Mainstay Inn

The Mainstay Inn is a fantastic bed and breakfast in beautiful Cape May. We were there on December 28, 2012 our second trip to the MAinstay Inn and it Was wonderful. The rooms are beautiful and the service is excellent. We will defiantly be back in the spring and summer.

Great room and service.

Elegant Inn. Furnished with lovely antique and period reproduction furniture. Our room was elegant, comfortable, and clean. Gracious innkeeper. Delightful afternoon tea and delicious breakfast provided. Easy walk to shopping, restaurants, sights, and the beach. It was the perfect place in Cape May for us to stay,

We were so glad we chose the Mainstay Inn as our first B&B. We could not have asked for a more beautiful place. The service, the staff, the room and the food were beyond our expectations. We enjoyed ourselves so much we booked for next year before leaving. We don't feel the need to try another B&B, because Diane showed us a wonderful time and we look forward to next year. If you are looking for beauty, warmth and hospitality beyond belief, the Mainstay Inn is the B&B you need to visit.

First time in Cape May, walked around, checked everything out and i'm not sure I would have stayed anywhere else. The place has a more recent rich history and you can tell that the people genuinely care about the place.

We had a wonderful weekend at the Mainstay Inn! The room was beautiful, the atmosphere was romantic and the food was delicious! Debbie Pini

This was our first B&B experience, and we loved it! The Mainstay was beautiful and everyone was super friendly.

What a gorgeous B&B! The staff is wonderfully friendly, breakfast was great and the building itself...priceless. I didn't want to leave!

Everything is exquisite at the Mainstay--the authentic decor and atmosphere, the service by the dedicated and caring staff, the delicious and creative pastries and breakfast entrees. It's gracious and relaxed living at its best! We've stayed there several time and look forward to going back.

We stayed for three nights in the Bret Harte room. The room was very clean and the private 2nd floor porch with rockers and hammock was a bonus. The staff was very professional and made us feel like we were family. Would definitely return to the Mainstay Inn.

This was our first time staying at The Mainstay, it was perfect for us in every way. We loved our room, the afternoon Tea on the porch was lovely. When first entering, Diane welcomed us, we liked that. Entering The Mainstay took us back to a period in time that we both love! I can not wait to go back!

Let me start by saying that we are veteran Cape May B&B stayers. The room was just OK bed was uncomfortable, and squeaked whenever you moved. Breakfast was a complete disappointment. All the reviews said how wonderful breakfast was however, I've had better, more fulfilling, "full breakfasts" at a Hampton Inn. Portions were skimpy, at best, and the 2nd day the "french toast/bread pudding" was almost inedible. Truthfully, the only reason we ate was that was all that was offered.. Lots of money for a whole lot of NOTHING! We will not be staying there again

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
I am very sorry to hear that you were not happy with your stay, our goal here is to make all of our guests comfortable and happy. We think that our buffet in the summer is hearty and gives you a wide verity to choose from, if there was something that you wanted you should have mentioned it to us. We pride ourselves with giving the very best hospitality to our guests.

Great place, location perfect, best porch in Cape May - on the horse tour route - love hearing the clopping. Breakfast cassaroles a little heavy but plenty of other things to choose. Lovely staff!!

I stayed at the Mainstay Inn with my sister and her family the week of August 12. We were very pleased with all aspects of the Mainstay and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We plan to return again in the future.

We recently stayed at the Mainstay Inn in Cape May New Jersey. It is a beautiful place to stay. The restored victorian inn has wrap-around porches and have a ceiling height of 14 feet. It is a grand place to rock and sip wine at night as you listen to the clipity-clop of the horse draw carraiges under the yellowish hue of the street lamps that look like gas lanterns. A great place to go and relax.

It was a milestone birthday gift from my kids and the best birthday gift ever. The Mainstay is simply amazing this place is so beautiful and so charming that at check out time you just don't want to leave. Everything is conveniently located within walking distance, we parked the car and never used it again until it was time to leave. Impeccable Inn and impeccable service. Diane, Tracey and Julie really went out of their way to be very accommodating. Thank you ladies. Can't wait to go back to Cape May and my stay will be at The Mainstay Inn. Sicerely. Millie Burgos

Nice but rooms are dowdy from the 1980's and could be updated

This past weekend was our third stay at the Mainstay Inn. We've stayed in three different rooms now, and all of them have been beautiful. The house's porch is one of the best parts - most comfortable porch swings and hammocks in all of Cape May! Diane (the innkeeper) is great - really friendly, and she does a wonderful job running the place. Breakfasts are perfect - fresh coffee cake or muffins, lots of fruit, tasty quiche... We've basically had three perfect stays there. Overall, we just love the Mainstay, and hope to go back again soon!

