So you’re thinking about visiting New Jersey? The Garden State — or “Jersey” as locals call it — boasts abundant natural diversity, from the Skylands’ rolling hills to Jersey Shore’s glittering beaches. With bustling cities, quaint small towns, and peaceful pine forests, New Jersey has something to offer every traveler.
Your chosen accommodation can make or break your experience when visiting this dynamic state. Luckily, New Jersey offers a fantastic array of hotels catering to different tastes and budgets. Whether you want gaming, spas, family fun, or just rest and relaxation, these are the best hotels in New Jersey.
Atlantic City Stays
For urban explorers, Atlantic City brings big-city action with coastal charm, and you can experience luxury right on the famous boardwalk at The Water Club Hotel at Borgata. This stylish boutique hotel, connected to the Borgata Casino, features immaculate rooms with floor-to-ceiling views, upscale dining, and a two-story spa.
Guests can try their luck at Borgata’s slot machines or place bets with ROAR Digital’s online sportsbooks, BETMGM and Borgata Online. After a night out, relax poolside, surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Just steps away lies Atlantic City’s vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment.
Adventures in Cape May
The southern coast also brings indulgence with the iconic Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May. This grand dame has welcomed guests since 1816 with classic architecture and modern beachy-chic rooms, making it one of the best places to stay from yesteryear to today.
Laze on the expansive veranda or unwind on the breezy rooftop deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll to boutique shops and restaurants in historic downtown Cape May. Families can enjoy bike rentals, s’mores nights, and kid-friendly programming.
Ocean Breeze
For a peaceful island escape, the historic Ocean Street Inn in Spring Lake brings Victorian charm to the Jersey Shore. Situated right across from the beach, this quaint bed and breakfast lets you wake up to the sound of the surf.
Enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening sweets to fuel your beach days. This intimate B&B offers relaxation just steps from the sand, and you can bike down the boardwalk or stroll downtown to discover Spring Lake’s coastal beauty.
Hilltop Escape
In the rolling hills of northwest New Jersey, The Madison Hotel in Morristown provides a refined oasis with a touch of nostalgia. This European-style boutique hotel once hosted guests like presidents and royalty.
Today, guests can unwind in rooms furnished with elegant antiques and soaking tubs. Savor contemporary American cuisine at their restaurant or handcrafted cocktails at the mahogany bar. The Madison Hotel lets you experience the grand lifestyle of a bygone era.
Sun and Family Fun
Ideal for families, the Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun brings indoor water park excitement no matter the weather. This massive 84,000-square-foot water park keeps kids busy with slides, ropes courses, raft rides, and more. Parents can relax at the spa or sip a cocktail by the fireplace while the kids enjoy MagiQuest interactive gaming. With kid-friendly suites and dining options, Great Wolf Lodge offers perfect accommodations for active families.
Nature’s Wonders
Natural splendor awaits at Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County, located in the beautiful Kittatinny Mountains. Stay in the luxurious Minerals Hotel or spacious Appalachian Cabins featuring gas fireplaces and private decks.
The resort’s highlights are the Minerals Sports Club and Elements Spa, offering indulgent treatments like vichy showers and outdoor soaking pools. Play a round on their PGA golf courses, go skiing, relax at the full-service marina, or explore beautiful nature trails outside your door. With endless amenities amidst stunning scenery, Crystal Springs Resort is a hidden gem.
Rustic Woodland Retreats
For a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, New Jersey offers charming woodland getaways. Mohican Lodge in Blairstown offers cozy cabin rentals on 70 wooded acres along the Delaware River. Enjoy homestyle meals at their restaurant and relax by the stone fireplace in the great lodge.
Just south in the Kittatinny Mountains, Historic Smithville Village transports you to 19th-century rural America. Quaint cottages, charming B&Bs, and rustic lodges are nestled on a replica of a colonial village with shops, dining, and recreation. Stroll along the walking trails, go fishing, or ride on the locomotive train through the countryside and enjoy an authentic Americana experience.
With wooded sites and scenic views, these secluded lodges are ideal for unwinding, surrounded by the beauty of New Jersey’s forests and farmlands.
Simply the Best
New Jersey offers an array of premier accommodations to meet every vacation interest. From the excitement of casino resorts in Atlantic City to family-friendly waterparks and the serenity of spa escapes, the state provides many customized options.
Whether you want to relax along the beautiful beaches, experience the energy of the cities, enjoy outdoor adventures, or find cozy comfort in a charming cabin — New Jersey hotels cater to it all.
By Chris Bates
