Periwinkle Inn in Cape May

I’d like to start by saying the woman at the front desk when we checked out was lovely. Also, the woman cleaning our room was fantastic and would leave our children shapes in the towels.

That being said, we will not be returning after our 3rd year here. While the rooms are boasted as smoke free, the owners neglect to state that guests are allowed to smoke anywhere on the property. I wish the following account was an exaggeration. On this trip, a large group (which seemed to be related to either the owners or managers/workers of the property) spent the entire trip chain smoking and drinking by AND in the pool, at the common picnic tables and grills, and shuffle board. There was no regard for other guests health. There was no reprieve from their behavior. I was with two small children and a terminally Ill family member on this trip. Literally blowing smoke while kids walking past during the entire day. Cursing and drinking at the pool. Smoking so much that the smoke would permeate from the ashtrays to the air like a nicotine diffuser. We asked early on in the trip if this was allowed, and we were told yes, guests can smoke wherever.

We couldn’t use the pool. We couldn’t use the grill. We couldn’t use the picnic table. We were there eight days.

I’m all for having a good time but when you come to Cape May you expect less of a party scene, especially at a hotel without a bar. We paid 20 percent more to stay there this year and didn’t use any of the amenities and had a smaller room. Horrible, horrible experience and a waste of money.