Enjoyed the inn, the location was fantastic. Close to beaches, shopping and other main attractions. Although warned about the third floor for the Grant room, was still not prepared for the steep flight of stairs that had to be climbed. Finally, breakfasts were very uneven, the best one of the week was the baked French toast. Various Quiches did not live up to expectations

My husband and I now spend the 4th of July holiday here every year. When Diane (or Tracy) opens the door and gives us a hug, we know we’re home-away-from-home. But of this is way nicer than where we live! A few words in case you don’t know this place— Surrounded by a glorious shady garden, this B&B is a meticulously restored and furnished Victorian building with a movie-perfect wrap-around porch. (Wooden rockers! Porch swings! And a lazy old hammock!) It’s a short walk to the beach, to loads of restaurants, to the central walking mall, and to the local supermarket. If you stay here once, you’ll fall in love—and be back year after year just like us.

Great staff, beautiful inn and absolutley delightful town with easy walk to the beach and at least two outstanding restaurants (Washington Inn and Martini Beach (upstairs).

My wife & I stayed at the Mainstay Inn & it was wonderful! We were on the 3rd floor in the 2nd building. Only thing about the 3rd floor was ....It was the 3rd floor. The steps are pretty steep. I must say after the walk up (which was exhausting) it was totally it. Our room was beautiful. All sided of our room had windows, we lucked out on having cooler than expected weather so we didn't even need the Air. We loved everything about it, we are a younger couple, so the one thing I would memtion, is that if you are older & can not make the flight to the 3rd floow, try thy a lower level. All are GREAT!! We will be back , hopefull around Christmas!!

Very nice property in a great spot in Cape May. The details are well done here!

We will make this a tradition. Diane treats guests like family.

The Mainstay Inn in Cape May, NJ is an impeccably kept, lovingly restored Victorian mansion. The historical details, the antique furniture, and the ambiance are all first-rate. The inn is within walking distance of the beach, the main shopping plaza, and several superb restaurants. My only complaints: the in-room WiFi never did work, and the complimentary breakfast of French toast and sausages was sub-par - poorly cooked and cold. Neither of these criticisms would keep me from returning, however. It would be difficult to find a finer B&B on the East Coast.

We've been there for honeymoon, and now 2 major anniversaries. Terrific.

I can still hear the clopping of the horse drawn carriages as they make their "touring" past the Main Stay. Such a beautiful bed and breakfast run by a wonderful, friendly staff who couldn't be more accommodating! The breakfast and tea are fantastic too.......and being such a short walk to the beach and town square gave us plenty to do!

the Mainstay has become an annual post-Christmas stay for my wife and I. The Inn is homey, the food delicious, and the service superb. We'll be back again next year!

This B&B is the best we have ever stayed at. The Mansion is more magnificent than we expected and the staff is awesome. The breakfasts and afternoon tea were just great. The innkeeper Diane is dedicated, friendly and professional, as is the rest of the staff. We stayed in december to enjoy the town in its holiday splendor and the inn was certainly decorated to the fullest. If you are looking for a memorable vacation in Cape May, this is the place to stay. After all, dont you deserve the best?

the location was great. right in the heart of everything. the porch was awesome along with everything else !

The nicest b and b I have been to in a loooooong time!!. Celebrated my wife's birthday and the lodging set the tone for a wonderfully weekend!!!

Had a wonderful stay,the Mainstay Inn is located within walking to all the shops and restaurants. The staff was great and the room was clean and had that victorian charm we were looking for.

We took a few days directly following our wedding at the Mainstay Inn in Cape May. The house is beautiful and beautifully kept. The staff is extremely conscientious and breakfast was wonderful. We will definitely stay here again on our next trip to Cape may.

We stay in Cape May at least once a year at a different Bed and Breakfast. Our mini vacation at the MainStay for two nights in October was wonderful! The Inn is beautiful, authentic and very relaxing. Breakfast was pleasing to the eye and palette. Wish we had stayed longer!

This was our first visit to the Mainstay Inn in a number of years. The house, food and service were as we remembered--first rate. Our only disappointment was hearing the innkeeper Diane make disparaging remarks about guests out of their earshot. Perhaps she should be mindful of what she says when she thinks guests aren't around or aren't listening.

