133 Myrtle Ave, Cape May, New Jersey, United States | (888) 710-7049
Victorian design with antique and replica furniture throughout
Every room has air-conditioning; suites building gives individual control
All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free toiletries
Suites with fireplaces, mini-fridges, and whirlpool tubs
Free breakfast and afternoon tea are tasty and plentiful
Indoor pool available, plus in-room massages in some suites
Free Wi-Fi and parking on-site
Mansion rooms are tight with few modern amenities
Eight-minute walk from the beach
The mid-range Wilbraham Mansion is a lovely bed-and-breakfast with 10 rooms in the original mansion, and 12 suites in a newer building out back. Decor is faithful to the Victorian style in both buildings with period pieces and architecture. Breakfast is decent, and a free afternoon tea is served as well. The heated indoor pool is a nice extra, as are bikes for guest use. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the beach, which could be difficult with a full load of gear. Those looking to be closer should check out The Queen Victoria, two minutes from the shore.
Scene
Victorian mansion with period decor and friendly owners
Wilbraham Mansion is a former private residence converted to a bed-and-breakfast hotel in 1988. The owners maintain the Victorian charm with period decor in all areas and some antique furnishings original to the house. Inside and out, the property is well-maintained and feels like an escape from modern life. Behind the original mansion, there’s a newer all-suite building, designed to match the style of the mansion. This hotel is largely popular with couples, a most rooms are only suitable for two, and children under 12 are not allowed. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and welcoming owners, plus the peaceful vibe.
Location
In a residential area with nearby shops, plus eight-minute walk to the beach
Wilbraham Mansion is on a residential street within an easy walk of the downtown area. There are several shops, a drug store, and an ATM machine within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, plus it's an eight-minute walk to Washington Street Mall where there is plenty of shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. The beach is a eight-minute walk away as well, which may be difficult with beach chairs and a cooler. There is free parking in the hotel’s lot, and a few bikes are available for guest use. A public bus stops down the street, a two-minute walk away. Atlantic City International Airport is a 55-minute drive from the hotel, or the larger Philadelphia International Airport can be reached in about two hours, depending on traffic.
Rooms
Victorian-style decor, plus TVs, DVD players, and air-conditioning; suites add whirlpools
Rooms and suites in the mansion are individually decorated to reflect the Victorian style of the house. Embellishments such as antique sewing machines, embroidered quilts, and dry sinks, along with period-appropriate wallpaper, create a historic feel in each room. Queen- or king-size beds make the already small rooms feel tight, though some have room for an extra chair or sitting area. Every room has air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. All the bathrooms have a shower stall, some with double showerheads. Some units also have a clawfoot tub. In some cases, a pedestal sink is outside the bathroom in an alcove. Free shampoo and bar soap are provided, and an iron can be requested. Suites in the newer building are roomier and have some modern comforts, but are decorated in the same Victorian style. In addition to the amenities found in rooms, suites offer a gas fireplace, a mini-fridge, and individual temperature control. Bathrooms are more spacious than the mansion rooms, with a simple design that is dressed up with period touches in the vanity and mirror. They also have whirlpool tubs and larger showers.
Features
An indoor pool, free breakfast and afternoon tea, and in-room massages
The heated, indoor pool is one of the high points of this hotel. It is small, but open 24 hours and provides a nice alternative to the beach during cool weather and evenings. An underwhelming, but adequate breakfast is served in one of the dining rooms in the mansion. Typical offerings include pancakes or French toast, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and muffins. Guests find the food good, but not the sumptuous spread expected of a bed and breakfast. A free afternoon tea is also offered with hot and cold drinks, cheese, fruit, and baked goods. Guests in some suites may receive in-room massages and skin treatments, or the staff will set up a package at a nearby spa. The parking lot is free for guest use and a few bikes are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout.