Blue Fish Inn: Where Guests Become Family

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Cape May, New Jersey, the Blue Fish Inn stands as a testament to the power of genuine hospitality and the enduring bonds formed between innkeepers and their guests. Owned and operated by "Uncle" Franco, a retired New York City police officer, this top-rated motel has become more than just a place to stay—it's a home away from home for countless visitors who return year after year.

A Gem in Cape May

The Blue Fish Inn has garnered impressive accolades, ranking #4 out of 36 hotels in Cape May and #3 out of 11 motels in the area. With multiple Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor, the inn has built a reputation for exceptional service and comfort. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, spotless accommodations, and unique features such as outdoor showers and pet-friendly offerings.

A Second Act in Hospitality

Franco's journey into the world of hospitality wasn't necessarily a lifelong dream, but rather a serendipitous second act. After retiring from the police force at 50, he found himself restless and eager for a new challenge. "There's no way I'm going to sit on a rocking chair and do nothing," Franco recalls with a chuckle. His first foray into the hotel business involved renovating a rundown roadside motel, which he successfully turned around and sold. This experience led him to Cape May and the Blue Fish Inn, which he has owned and operated for the past eleven years.

More Than Just a Business

What sets the Blue Fish Inn apart is not just its pristine rooms or prime location near the beach and town activities. It's the personal touch that Franco, along with his manager, Lena, and their staff brings to every aspect of the inn's operations. "I'm on the property all the time," Franco explains. "I basically live here, and that's my doing because I am very particular in the sense that I like to be on the property when people are staying here."

This hands-on approach has resulted in consistently glowing reviews, with guests praising the spotless accommodations, friendly staff, and attention to detail. Franco takes particular pride in the fact that these reviews are entirely unsolicited. "Those are heartfelt reviews," he says. "I don't solicit anything. I don't force people, I don't bargain with them to write five-star reviews."

"Blue Fish WIN"

We absolutely loved our stay at the Blue Fish Inn. Franco and all of the staff are incredibly welcoming and helpful, and accommodated our last minute stay with no problems. We came up to take pictures for a friend's surprise engagement, and the Blue Fish's location is a perfect walking distance to the beach, shops, and a quick drive to all Cape May has to offer. We have never stayed at a smaller inn before, but you really get an adorable place to crash for a great rate compared to some of the other more expensive places we researched in the area. Although louder guests can sometimes be heard, Franco is quick to make sure they quiet down, which we respect a lot, as some places just let that slide. Franco and family, thank you for everything, you guys have an amazing place and wonderful hearts!

Creating a Home Away from Home

For Franco and his team, running the Blue Fish Inn is about more than just providing a place to sleep. It's about creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of belonging. This philosophy is evident in the way Franco interacts with his guests, many of whom have been returning for years.

"I've had people come down here with their children who are two, three years old, five years old, ten years old," Franco shares. "Now their children are coming with their boyfriends or girlfriends. I've seen one family grow from one grandchild to nine grandchildren. Now they book four or five rooms, and every time the mother leaves, she cries and says, 'You don't know how happy we are when we come here.'"

These emotional connections are at the heart of what makes the Blue Fish Inn special. Guests affectionately refer to Franco as "Uncle Franco" or "Mr. Franco," and he goes above and beyond to make them feel like family.

One particularly touching story exemplifies Franco's dedication to his guests. For years, a retired homicide detective from Pittsburgh had been a regular visitor to the Blue Fish Inn. This guest, now in his 80s, had been coming to the inn for over 30 years, even before Franco took ownership. As the years went by, the 5-6 hour drive from Pittsburgh to Cape May became increasingly challenging for the elderly guest.

One day, during a conversation with Franco, the guest expressed his concerns. "Franco," he said, "I'm getting old. It's going to come to a point where I can't come anymore." Franco's response was immediate and heartfelt. He told his longtime guest, "Doc, when you can't come, I will come and visit you."

True to his word, when Franco received a call from the guest saying they couldn't make the trip anymore, he didn't hesitate. Franco and Lena got in the car and drove five hours to have lunch with their longtime guest, then drove back the same day.

This gesture goes far beyond typical hospitality, demonstrating the deep personal connections Franco forms with his guests. "These are the things you do that have an effect on people," Franco explains. "You don't mind, especially when they're old, and you just want to show them you care."

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Innkeepers

Franco's journey from police officer to beloved innkeeper has taught him valuable lessons about hospitality and human nature. "Being a cop helps you in certain situations," he reflects, "but that hardness, sometimes you have to let it go when you're dealing with people that are coming to vacation at your place."

For those considering entering the hospitality business, Franco offers this advice: "Be prepared. You do have a ball and chain on you. Unless you're able to afford having somebody here 24/7, it's a small place. You're not making that much money that you can always have someone to cover three shifts."

Despite the challenges, Franco finds immense satisfaction in the relationships he's built with his guests. "You're constantly meeting, making new friends," he says. "That is the great part of the job."

The Key to Success: Attention to Detail

Franco and Lena are constantly looking for ways to improve the guest experience. They pay close attention to guest feedback and make updates accordingly. "If you're doing your rooms up and somebody makes a suggestion, like having a USB phone charger on the nightstand instead of having to go behind the couch to plug in, we listen," Franco explains. "Sometimes little things like that, fans, lighting, mattresses, comforters—it's the little things that, if you pay attention to, can get you a lot of attention."

Recent upgrades include replacing pull-chain fans with remote-controlled ones and ensuring convenient access to power outlets for guests' devices. These small touches contribute significantly to guest comfort and satisfaction.

Seasonal Operations and Community Involvement

While Cape May is known as a summer destination, the Blue Fish Inn operates for ten months of the year. Franco notes, "Even though we're a shore town, you come down here in December and we're just as busy as if it's summertime. It's a great town. It's a ten-month year town." The inn closes from January 2nd to President's Day weekend, using this time for maintenance and preparations for the upcoming season.

A Legacy of Hospitality

As the Blue Fish Inn continues to thrive under Franco's leadership, it stands as a shining example of what personalized, attentive hospitality can achieve. For Franco, the greatest reward is seeing families return year after year, watching children grow up, and being a part of their cherished vacation memories.

In a world of chain hotels and impersonal service, the Blue Fish Inn reminds us of the enduring value of genuine connections and the power of making guests feel truly at home. As Franco puts it, "These are the things you do that have an effect on people." And at the Blue Fish Inn, that effect is nothing short of an experience that makes it so you can't wait to come back.

To experience the warmth and hospitality of the Blue Fish Inn for yourself, visit their website at https://www.bluefishinn.com/ to book your stay at an unforgettable Cape May getaway.