, and wireless remote access for your laptop computer.
There is also complementary tea, coffee, sodas and bottled water available 24 hours a day in each of the four buildings.

Anna Marie has a love of English teapots and has collected many over the years. When you sit down for breakfast and want a cup of tea, Anna Marie or Doug brings your favorite tea in a beautiful teapot. Among the vintage teapots is a special 80th birthday teapot crafted for Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday last year. There is also on display a special teapot crafted during Queen Victoria's time.

For beach goers, the inn offers beach blankets and beach chairs to carry the short distance to the beach. There are also men's and women's bicycles that you can use free of charge to roam the streets of Cape May. It is wonderful to ride a bike through the streets of Cape May. It is an area not congested with cars, and a ride along Beach Drive or through the many quaint streets is something great to do.

Queen Victoria room rates are competitive with other large inns in the area. Rates vary according to season with summer having the highest rates. Rates in summer range from $220 per night for a standard room to $300 for a large suite. There are many types of rooms and suites with an average rate of $250 per day in summer. This rate includes breakfast and afternoon tea, plus all amenities mentioned above. After September 2nd and during the month of May, when the weather can still be beautiful in Cape May, rates can range from $145 for a standard room up to $260 for a large suite. For honeymooners, or those wanting to spend a very special day or two in Cape May, there is the Crown Jewel suite, a two-storied private suite in a separate building. The price ranges from $410 off-season, to $490 in summer. It has a private entrance and includes a parking space.

A stay at the Queen Victoria will definitely add a special touch to a stay in Cape May. It will make you want to come back for more. Visit their website at www.queenvictoria.com for further information including a tour of the rooms in each building, current rates and other information about Cape May.