Best Hotels on the Jersey Shore

The 127 mile arch of smooth sand between New Jersey State and the Atlantic Ocean is breathtakingly scenic at any time of year, but come summer the Jersey Shore buzzes with happy visitors, seeing the historic sights and enjoying the beach. There’s so much shore there’s really a perfect water-side holiday for everyone here, and to help you find the perfect property the Hotel Gurus have come up with their recommendations of the best hotels on the Jersey Shore. You’ll find some of our picks for the best luxury resorts on the Jersey Shore, and the most romantic stays, in Cape May, a pretty, historic town with hundreds of Victorian buildings, many of them huge mansions now converted into chic inns and B&Bs. Atlantic City has some of the larger properties, the world’s longest boardwalk, and some great value options. Sandy Hook offers views of Manhattan, Long Beach Island makes for a great escape, and we have picks in lots of little charming beach-side towns too, which is where you’ll find some of our recommendations for the best family hotels on the Jersey Shore.

For a Classic Seaside Holiday

Congress Hall is a grand Victorian era hotel, often referred to as America’s first beach resort, and offering a classic American seaside holiday, complete with a huge pool surrounded by sun loungers, lawns which run all the way down to the sea, fire pits and a choice of bars and restaurants. The hotel has 107 rooms and suites, painted the blue of a sunny sky, and in a range of sizes that can accommodate any family.

For a Jersey Shore Beach Break

The Star is your classic beach motel, but with totally revamped interiors. The 19 rooms, suites and multi-bedroom bungalows, are now fresh and bright, with decor that offers pops of colour against white. You’re super close to the beach, which is on the end of your street, and guests have access to all the impressive facilities of Congress Hall, which is right next door.
The Lokal Hotel is a collection of eight, airy self-catering studios and two bedroom suites just steps from the beach in Cape May. The timbered exterior, with its huge windows and ocean-view balconies, feels less contemporary than the interiors — though there’s certainly a stylish use of wood throughout. Outside is a pool, barbecues, a fire pit and a garden.

For Resort Living

Seaview, A Dolce Hotel is a turn of the century golf resort offering elegance and tradition, plus two golf courses, two pools, tennis courts, three restaurants and acres of woodland. There are around 300 rooms and suites, all fresh feeling and comfortable, and there’s a room to accommodate every family configuration, and pets too. They offer a babysitting service, and there’s a great kids club, as well as all that outdoor space.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a luxurious, waterfront resort with idyllic views and great facilities. The 58 rooms and suites include self-catering options, and they all feel large, fresh and contemporary. There are four restaurants onsite, and a two floor spa with a huge range of treatment options. There’s also a plunge pool and hot tubs, and a complimentary electric shuttle to the beach, with towels, umbrellas and beach chairs all included in the service.

For Romance

The Virginia is a small and charming, adults only choice in pretty Cape May, just a few blocks from the beach. The Victorian facade has a traditional feel, with a large verandah, and inside are 24 rooms and suites, plus a lounge with an open fire and a well regarded farm-to-fork restaurant. They serve a charming breakfast on the porch, and you get access to the pool and spa at a sister hotel just a short stroll away
The Harrison is a romantic B&B converted from a Victorian mansion in Cape May. A sense of history and opulence remains in the nine rooms and suites, decorated with Renaissance style furnishings, plush carpets and impressive marble bathrooms, but you can also expect all the mod. cons.. There’s no restaurant, but afternoon tea and a gourmet cooked breakfast are included, served in the elegant dining room or on the verandah.
Built in the 19th century, Casablanca is a pretty beach house that fits in perfectly with the charm of Cape May. Inside are ten rooms, all light and airy, featuring grand antique beds, gas fires and statement bathrooms, plus a dining room and lounge, and outside is a wonderful porch. The location, close to the beach and shops and restaurants, makes it a relaxing place to stay, but we also think it’s one of the most romantic hotels on the Jersey Shore.
The Hugh is another beautiful Victorian mansion in Cape May converted into a stylish B&B. It has eight rooms and suites, decorated with a style that’s more colourful and contemporary than the exterior would suggest. Again, there are welcoming communal spaces, including a chic monochrome lounge, a sunny breakfast room and an expansive porch. Breakfast is an impressive affair and you’re only a short walk from everything in Cape May.