Had a wonderful stay, room was large with 2 beds and very clean and comfortable; loved the robes in the closet!. As a sr. citizen, going up and down stairs with my suitcase was a bit challenging.The rooms, furniture and high ceilings were lovely and the front porch is a fabulous place to relax and take in the street view. The location is within easy walking distance for beach and shops. Hope to go back.

we just spent last weekend October 14-15-11 at the beautiful mainstay inn, we hadn't been able to go there for last 16 years but had stayed there 6 times before that. The inn and the staff were outstanding!!! The Inn still has all its charm there is no where else i would stay in cape may

After trying a few B and B's in Cape May during our annual visits, we have stayed at the Mainstay the last two years and plan on continuing the tradition. The Mainstay is everything you would expect from a victorian in Cape May. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, the breakfast is always delicious and satisfying as is the afternoon tea, but the highlight for us is the huge romantic porch. You couldn't ask for a better way to spend a few hours in the afternoon than snuggled up on the comfortable porch swing watching everyone going by admiring the Mainstay.

My room - the Windsor Room - had a museum quality Victorian bed and dresser set, plus Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper, oriental rug, bay window, ceiling fan and a large, well-appointed bathroom. For those loving Victorian decor, the Mainstay Inn's rooms are beyond compare. The entire property is immaculate and beautifully maintained. Diane, the innkeeper, prepares a wonderful breakfast every morning, after which I would often drink a second cup of coffee while sitting in a rocking chair on the wrap-around veranda. I've stayed at many B&B's over the years, but none better than the Mainstay Inn.

When I decided at the last minute to stay in Cape May I started looking around for places. Them it dawned on me that no place is better than the Mainstay. Luckily they had an open room for the Friday and Saturday nights I wanted. The room is perfect and the breakfast is excellent. The afternoon tea is also very enjoyable. The Mainstay is close to everything plus our room had it's own parking space. Looking forward to going back again.

The room(Senator Henry Clay)was amazing,the bed very comfortable and the bedroom and bathroom very clean. The service from the staff was explemary and we had the best time ever. Having parking off the street was a plus. We can't wait to return to Cape May and the Mainstay Inn. We've told all our friends and family how great it was and worth every penny!

Absolutely loved our stay at the Mainstay! We were in the cottage next door but our room came with a private porch with a hammock! Incredibly relaxing and fun to just hang on the porch. The staff was exceptionally friendly and wonderful. I have stayed at many B&B's but the Mainstay's attention to every little detail was above and beyond any that I have ever experienced. They had a changing room with shower you could use after you checked out when you were done at the beach. I especially loved the homemade chocolate chip cookies that they put out everyday! All in all a perfect getaway weekend!

My husband and I were a bit underwhelmed with the service, a bit unfriendly at check in- the inn keeper greeted us rather impolitely, and when I asked about where I could chill my wine she just pointed to the other inn (rather than offering me an ice bucket or taking the wine herself). With very few guests that night (2) I felt they could have been a bit more welcoming to us, and more creative with the afternoon tea and breakfast. The inn is beautiful and very well kept but the some of the staff could use a little brushing up on hospitality and manners.

A beautiful, beautiful place. Very comfortable, right in the middle of town. Wonderful breakfast and afternoon tea. And, most importantly, our room was the size I expected it to be. (Well, actually, a little bigger!) We had stayed at another Cape May B&B in May and although it was on a par with the Mainstay, their website photo made the room we booked look much larger than it turned out to be.

Overall enjoyed my stay here. Was a little put out by my neighbors who basically kicked us off the upstairs balcony and insisted that their room came with a "private balcony." There was no sign designating so much, and it made for an uncomfortable few moments that were unnecessary. Staff could either post clear signs indicating such or police their out-of-line visitors...

We had a very relaxing, pleasant time at the Mainstay Inn. Overall it was a lovely experience. We were a bit disappointed in a few areas and very pleased in others. -Our check-in was brusque and a bit impersonal(but check-out was the polar opposite!). -Our bathroom was in need of updating and not in keeping with an inn of this caliber. -The bedroom itself was lovely, but smaller than we expected. -That said, it was fantastic having our own private porch and an assigned parking spot. -We really enoyed the afternoon tea time and our breakfast buffet. -The grounds and overall ambience of the common areas of the inn rate highly, and a bonus is it's proximity to the beach and shopping areas. Despite our minor disappointments, we would recommend this inn and would definitley return,

Our Visit with the main stay B&B was exceptional. We visited Cape May for the first time this past weekend for my wifes Brithday. The Location of the B&B was great we have short walks to everywhere we whated to visit and eat. the Folks at the mainstay were very accomadating to us from allowing us to leave our luggage before and after check out as well as the use of a shower and bath after the beach on sunday we had a great time and will return agina in the off season for a second visit David Goslee

We stayed for four nights, parking not included. Personal service was excellent for information and making restaurant reservations. Location is a nice distance from the ocean, and it was quiet.

