Sandpiper Beach Resort

Sandpiper Beach Resort appeals largely to families and some couples with its prime location and condo-style rooms suited to travel with kids. Guests appreciate the very clean and well-maintained surroundings with a light, beachy feel. The lobby is small but comfortable with cheerful yellow walls, a white front desk and shelving unit, and comfortable brown sofas. A striking painting of a humpback whale draws the eye. Outside, the four-story building is light-gray with white columns and railings, and gabled dormers along the roofline. Some simple plants line the front of the hotel, and the ocean across the street provides a serene backdrop. 

This hotel is on Beach Avenue, across the street from the oceanfront and the Cape May Beach Patrol office. Sandpiper Beach Resort is convenient to shops, galleries, and restaurants, as it's a six-minute walk to the outdoor mall, Washington Street Gallery. From the hotel, it is an eight-minute walk to Cape May Stage, a small playhouse where guests can get dinner and a fun show. While much is accessible on foot or by bike, free parking is available on-site and guests may want to drive the eight minutes to the Cape May Point Lighthouse for its spectacular view. It is a seven-minute drive to the harbor, where guests can go on whale watching excursions or rent a boat. The closest bus stop is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. Philadelphia Airport is the nearest major hub, and the drive is typically 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic.

This all-condo hotel rents fully equipped suites with one- or two-bedrooms. Design is consistent throughout and includes a combination of hardwood floors and carpet, wood and rattan furniture, and ivory walls. There’s an occasional splash of color in the blue sleeper sofas or red lampshades, but generally rooms are neutral with a light, beachy feel. Fully equipped kitchens have a nice look with white cabinets and tile backsplash, gray-marble counters, and a full range of stainless steel appliances. All rooms have full refrigerators, ovens and stovetops, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, and washer/dryers.In bedrooms, black headboards stand out against bright-white linens and fluffy Italian cotton duvets. Narrow balconies have tables and two rocking chairs, some with ocean views. All rooms have two flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Irons and safes are provided as well. Cramped bathrooms are done all in white, with black accents from picture frames or tile patterns. Some rooms have shower/tub combos and others just have shower stalls. A small vanity has limited counter space with free Aveda toiletries. Some rooms have two bathrooms.

Proximity to the beach is a main draw of this hotel. But guests looking to take advantage of the beach service -- free loungers set up by staff, food and drink delivered to beach chairs, and rentable tents -- must walk five minutes down the street to Congress Hall or another sister hotel. Sister hotels also have restaurants, bars, and spa services that Sandpiper guests may charge to their room, but none of these are available at Sandpiper. The best on-site amenity is the small heated pool with a few loungers and food service from the beach menu. There’s also a fitness room with a good array of cardio and weight-training equipment and a sauna. The arcade offers kids some entertainment, as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but guests complain that is slow and it requires frequent sign-ins, disrupting usage.