New Jersey is a compact state that’s packed with many things to do. You can go mountain-top climbing or lounge on the beach. There are urban jaunts and Instagram-worthy spots. It’s a land of contrasts and it has something for everyone. For example, hotels in New Jersey have a strong sense of place. They’re located near mountains and the beach, and they offer different activities, such as rooftop bars and Instagram-worthy locations.
The nature of your hotel is as important as the view. Maybe you have a farm in the northwest with a beautiful light like the Delaware River. Or maybe you have a Manhattan hotel that has the best views of New York. Or perhaps you have a seaside hotel for a digital detox and to lock up cellphones.
From classic to modern and from portable to permanent, it can be very hard to choose the best place to stay in New Jersey. However, there are numerous hotels that make this state a paradise for travelers who enjoy changing things up.
1. The National Hotel
The Inn at Lambertville Station, built in 1851, is just a stone’s skip away from the Delaware River. A Victorian stagecoach stop (and rumored brothel), it was reincarnated by the D’Costa family. This love affair makes sense when you set eyes on the carved oak bar where townies mix with travelers.
If you want to drink a Manhattan, you can order it here. Or, head over to the basement Rathskeller and drink by a wood-burning stove. Then, you can stay in one of ten rooms and look for Flo, the resident ghost.
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2. The Asbury
The Asbury has earned world’s best cred. Why? It’s a hotel that tells the story of New York City. You’ll find it in the retro photos, dreamy pillow-tops, and bunks. But this is a place for now. The Soundbooth lobby bar is popular with locals who love its Manhattan Transfer cocktails. (Locals from Brooklyn also frequent this bar.) This hotel invites you to explore the city and discover its hidden gems.
The Asbury Park is a multi-faceted urban oasis with a pulse on the city’s cultural needs. From drag karaoke to the rooftop movie theater, patrons can never get bored of its offerings. One example is the reopening of Asbury Lanes, a bowling alley-slash-concert hall.
3. Tuscany House Hotel at Renault Winery
If you squint your eyes, you may think you are in a Florentine villa. But it’s actually Harbor City, NJ. The old-world theme makes sense because it is sister to one of the oldest wineries in the United States. The winery’s roots are French, and the hotel’s Tuscan theme is a nod to that heritage.
The original vineyard was planted in 1864 by a vintner from Rheims. It’s only an hour away from Manhattan, and overnight shipping lets you sample the wine. There’s a golf course on site, as well as traditional rooms with more of a French design. The rooms have a bit of an antique feel, which is part of the charm.
4. The Starlux
Looking for a retro American experience? Stop by the Wingate at Wildwood, where you’ll feel like you just time-traveled back to the 1950s. With free wi-fi and beach cruisers, it’s easy to think of this place as a vintage motel from the 1950s. The rooms have soft beds and lava lamps, making it easy to fall asleep after a long day in the sun.
This city has a lot of vintage hotels. But Starluxe is fresh and new, but still in the spirit of the mid-century American road trip era. The true connoisseurs should book one of the Airstream trailers.
5. Bungalow Hotel
New Jersey residents should include these stylish digs on their vacation list. Cool white interiors contrast with bold details and driftwood. The boutique was designed by Robert and Cortney Novogratz, who also created a fashionable atmosphere that feels expensive but is actually more affordable than it seems at first glance.
The lobby bar has cocktails and foosball, which keeps the energy airy. Included are electric fireplaces, Bluetooth sound systems and discounts to the nearby beach club, Le Club Avenue.
6. Water Club by Borgata
Atlantic City is changing. In 2018, Hard Rock will open a new casino there. The Water Club by Borgata is a good place for tourists to stay. It has a heated pool complex with aqua towels for loungers. The Immersion Spa is also a good choice.
The hotel is 32 stories high. The view of the ocean from the window is breathtaking. Rooms are very luxurious, with rain showerheads and toiletries from Lather. Also at the hotel, you will find food from celebrity chefs including Michael Symon and Bobby Flay.
7. Minerals Hotel
This hotel is not cheap, but it has a grown-up camp feel. It has heated pools, too, which is great for skiers. I highly recommend this hotel for families with children and for those who want to ski.
