ELAINE'S CAPE MAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL, Cape May

Elaine's sits on a quiet residential street yet is less than five minutes on foot from the beach, the Washington Street Mall with its shops and restaurants, and the Colonial House Museum. The hotel is free from street noise but the lively on-site bar can create evening sound, especially in rooms near the patio. The Emlen Physick Estate is a 15-minute walk away, and the Nature Center of Cape May is a 30-minute walk from the property. Plenty of parking is reserved for guests, so a car is convenient, but the central location makes a car unnecessary for exploring the main attractions.

The 20 rooms offer a mix of queen, king, double, triple and quadruple configurations, each with a private bathroom. Bathrooms feature either a bath or walk-in shower. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, and free toiletries. Many rooms include a seating area, and several have a private entrance or a terrace overlooking the garden or patio. The style combines antique furniture with modern touches; some rooms feel spacious while others are described as compact. Upgraded rooms have renovated bathrooms. Room types with balconies are available and are recommended for guests who want outdoor space. The property has stairs and no elevator, so those with mobility concerns or heavy luggage should consider the ground-floor accessible room. One accessible room (Room 1) is offered.

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast until 11:00 on weekdays and 12:00 on weekends, and dinner from the evening. Breakfast is a la carte, and the hotel provides a $15 per person credit for breakfast on the day of stay. Dinner offers steaks, seafood, burgers, salads and vegetarian/vegan options. The bar and patio are open for drinks and snacks, including snacks, a light menu, and a happy hour. Live music is offered on the patio seasonally. The restaurant has a seat-yourself policy and a family-friendly atmosphere. The street is a short walk and offers many dining alternatives.

The hotel offers a garden and sun terrace with outdoor furniture, picnic area, and sun loungers. Complimentary beach chairs and beach towels are provided for trips to the nearby beach. Evening entertainment, live music and paid walking tours are available on-site. A spa lounge/relaxation area is on the property. There is no swimming pool or full spa.

All guest rooms have air conditioning and heating. The property is non-smoking throughout. Daily housekeeping is provided. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. A coffee house on site and a snack bar are available. Services include concierge, private check-in/out, and packed lunches. The hotel has a business centre with fax/photocopying and meeting facilities for an additional charge. A bike rack is available for cyclists. Parking is free, private, and reserved for each room on-site, no reservation needed. Accessible parking is also available. Security includes CCTV, smoke alarms and key card access.