La Mer Beachfront Resort

We waited until the end of our seven-night stay to write this review because we wanted to give La Mer every opportunity to address our concerns and because we wanted to be fair about our experience as a whole. Unfortunately, despite some genuine attempts by management to make things right, our stay fell significantly short of what we expected based on the price we paid and the way these accommodations are represented.

We had looked forward to this family vacation all summer. For the price we paid for this unit, we expected top-notch accommodations, thoughtful attention to detail and a level of service consistent with a high-end beachfront property. We certainly weren’t expecting perfection, but we also didn’t expect to spend so much of our vacation dealing with issues that should have been addressed before or during our stay.

WiFi & Television Issues From Day One

I do want to start by acknowledging Chazz, who was extremely helpful on our first day.

There was no internet connection in the primary bedroom, which also meant we were unable to use the streaming-only television in that room. Chazz came to the unit and worked to remedy the WiFi situation. Even he seemed surprised that our television had not been set up to watch basic cable until he arrived.

We genuinely appreciated his responsiveness and help. Unfortunately, this was only the beginning of a series of issues we encountered throughout the week.

The Parking Was One of the Worst Parts of Our Vacation

The included parking was, without question, one of the most stressful aspects of our entire stay.

We drive a Suburban, and we did the absolute best we could all week to navigate the incredibly tight spaces provided. Some advance warning about the size and accessibility of the included parking would have been extremely helpful before check-in, particularly for guests arriving in larger vehicles.

Every time we needed to leave or return to the property became a source of stress because we were genuinely concerned about getting stuck or damaging our vehicle while attempting to maneuver in and out.

To make matters worse, we seemed to be sharing this extremely limited area with a loading zone for the commercial space below us. There were times when we were forced to stop mid-maneuver because vehicles or deliveries were coming through the same area while we were attempting to enter or exit.

When parking is advertised as being provided and included with a rental, guests should be given a realistic understanding of what that parking entails. Families traveling with a large SUV should absolutely ask about this before booking.

The Unit Did Not Feel Like a High-End Accommodation

There were numerous issues throughout the condo that individually might have been easier to overlook. Collectively, however, they left us questioning the quality of the construction, finishing and overall attention to detail.

Perhaps the most shocking example occurred when we returned from the beach one day and discovered a large, gaping hole in the wall next to our front door.

A fire safety fixture/hydrant had been mounted on the wall immediately beside the entrance and had apparently been knocked completely off, leaving behind a significant hole where the screws and mounting hardware had been.

Beyond the damage itself, we were stunned by the placement of the fixture. It protruded from the wall directly next to the entrance in an area where guests, children, luggage, beach equipment and bags are constantly passing. The fact that it could be knocked from the wall so easily only added to our concerns about the quality and thoughtfulness of some of the construction and installation throughout the property.

There were other details that contributed to the same overall impression.

The lighting throughout the condo was unpleasant and inconsistent. In the primary bedroom, one light was an extremely bright, almost hospital-like white while another was yellow. Many of the lights throughout the unit had the same harsh quality.

There were exposed wires underneath the televisions, which simply did not reflect the polished appearance we expected from a high-end rental.

The refrigerator dispenser light and microwave light were not functioning. While these may seem like small details, when traveling with young children, those little lights are incredibly useful at night in an unfamiliar space.

The pullout mattress was also extremely uncomfortable and poor quality, which is important for families relying on all of the advertised sleeping accommodations.

Our bedroom also faced a dilapidated/abandoned-looking building—not exactly the view we envisioned when booking a beachfront vacation.

Housekeeping & Basic Supplies Were Consistently Overlooked

Another recurring frustration was the lack of attention to basic supplies and restocking.

We had to specifically request dishwasher detergent and even a dish sponge, as well as additional shampoo and conditioner during our seven-night stay.

What made this particularly frustrating was that housekeeping had been in the unit, yet it didn’t appear that anyone was taking note of what had been depleted or needed replenishing. We found ourselves having to identify missing or empty items and request them individually rather than having the condo routinely checked and properly restocked.

Again, these may sound like small things. But at this price point, the small things are exactly what distinguish a high-end hospitality experience.

Guests shouldn’t have to manage the inventory of basic household and bathroom supplies themselves while on vacation.

Noise, Privacy & Other Property Issues

We also found the walls to be extremely thin, and privacy was an issue. On one occasion, we were awakened by loud yoga music before 8:00 AM.

The elevator was not operational during our stay, which added another significant inconvenience.

There was also confusion surrounding the floor of the unit. It had been described to us as being on the third floor, when in reality it is effectively the second floor.

Again, none of these things individually would have ruined a vacation. It was the constant accumulation of issues that became so frustrating.

The Beach Amenities Were Not What We Expected

The beach situation was another major disappointment and something we had previously addressed directly with management.

While the location of the beach amenities may have been vaguely referenced during the booking process, we did not feel the actual distance was adequately or clearly communicated. The beach facilities were more than a 26-minute walk away.

That is an important distinction for anyone booking a beachfront family vacation—particularly when traveling with three young children, beach bags and everything else that comes along with getting a family to and from the beach.

To their credit, management attempted to make this right by comping us cabanas at the beach, and we genuinely appreciated the gesture.

Under different circumstances, this would have been an absolutely incredible treat. The cabanas are expensive and certainly something we never would have splurged on ourselves.

Unfortunately, we were traveling with three children under the age of 10.

A cabana is wonderful if your goal is to sit back and relax. As parents responsible for watching our children in the ocean, that simply wasn’t an option for us. There was absolutely no way to adequately see and supervise them in the ocean from the cabana area.

So while we sincerely appreciated the gesture and recognize that management was trying to offer us something of real value, it unfortunately wasn’t an amenity our family could realistically use in the way it was intended.

Ultimately, the Experience Did Not Match the Price

We understand that things can go wrong during any vacation. A lightbulb can burn out. WiFi can need to be reset. Something can occasionally be overlooked by housekeeping.

Our disappointment came from the sheer accumulation of issues over the course of a seven-night stay.

From the extremely stressful parking situation and the wall-mounted fixture coming off and leaving a gaping hole, to WiFi and television issues, exposed wires, inconsistent lighting, an uncomfortable pullout mattress, elevator problems, noise, missing basic supplies and repeatedly having to request replenishment of household and bathroom necessities, the experience simply did not feel like the caliber of accommodations we believed we were paying for.

We also want to be fair and acknowledge that management did make efforts to address some of our concerns. Chazz in particular was helpful, and the complimentary cabanas were a generous gesture even though they weren’t practical for our family.

But ultimately, we weren’t looking for complimentary extras. We wanted the expensive accommodations we booked to live up to what we believed we were booking.

We had planned, saved and looked forward to this seven-night family vacation all summer. We had no interest in cutting our trip short—we wanted to enjoy the vacation we had been so excited about. Instead, we spent far too much of an expensive, much-anticipated week navigating problems and requesting things that should have already been addressed.

Our advice to future guests—particularly families—is to ask very specific questions before booking. If you drive a large vehicle, ask for detailed information about your exact parking space and access to it. Ask exactly where the beach amenities are in relation to your unit. Confirm elevator accessibility, the actual floor and view of your particular unit, and what services and housekeeping are included during your stay.

La Mer may be a very different experience for a couple or a family with older children, and we recognize that other guests may prioritize different things.

But for our family with three children under 10, this was unfortunately not the relaxing, top-notch beachfront experience we expected.

At this price point, the details matter—and there were simply too many details that were missed.

Location

Wonderful hotel and location. We've had a room with a nice location and found that the atmosphere was so soothing 😌 ☺️ ✨️. The staff were attentive and honestly I think it's a great value for the money paid.

Don’t expect your room to be ready before 4pm and absolutely no area to sit waiting. You can use the pool but very busy and not guaranteed seating. If raining you will be sitting in your car. $7 for a bottle of water at pool and terrible food.

Great experience! Very clean and well-maintained. Friendly staff. Nice location. A little removed from the action, but walkable. We would definitely stay here again!

Nice hotel, great staff. Restaurant can be slow. Breakfast/lunch is good, We had to change rooms and they were kind to accommodate us the next day. Floors 3 and 4 are best , ocean facing is perfect.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. Loved the location. Absolutely loved the resort's restaurant. Went there multiple times.

Amazing Stay

We had the BEST time at La Mer Beachfront Resort! 🌊☀️ From the beautiful ocean views and relaxing beach days to the gorgeous room, amazing food, and incredible service, everything was absolutely perfect. The staff was so welcoming and attentive, and the whole resort had such a peaceful, upscale atmosphere.

We truly enjoyed every minute of our stay and didn’t want to leave! La Mer is definitely a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of Cape May. We’re already looking forward to coming back! ❤️

*** NEVER AGAIN ***

FIRST MORNING BATH IN 2inches OF WATER

I wouldn’t recommend I made a reservation for four disable people to check in early and we were made to wait until 4 PM exactly to check in The manager was rude. He interrupted our conversation the conversation I was having with the representative and it was getting complicated and he decided to rudely but and explained to him that was rude and he wanted to say because he was a manager it was OK to be rude so and I explained to him he did that andI don’t think from that point they were happy with us. They did send a maintenance guy the first night and that was great and I tipped them 20 bucks I called because the bathroom was nonfunctional. You cannot take a bath and a couple of us take Epsom salt baths for pain! On Saturday afternoon, we left the room approximately three 330. They said they sent someone at 1 PM but we were there until around 3:30 and I can supply the receipts when We dined. And I sent them a message about it, but no one showed up and I got no response. I was ignored until checkout I got no response and then later on the electric goes out and that gets into the mix and a part of the excuse and no one ever addresses the situation they say they have to investigate it, and I sent them the pictures early Friday morning. They were supposed to fix it on Thursday at 1 PM this is their response. On Friday evening after they left me on hold forever as soon as I hung up, I received this email.:

Hi Shawn,
Good afternoon,
I wanted to follow up with you regarding our conversation this morning as you were departing.
I did some additional investigation and reviewed the service order that was placed yesterday. Our Maintenance Department was at your condo at approximately 1:00 p.m., and they have documented notes regarding the work that was completed. Based on their notes, the necessary adjustments were made.
At this time, no adjustments have been made to the amount reflected on your final receipt. I’m sorry if this wasn’t the outcome you were hoping for. We truly appreciate your understanding and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.

