I have stayed at the Marquis for most of my 50 years and wouldn't really consider staying elsewhere. I enjoy the view from the balcony, the constant roar of the ocean, and being at the center of the beach area. I would highly recommend getting one of the suite rooms and avoiding the Abbey or Victoria rooms as they are too small for my liking, the suites are larger with two separate areas with the kitchenette and bathrooms dividing the room sections...most suites vary only in number of beds or small amenities, so consider your needs. The animal friendly rooms are on the ground floors and don't have the nicer view of the beach. The free breakfast is consistent, but seems to get a bit smaller with a few less items year after year.
This is a great place but don't expect 5 star service...this is a beachfront hotel and a lot of families stay here with children, so the pool area can be noisy during the day, but is quiet at night. All of the sights and sounds of the beach and nightlife are within a block or two and walking is the preferred mode for the local area, parking can be pricey, difficult to find, and expensive for a parking ticket...the hotel maintains several lots for it's customer's use, so parking isn't a problem if you are a guest.
In summary, I love the hotel and have come to recognize (and be recognized) by many of the longtime staff and other local merchants. The rooms are nice and next to the beach, but room service and a full service restaurant (other than breakfast) are two of the weak spots. If you want pampered, stay at the Congress Hall, if you want to enjoy he beach and relax listening to the surf and sea gulls, the Marquis is the place. Its not cheap, but it is in the center of the beach area and has a super view of the boardwalk and beach...the views from the top floors are spectacular and the best in the city!

This was our first experience taking our pet with us on vacation. This hotel was the only one we could find that was truly ocean front. The pet rooms are on the first floor with ceramic tiled floors and area carpets. Pluses include ocean front, centrally located to downtown Cape May, we walked everywhere and didn't move our car for a week, convenient parking, responsive front desk and housekeeping, great private sitting area in front of the room overlooking the ocean that is well elevated and sits back and separated by a railing from the one line of cars that can park in front of the hotel. It is private and separated from neighboring rooms by a solid barrier without blocking your view. Great place to people watch and read also. There is a free daily breakfast buffet included in the room rate [check on the type of breakfast based on the time you're there, the daily hot buffet starts early summer, for us it was Continental during the week, full hot buffet on weekends which offered many hot entrees and a made-to-order omelette bar, and the servors were fast and friendly. Downsides included dark small room, typical smell of a pet/beach front room on the first floor [somewhat dank], facility was a bit rough around the edges for the price we paid but overall we had a great time, and plan to return for our offered 25% discount to come back a second time. Cape May has really come back from what it was years a go, it was very interesting, the Victorian architecture was beautiful, many fine restaurants, interesting shops, pubs, clubs and all within walking distance from this hotel. There were many pubs that had live music the weekend we were there in May. The town had a real buzz without being overwhelmingly busy.

Stayed at the Lafayette this past week for an overnight.Had a room on w/ a gorgeous view of the ocean and beach.It was delightful sitting in the rocker on the balcony in the warm afternoon sun.
The location can't be beat -right in the center of town and across from the beach.Close to shops and restaurants.
The room was ok-sized ,w/ a frig ,microwave and coffee machine,a pair of wicker sitting chairs,lamps and table ,along w/ the usual king bed and dresser.It was clean and neat and everything worked.
The staff was fine ,some were more cheery than others ,but no problems.
The breakfast is a nice treat and was very good w/ lots of variety and even an omelette bar.
I'd stay there again and would send my friends there ,it was definitely a positive experience.

We stayed one night and the hotel was fine as somewhere to sleep and use for just that purpose. The hotel is centrally located and close enough to things that you could walk everywhere and just leave your car parked. The room was not fancy but was clean, nicely furnished and large enough for just the two of us. We didn't take advantage of the breakfast buffet. The front desk staff could use some instruction in customer service; some of the most dour folks I've ever encountered and I travel often. Some eye contact and a smile go along way!