Victorian Seaside B&B · Cape May, New Jersey

A Victorian Gem in the Heart of Cape May

Built in 1871 in the historic downtown district, one block to the beach and moments from the shops of Washington Street Mall. Each room has its own character, and every morning begins with a two-course seated breakfast. When you book direct, you deal with the inn itself, from reservation through check-out.

Guest Love

What Guests Say

4.8
Google ReviewsRated 4.8/5 on Google, based on 213 reviews, as of 2026-10
Top 10
Newsweek Readers’ ChoiceNamed among the Top 10 Best Historic Bed & Breakfasts in the USA, 2025
1871
Historic InnA Victorian landmark in Cape May’s National Historic Landmark district, one block to the beach
Rooms & Suites

Unique Personality in Every Room

Every guest room at The Mason Cottage has its own character, blending Victorian period antiques with contemporary comforts. All accommodations feature private bathrooms, plush spa bathrobes, flat screen TVs, and individually controlled heating and cooling.

Grand Mason Superior King Suite bedroom

Grand Mason Superior King Suite

King Suite · 3rd Floor Front

The most spacious suite at the inn, with a king bed, private living room, and a kitchenette with dining nook. A grand setting for a romantic getaway or special celebration.

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Davis Suite bedroom

Davis Suite

Jacuzzi & Fireplace King Suite · 2nd Floor Front

A king bed with an antique French headboard, 12-foot ceilings, a Jacuzzi jetted tub, a seasonal gas fireplace, and a separate lounge room overlooking Columbia Avenue.

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Warne Suite bedroom with floral wallpaper

Warne Suite

Jacuzzi & Fireplace Suite · 3rd Floor Front

Queen bed, Jacuzzi jetted tub, seasonal gas fireplace, and a separate lounge area. Faces the ocean and the promenade, with pretty peony floral wallpaper throughout.

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Franklin Suite antique claw-foot tub

Franklin Suite

King Suite with 2nd Bedroom · 3rd Floor Back

The only suite that can welcome a third guest. King bed, antique brass bed frame, claw-foot tub, and a private alcove with daybed behind drapery panels for full privacy.

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Decatur Room bedroom

Decatur Room

King Room with Jacuzzi Tub · 2nd Floor Back

A serene king room with an en-suite whirlpool jetted tub, named for the architect who designed the house in 1869. Perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.

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Ware Room bedroom

Ware Room

King Room · 2nd Floor Front

A spacious king room with high ceilings and lovely antiques, overlooking Columbia Avenue and Soldiers & Sailors Park. A favorite for anniversaries and birthdays.

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Madison Room bedroom

Madison Room

Queen Room · 2nd Floor

A lovely queen room with high ceilings and tall windows, where warm sunshine streams through beautiful lace curtains. Named after Madison Avenue in Cape May.

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Columbia Room bedroom

Columbia Room

Queen Room on 1st Floor

The only room on the first floor, with easy access to the parlor and dining room. A serene retreat with a 12-foot ceiling, soft blue toile wallpaper, and bright windows.

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Hughes Room bedroom

Hughes Room

Queen Room · 2nd Floor Back

A cozy, romantic queen room with period antiques and its own little private wing: the private bathroom sits just a few steps away through a hallway used only by Hughes Room guests.

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Rose Room bedroom

Rose Room

Queen Room · 3rd Floor Back

A bright and cheery corner room with a queen bed, named in memory of Bertha Rose. Arts and Crafts and damask influences run through the bedroom and bathroom wallpaper.

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Mornings at the Inn

A Two-Course Seated Breakfast, Every Day

Breakfast at The Mason Cottage is a full gourmet, two-course seated breakfast served each morning in the dining room.

  • Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian requests are happily accommodated
  • 24-hour coffee and tea bar for early risers and night owls
  • In season: complimentary beach cruiser bicycles, beach chairs, and beach towels
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the inn and a guest ice machine
The veranda of The Mason Cottage in the morning
The veranda, a favorite spot to begin the day. Official inn photo.
The Mason Cottage exterior in daytime
623-625 Columbia Avenue, Cape May, NJ. Official inn photo.
Your Hosts

Rochelle & Eric

Innkeepers Rochelle and Eric make you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another traveler. Their deep local knowledge means personal recommendations on the restaurants, attractions, and things to do that fit your stay, from reservation through check-out.

One more member of the household: Brady, the innkeepers’ dog, lives on the premises and loves people.

Cape May Local Guide

Make the Most of Cape May

The inn sits in the historic downtown district: one block to the beach and promenade, a block and a half to the shops and restaurants of Washington Street Mall. Once you arrive, you can leave the car and explore on foot or by beach cruiser.

Cape May Beach & Promenade

Soft sand and gentle surf a short stroll from the inn. Beach tags are required for ages 12 and up, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while lifeguards are on duty in season; a digital daily tag option is available.

1 block · ~3 min walk

Washington Street Mall

A pedestrian-only shopping street with boutiques, galleries, and ice cream parlors. An easy evening stroll for dinner and window shopping.

1.5 blocks · ~5 min walk

Victorian Streets

Cape May’s painted ladies and gingerbread-trimmed homes make the whole downtown a free open-air museum. Bring your camera for Columbia Avenue itself.

Step outside · free

Cape May Point Lighthouse

Built in 1859, with 199 steps to a sweeping view where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. Pair it with the adjacent state park trails.

~10 min drive · paid climb

Sunset Beach

Famous for its sunsets over the Delaware Bay, the visible wreck of the SS Atlantus, and smooth Cape May diamonds to hunt along the shore.

~10 min drive · free

Congress Hall

The grand Victorian beachfront hotel that once hosted four U.S. presidents. Worth a walk-by for the architecture, and a drink in the historic Brown Room.

~12 min walk

Where to Eat

  • The Lobster House, a Cape May institution on the harbor, recommended by past guests for a classic seafood dinner.
  • The Brown Room at Congress Hall, a storied cocktail spot in the grand hotel, another guest favorite.
  • Many Cape May restaurants are BYOB, and the innkeepers happily point you to the night’s best fit. Ask Rochelle and Eric.

Good to Know Before You Go

  • Beach tags: required 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in season for everyone 12 and older; buy at promenade kiosks or beach entrances.
  • Parking: the inn has no on-site parking. Columbia Avenue is un-metered street parking, but spots get tight on summer weekends and holidays. Once parked, walk or bike.
  • Arrival: check-in is 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Running late? Call a few hours ahead so the inn can arrange your arrival.
  • Swim safe: swim near a lifeguard during guard hours, and respect flag warnings.
  • Getting here: drive the Garden State Parkway to its southern end and follow signs into Cape May. The inn is at 623-625 Columbia Avenue, in the historic district.
Good to Know

Policies & FAQ

What deposit is required to reserve a room?

To reserve your stay, a deposit of 50% of the total cost of the reservation is required to secure your reservation at the Mason Cottage, Cape May B&B. A two night minimum stay on the weekends, during the summer-season and holidays is required. In the case of a 1 (ONE) night stay reservation, we require 100% of the amount of the room (including applicable taxes) as the deposit.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please contact the inn more than ten (10) days prior to your check-in date to make changes. At that time, your deposit will be refunded, less a $25 administrative fee. Reservations canceled ten (10) days or less prior to arrival, including no-shows, are responsible for the full amount of the reservation. Reservations for two (2) or more rooms have a thirty (30) day cancellation policy. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you cannot arrive by 6 PM, please call a few hours in advance so the inn can make arrival arrangements for you.

How much does a room cost?

Current rates are shown on our booking page. Check availability and rates.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A full gourmet, two-course seated breakfast is served each morning. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian requests are accommodated.

Is there parking at the inn?

There is no on-site parking at the inn, but street parking is available, and Columbia Avenue is an un-metered street. Spots can be harder to find during holidays and summer months. An unloading zone sits directly in front of the inn for your luggage.

Are pets allowed?

The inn is unable to accommodate pets. Please note the innkeepers, Rochelle and Eric, have one dog (Brady) on the premises.

Are children welcome?

Well-behaved children 12 and older are welcome. The Franklin Suite is the only room that can accommodate a third guest, with a $49 per night plus tax additional occupant charge. Reservations with a child under 12 cannot be honored.

Is the inn non-smoking?

Yes. The inn is strictly non-smoking, including the veranda and grounds, and open flames of any kind are prohibited.

Book Direct

Reserve Your Stay

Book through the inn’s official booking page, or reach Rochelle and Eric directly by phone or email.