Courtney Barker
Front Desk Manager
La Mer

THIS LETTER FROM THE MANAGER IS STATING THAT THEY FIXED IT ON THURSDAY THE 13TH 2026. THE PICTURES ATTACHED WERE TAKEN AUGUST 14, 2026 ON FRIDAY APPROXIMATELY 4 AM IN THE MORNING YOU DO THE MATH!

But like it Was like being in Atlantic City playing the Shell game. We spent most of our time worrying about when they were coming.

They never made us feel like we belonged. They didn’t treat us like they were treating other individuals that were in the lobby. They were checking other people in and just had a really good attitude and it just didn’t seem like we were the same Type of guest as the others Or that we deserve the same type of treatment. I’m just glad the paraplegic didn’t come. I mean I wanted them to come, but they had to have foot surgery but I think things would’ve been much more difficult. It was hard enough with an 85 year-old.

I just can’t believe they’re saying they fixed it and I have the pictures that I text her 4:30 in the morning when I got up and she’s gonna blatantly lie like that because the only way I could communicate with them was via text. They corresponded very easily until the bathroom situations came up and then mostly all my texts didn’t have responses all of a sudden I think I would have better a better chance at the casino and I can’t believe I’m saying that! I’ve never been to a hotel that has made me feel actually disgusted by their management. From my vast experience traveling around the world since 1996 I remember wonderful memories, and unfortunately, this won’t be one of them. This is one I’ll be trying to forget as I spent my mornings trying to shove towels into a drain hole so we can wash our bodies.

Oh, and by the way, there was a dirty cleaning glove, cleaning, scrubbing glove left under our towels.

*** AND THEY LOOKED AT ME LIKE I WAS THE FUNKY CHICKEN ***

Great view quiet inside, but the people outside will think you’re quite loud (with no working bathroom).

Stay somewhere else!
This hotel is extremely overpriced and seriously lacking in all areas! Very poor management, rude and unhelpful front desk staff, lacking hospitality and service in all areas! Choose another hotel!

My wife and I stayed at La Mer for our wedding anniversary because of the newly renovated upscale rooms, despite the higher price.

Unfortunately, on our last day the hotel lost power. No lights, no elevators, no AC, and our room was around 80 degrees. We had to carry our luggage down the stairs in the pouring rain to check out.

When I asked the front desk employee, Debbie, how a hotel like this had no generator, she replied, “We have one, but not for your room, and the whole city is out.” Oddly enough, the block across the street had power.

I understand outages happen, but for the price and supposed upscale experience, this was extremely disappointing. Not even an I’m sorry, here’s a cup of coffee, nothing…Our anniversary stay ended up feeling like a very expensive Motel 6.

Modern, great restaurant and bar, beach service, bike rentals

Everything! The restaurant is amazing. So clean and the customer service is top notch.

We stayed for 2 nights/2 rooms booked 2 months in advance, when I booked I asked for adjoining rooms reservations said could not guarantee but will put on same floor. Called 2x to confirm same floor and book cabana. Got there one on 2nd one on 4th, a woman also with her grandchildren same problem. She was even put in 2 different buildings.

Asked for manager, spoke to Norberto who said he was the manager, later finding out he is not a manager! He was rude did not help me or the other family. NOT family-friendly at all!

The hotel is away from the restaurants and the town shopping. I should have listened to friends and stayed at Congress Hall. It was actually cheaper.

As far as side ocean view which I booked and paid for, see photos attached. Does someone have a saw so I could cut down the trees to see the ocean. Don't be scammed !

Terrible customer service, basically didn't care and when you are spending over $1,000 a night they should care!!!

The staff is super friendly and accommodating. We always had parking . The pool was clean and heated . The restaurant is 5 star . Love the morning coffee on the patio . Their gardens are magnificent.

The service restaurant staff were wonderful. After we switched our room for being very dark facing a wall it was much better. Some of the front desk staff were helpful (not all). They need to give larger sized toiletries for the bathroom. The soap shampoo conditioner wasn’t even enough for one use by one person. Our room was by housekeeping and every morning they woke us talking loudly whistling banging carts.
Otherwise the facility was lovely. Food and drinks good and location very nice. Howl was clean.

Great staff, reception etc. Friendly, helpful. Huge room..comfortable bed. Regular refrigerator, microwave, toaster and a Keurig. Room cleaned every day, bed made and dishes washed. Only issue was that the floor wasn't washed so we noted dirty soles of our feet walking around barefoot. Quiet location and beach amenities given. Pier One restaurant by the hotel was very good. Have stayed there multiple times.