Very pleasant stay on a very hot weekend, but the AC worked well. Wish there was a NY Times to share. Great common areas inside and outside. Look forward to returning before 23 years again.

This was a last minute getaway, just one night in Cape May with my adult daughter. We considered ourselves very blessed to book a last minute room, but were absolutely thrilled when we stepped into the fabulous Mainstay Inn: this is a top notch establishment, well above my expectations. The room was very quiet, beds were excellent, service was superb...and the breakfast! The afternoon tea! Access to showers and other amenities after checkout! Loved it.

Overall, we were very pleased to be back to visit the Mainstay. Glad to see the friendly and familiar faces of the staff. As always we enjoyed the comfortable accomdations and quiet evenings sipping cocktails on the front porch watching the horse and buggy tours go by.

This is our second time at the Main Stay Inn I recommend this place to everyone who has never had a B & B experience. The house staff is so friendly we love the food and our stay is always so peaceful. If you need a weekend getaway and need to hide- The MainStay Inn is the place for you!

Absolutely wonderful [a rare superlative from a hyper-finnicky, too-difficult-to-please patron]. LARGE, clean, beautiful, QUIET, elegant rooms; gracious, extraordinarily helpful personnel; convenient location on a lovely street. There was nothing at all to dislike. Will definitely return.

The exterior, common area and grounds of this Victorian gem are outstanding. The porch has hammocks, swings and rockers. Our room (Henry Clay) had a lovely bed and views of historic tree lined streets of Cape May. Breakfast is included and is convenient rather than outstanding and ends too quickly for folks who may want to sleep in. The inn offers beach chairs and towels and a shower area to use after you check out. This is one of the more expensive inns in Cape May but books up quickly nonetheless. Its a very romantic destination.

Gorgeous Inn. Friendly and helpful staff. Sitting out on the porch was absolutely relaxing.

Innkeeper, food, distance to beach and mall, accomodations are awesome

This was our third stay at the Mainstay Inn, and as before, we had a wonderful, relaxing time. The property is superbly maintained and impressive. Rocking on the veranda was delightful, and the promimity to the ocean, the downtown mall, and excellent restaurants meant the car stayed parked the entire time. The Mainstay Inn and its staff won't disappoint!

We really enjoyed ourselves last year, so we thought why not come back. We just did and I can honestly say, we will probably continue coming back. Cape May is fun and the Mainstay Inn makes it icing on the cake. Really nice place with great innkeepers.

We were impressed with The Mainstay Inn. The house itself is incredible, filled with gorgeous antiques, and extremely well-preserved. It was like staying in a museum, yet very comfortable and homey. Diane was a fantastic hostess, so friendly and helpful. She offered a free upgrade to a nicer room, which was incredibly thoughtful. She also accommodated our early departure (due to the ferry crossing) and late arrival (even keeping tea and snacks out for us). We were thoroughly impressed with our stay and would love to come back again. Cape May and The Mainstay Inn was our favorite part of traveling in New Jersey!

Going to the Mainstay is like disappearing into another time. I felt well taken care of, and also comfortably on my own, if you know what I mean. I met lovely guests, the staff is wonderful and not intrusive, and the location--two blocks from the sea--is perfect for carrying the light beach chairs they make available. The porch is dreamy. I was there off-season both times--early fall and mid-spring--and while chilly, it was a restful, friendly time to go.

Location is great,easy walking distance to beach & town. Inn is located on a beautiful street.Interior of house is beautiful, lots of antiques.

Very clean B & B and all the food is home made. I nice surprise.

We have stayed at several bed and breakfasts in Cape may and now wonder why it took us so long to visit The Mainstay?! It is first class all the way around. The service is warm, friendly, and efficient. The location is unbeatable (close enough to what is going on but far enough to be "private") and the Inn itself is like a step back in time. The rooms are magnificent, and from a historical perspective, a stay at The Mainstay reminds you just why you started going to Cape May for a vacation to begin with. It is now on our list -- and it has now made it a very short list -- of places to stay in Cape May. Brava to all, from the Carroll's to Diana. Peter and Noeline Grefrath

The Mainstay Inn is a beautiful relaxing place to stay with easy access to the beach and shopping / dining areas of Cape May. The Inn and Cottage are decorated specatularly - they could charge admission just for the public to see the rooms and antiques throughout. We enjoyed every minute we were there.

We have always tried to get a reservation at the Mainstay each time we have visited Cape May over the past 15 years. Most of the time we have been lucky enough to stay there. While we have stayed at other B & Bs in Cape May, nothing comares to the service and quality at the Inn. Diane and her staff have always treated us, as well as other guests, like family. The rooms are always maintained in an excellent manner and the breakfasts served are top notch as are the snacks served in the afternoon. We recommend the Mainstay to all of our friends when asked where to stay in the Cape May area. We look forward to our next visit. Michael and Karen Saxe

Enjoyable, lovely and very personable. We always enjoy our stay.

All aspects of this beautiful Inn were great. Parking was a bit tight but we managed.

My wife and I have passed the Mainstay Inn a hundred times and always wanted to stay there. We decided to do an early October weekend in Cape May at the last minute, and we were lucky enough to get a room in the cottage (the building right next door to and owned by the Mainstay). The main building is beautiful...decorated in they typical Victorian stylings of Cape May and the cottage feels like a second home! The huge porch was perfect for relaxing in the morning after breakfast or for people watching after a long day. We did a lot during our weekend, and the Mainstay was right in the middle of town...close to the beach and everything else. The service was outstanding...we arrived a little late due to traffic on the Parkway, but they didn't mind at all. The staff went out of their way to make us feel comfortable the whole weekend, and were right there to ask us about our stay and thank us before we left. Food was great, with indoor or outdoor dining (weather permitting I'm sure) for breakfast and tea time. At night, the history of the buildings can be felt in the walls and the whole Victorian ambiance really shines through. Beautiful building, good food, and great service...a fun, relaxing experience and both my wife and I hope to return again next season!

We found the Mainstay to be true to its victorian history with just enough modern amentities to make our stary comfortable and enjoyable. The rooms were much more spacious then we have experienced in other B and Bs. The house was clean and the breakfast and afternoon tea were wonderful. The large wrap around porch was a great place for a quiet afternoon or for some enjoyable conversation with our fellow inn guests. The never ending supply of Tole House cookies just added to our pleasure. We look forward to coming again and again.

The Mainstay Inn is quaint, charming. Our visit there was a brief respite to an earlier place in time. The attentiveness of the staff and the attention to detail from the decoration of the rooms to the service was outstanding!

Our children gave us a gift certificate for our anniversary which we decided to use in Cape May. The Mainstay had been highly recommended to us and we were not disappointed. The Inn and the Cottage are beautifully decorated and our room in the Cottage was clean, airy and very comfortable. We loved being able to walk all over town and then come back and relax on the veranda. The breakfasts were amazing, especially the stuffed French toast, and afternoon tea offered such delicious goodies you had to sample everything. Many thanks to Diane, Maureen and Tracy and all the staff for making our visit so enjoyable. We will be back. P&S

Beautifully restored Inn.

Great hospitality, good food, and pleasant ambience.

Our stay in June was fantastic. This was our first time at the Mainstay and we absolutely loved it. Very private yet two blocks from all that Cape May has to offer.

My husband and I stayed 2-nights in April, 2009. This is by far the most elegant B&B we've stayed in Cape May. The whole place is filled with beautiful antiques and is nicely kept. The guest rooms are VERY clean and you are provided with all amenities (clean fluffy towels etc.). The breakfast and tea time are most delicious and everything is home made. As mentioned before, sure hope to go back soon. :)

My wife and I spent this past weekend at the Mainstay Inn, perfectly located in the middle of the Victorian row on Columbia. Our last minute decision to partake in the Cape May Holiday House Tour, left us scrambling for a place to stay. What a super surprise. The Mainstay is the model of a perfect Victorian House turned Inn. I claim this even after touring 20 of the 23 B&B's on their Holiday Tour. The decor is second to none. The breakfasts were to die for, gourmet down to the fresh fruit. A baked stuffed French toast to home made break and cakes! The afternoon tea was more of a buffet of cheeses, cookies, baked goods and dips. Well worth the cost!! If you want that special place, look no further. Thanks to the staff for a great stay! Your Inn is beautiful and our stay was perfect! Tom & Bren Ny

We stayed in Aug in the Inn and it was truly wonderful. We enjoyed our stay and loved the Inn We were in the Cottage and just loved our room. I always would walk past the Mainstay and enjoy the beautiful porch and it was just that a beautiful porch to enjoy breakfast and the afternoon tea. Thank you

We try to go every year to the Mainstay Inn in Cape May. It is a beautiful historic Inn and we love the privacy of the carriage house. The Innkeepers are kind "well seasoned" and flexible. They want their guests to relax and enjoy the Inn as well as beautiful Cape May. We always do!