Don’t expect to spend much time in your room here. The resort offers activities from horseback riding to yoga and mixology classes, as well as a chance to walk along the Appalachian Trail. If you’re looking for even more fun, the sister resort Grand Cascades also offers a stunning pool complex.
8. Holly Shores Camping Resort
A new Jersey resort features glamping, which is a combination of glamour and camping. You can stay in the luxurious safari tents or in a tiny house. From there, you can enjoy the pool and hot tub, play arcade games, or do whatever you wish.
Come to the pool and sing karaoke. Then grab a blanket and head to the campsite. There, you can relax around the bonfire and swap stories. Each weekend is themed, whether it’s about zombies or pizza. After all, it’s Jersey — and you can never be too sure about what might happen.
9. The W, Hoboken
This hotel is as sexy as its prime vantage point over Manhattan. Looking for a room with a view? Look no further. The W has breathtaking views. But that’s not the only reason to stay. The W is also sexy because its lamps evoke illuminated skyscrapers.
Have you heard about the amazing new hotel in Halifax? It’s called the Westin Nova Scotian, and it’s an oasis of relaxation. You can eat food that’s harvested off the coast, and then rest in a fancy room with Bliss products. Bliss products are great for pampering yourself. I bet you’ll love this hotel!
10. Bridge Street House
The Inn at Lambertville Station stands smack in the center of Lambertville’s vibrant downtown, evoking its creative history. This inn has exposed beams, a gallery on the first floor, and sleek fittings in the rooms.
Locals love this area because it’s full of neighborhood charm. To get a real feel for the community, visit some locals’ hangouts north and south of the main street. Free snacks and coffee in the common room will fuel your search for treasures.
11. Tullamore Farms
There’s a farm in Tullamore, Ireland, that’s really fancy. It’s so fancy that The Telegraph did a photo shoot there. The farm is so fancy that it has a farm-to-bed vibe. It’s so fancy that guests are charmed by the farm-fresh eggs and the vinyl collection. Outside, sheep and cows graze.
On the porch swing, it’s easy to forget about the world and its problems. On a nice day, it’s only a short hike to downtown Stockton where there are plenty of artsy things to do. The experience of sitting on the porch swing illuminates why New Jersey is called the Garden State.
12. Hotel Indigo
Newark is a city of the future. A century ago, it was a very busy city. This stylish boutique evokes both the past and the future. It is located in the shell of the First National State Bank building from 1912. High-end fashion is linked to the past, but it also has modern details that reflect how busy this corner was a century ago.
If you want to experience the best of Newark, this hotel is the place to be. It’s a stone’s throw away from hip Halsey Street, which is home to Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus B&P and several classic Iberian eateries. Before you head out for the night, relax with a drink at the seasonal rooftop bar.
13. Mikell’s Big House
This bed and breakfast in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is not just an oasis of style and character, but also an oasis of doilies. This is a very exciting place to stay because it has a former San Francisco fashion designer as its host. The host’s former life is on display because the place has a mix of vintage and modern pieces with bright pops of color.
On Saturdays, Mikell hosts social gatherings and provides snacks and drinks. Breakfast is also served. Coffee is strong and local information about the area is plentiful. Guests have the option of staying in a luxurious carriage house or an apartment that was once owned by Hollywood stars.
14. Sea Shell Resort
This oceanfront resort at Beach Haven is the best place to sip tropical drinks while listening to live music. The place was completely destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, but it’s been completely refurbished and has an awesome party vibe.
In case you didn’t know, you can bring your dog with you when you go shopping. In fact, it’s encouraged! You might have to pay a small fee to bring your dog into a store, but the experience of walking around town with your pup is worth every penny. You’ll be able to enjoy the fresh seafood and delicious local food on offer at the in-store restaurants.
15. Castle at Skylands Manor
If you meant to go to Windsor Castle but ended up in Newark, New Jersey, this 100-year-old hotel in Ringwood, England may serve as consolation. Although it is anachronistic, it evokes gothic fantasies, timbered exteriors, and all. Bonus: It is located within a 100-acre botanical garden with stone verandas and walking trails.
If you’re looking for a unique, unconventional experience to have with friends or family, then a visit to an English castle is just what you need. Before you book, be aware that the castle isn’t luxurious; however, it is still definitely worth visiting. Rooms facing east offer views of the sunrise through leaded windows. This is especially popular for weddings.