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A Historic Jersey Shore Hotel Gets a Major Upgrade

Congress Hall’s recent renovation makes it a must-visit summer 2016 retreat

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Your typical beachfront luxury hotel might boast a farm-to-table restaurant, but not many resorts can say they played host to heads of state as far back as the 1800s. Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey, is the country’s oldest seaside resort, and in honor of its bicentennial year, the property is getting an eye-popping overhaul. The historic destination has certainly earned it. “For Congress Hall—which has endured fires, storms, economic disasters and wars—to have survived 200 years and be a thriving resort today is a truly remarkable accomplishment,” says owner Curtis Bashaw.

Interior designer Colleen Bashaw (Curtis’ sister) says her goal for the redesign “is to maintain that perfect balance spoken through the architecture of the building; luxurious while accessible, with a dash of whimsy.” All 110 existing rooms will be renovated in the multimillion-dollar project, and retail space, as well as five new suites, will be added to the property. Celebrations will take place at Congress Hall all summer upon completion of the renovation, making 2016 a great time to head for the Jersey Shore

200 Congress Place, Cape May; caperesorts.com 

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