For Luxury on the Jersey Shore

For something a bit special consider Cape May’s Southern Mansion, a Victorian conversion with opulently decorated period rooms and plenty of old world charm. You can expect four-poster beds, hand-painted tiles, bold colours and damask in the 24 rooms and suites, and double height ceilings, gilt and marble in the communal lounge and solarium, which is where they serve generous home-cooked breakfasts.
The Atlantis Inn is an opulent, Victorian mansion metres from the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City. The 14 rooms are traditionally dressed, with antiques, period finishes, heavy damask and brocade fabrics and elegant architectural features; some of the rooms have whirlpool tubs too. It’s a beautiful building, which adds to the feeling of romance. The inn also has two self-catering villas, and in the main house breakfast is served in the dining room, but there’s no restaurant.

Family Hotels on the Jersey Shore

Sleek and contemporary, the Wave Resort is perfectly positioned right up against the sand of Long Branch Beach. The 67 chic rooms and suites are all light and spacious, with lots of white, clean lines and floor to ceiling windows. The largest rooms sleep six very comfortably, so this is one of our picks for the best family hotels on the Jersey Shore. There’s a choice of four restaurants, a huge pool with a swim-up bar, and a kids club.
The Hewitt Wellington is another smaller, Victorian era hotel with a traditional feel and a wonderful location just moments from Spring Lake Beach. The 20 rooms and suites have been recently refurbished, and all differently, but still have a traditional feel. All suites accommodate four, so there’s plenty of choice for families. Facilities include a heated pool and a fine dining restaurant.
The Hotel LBI, on Long Beach Island, is another great choice for families, with 102 spacious rooms and suites that offer flexible accommodation for groups of any size. All suites have a kitchenette, but there are multiple restaurants onsite, plus a beach club, an indoor pool and a stunning rooftop terrace and fire pit.

For Fun

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Bijou and cool, the Bungalow Hotel is a stylish choice just minutes from Long Branch Beach. Its 24 rooms and suites feature lots of white and a smattering of art and design objets, and most have private balconies and kitchenettes — the best have sea views. There’s an atmospheric bar, lounge and games room and you can access the pool and gym at sister property the Wave Resort.
Just moments from Cape May beach, the Carroll Villa Hotel is a family-owned and run, 19 room hotel converted from a pretty Victorian era mansion. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, the majority with a nautical nod to the location, and some beautifully crafted mid-century furnishings. The best rooms have sea views. The hotel’s restaurant is a local institution known for its crab cakes and Bloody Marys, and the hotel bar is Cape May’s only venue with live music nightly.

For a Peaceful Escape

The Chateau Inn and Suites in Spring Lake, is a very varied collection of 37 rooms and suites overlooking two parks, just a couple of blocks from the beach. They all have a neutral colour palette and elegant features like original art work, fireplaces and large bathrooms, but they’re quite different in size and shape. There’s no restaurant, but they offer a Continental breakfast, and there are plenty of great places to eat nearby.
The Inn on Main is on the Main Street of Manasquan, which runs right down to the beach and the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in minutes. The 12 rooms and suites are all different, but all are decorated with classic style in mind — some of have four-posters, some sleigh beds, some fireplaces. There are two restaurants on the ground floor and a courtyard.

For Great Value

The Asbury is a chic, affordable, contemporary hotel just 300 metres from Asbury’s boardwalk. There are 110 rooms and suites, all simply and very comfortably dressed. It has a pleasant range of communal space too, including a games room with table tennis and pool, a large outdoor pool, a lounge and bar, restaurant and a rooftop bar and garden.
The Chelsea Inn is a small and historic pub and inn, just moments from Atlantic City’s long, sandy, Chicken Bone Beach. There are just ten rooms, all of them individually decorated, and big on character, with beamed ceilings and wooden floors. The pub downstairs is warm and friendly, and has a hearty menu.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendations for the best places to stay in Cape May or the best places to stay in Atlantic City
Or you could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in New Jersey
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

20 Best Hotels on the Jersey Shore

The Asbury

New Jersey (210 5th Ave)

The Asbury is a contemporary hotel located 300 metres from the city's boardwalk. It offers chic and simplistic accommodation, spacious common areas with table tennis and a pool table, and an outdoor pool. Enjoy a drink at sunset at The Baronet bar's rooftop garden! A friendly and unique city spot.

Active Holiday - The games room, local swimming on offer and many nearby golf courses mean there are plenty of opportunities to stay active
City Style - The Asbury enjoys a wonderfully central location in Asbury Park
Local markets - Go visit The Market-a union of local, national and independent shops, artists and designers
Sights nearby - Spend a day in NYC and see all the iconic sights it has to offer

from AU$169 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

20 Best Hotels on the Jersey Shore

For a Classic Seaside Holiday

For a Jersey Shore Beach Break

For Resort Living

For Romance

For Luxury on the Jersey Shore

Family Hotels on the Jersey Shore

For Fun

For a Peaceful Escape

For Great Value

Still not sure where to book?

20 Best Hotels on the Jersey Shore

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