Best Hotels in New Jersey

As its name suggests, this hotel is located along Diamond Beach, one of New Jersey's select private beaches located about 5 miles northeast of Cape May. The property's 108 studios and suites all boast full galley kitchens, Keurig coffee makers and floor-to-ceiling windows with Atlantic Ocean views, plus many feature balconies. Despite the impressive sea views, several recent guests were disappointed with their digs due to the small size of the bathrooms. Outside of the accommodations, lodgers will find two on-site eateries: Coastal Blue, which serves fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and Bungalow No. 7, an oceanfront eatery known for signature cocktails and live music. Recent visitors described both the cuisine and the staff here as "outstanding," pointing out that the "amazing" dinners at Coastal Blue are not to be missed. The property is also home to a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool, along with a splash pool for kids. The beach staffs lifeguards from May through September, and there are umbrellas and loungers available for an additional fee.

Travelers find that, despite not being a beachfront hotel, the luxurious Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa surpasses its neighbors – aside from its own sister The Water Club – in comfort and quality. Visitors describe the guest room decor as elegant, the amenities as deluxe and the beds as incredibly cozy. But you don't come here to hide in a guest room: Instead, get out and indulge at one of the numerous on-site restaurants (with menus crafted by acclaimed chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay), socialize at one of two in-house nightclubs or test Lady Luck at the 161,000-square-foot Borgata Casino. If you prefer a more relaxing getaway, spend the day being pampered at Spa Toccare. Recent guests rave about the Borgata's facilities and praise the fantastic customer service. However, some travelers did experience long lines and frustrating service at the reception desk.

The Borgata's sister hotel, The Water Club, takes the extravagant theme of its sibling to a new level. Don't be confused: The Water Club is more than simply another tower of the Borgata. Previous visitors described the guest rooms here as more spacious and high-end, praising The Water Club's rich mocha decor and high-tech amenities (like flat-panel TVs and iPod docking stations). Add that to a massive spa, five pools and cuisine created by renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and a night at this hotel is an experience all its own. Despite its innumerable attributes, The Water Club lacks two typical ingredients of an Atlantic City hotel – a casino and ocean access. However, most visitors appreciate the lack of gambling in the hotel, and those that miss it can find card tables and slots a short walk away. And the lovely pool area makes up for the lack of surf and sand. You'll find this aquatic paradise in the Marina district, just north of the boardwalk and beaches.

Along the shoreline of New Jersey's Cape May, you'll find Congress Hall, a historic hotel with boarding house origins dating back to 1816. Today, Congress Hall pays tribute to its past by maintaining much of its Victorian charm – a particular draw for recent guests. The Brown Room, with its Prohibition-era lounge setting, offers nightly entertainment and friendly bartenders that reminds visitors of a bygone era. But not all of the hotel's features are throwbacks to yesteryear. Accommodations feature in-room amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi access, Aveda bath products and Belgian cotton sheets. Of all the perks, recent guests put a high value on the hotel's free parking, large outdoor pool and near-immediate beach access. (Many travelers recommend splurging on a room with an ocean view.) If the nearby shoreside eateries don't suit your fancy, dine on premises at the Blue Pig Tavern, which serves American comfort food all day long.

Overlooking the New Jersey shoreline from the state's southernmost point, The Virginia Hotel in Cape May offers guests a classier alternative to the area's kitschier digs. Guests praise the hotel's efforts to make your trip stress-free, which includes providing complimentary beach chairs, towels and umbrellas for those looking to soak up the sun on the property's private stretch of sand. The hotel's 24 guest rooms win travelers over with their plush furnishings and beachy decor, and each accommodation comes stocked with deluxe amenities like a flat-screen TV, complimentary high-speed internet access and BVLGARI bath products. What's more, all guests are treated to a complimentary continental breakfast daily. Out on the property, you'll find a bevy of facilities, including the guest-lauded Ebbitt Room restaurant, which serves decadent American cuisine (and plenty of seafood).

If you're looking to spend some time in the Big Apple without wasting all of your souvenir money on Manhattan lodging, the W Hoboken makes an affordable alternative. You'll have to commute across the Hudson, but New Jersey's Hoboken PATH train station – which shuttles residents and visitors to New York on a regular basis – is just a few blocks south of the hotel's front door. And don't think that just because you've crossed the river you can't enjoy a taste of big city style. This is, after all, a W Hotel: Common areas like the lobby are illuminated by trendy blue and purple lighting, while guest rooms are emblazoned with bright colors and modern furnishings. Plus, according to guests, you won't find better vistas of the NYC skyline; just make sure to ask the front desk for a room with a view. Meanwhile, the hotel's Bliss Spa and Halifax restaurant can help you refuel and rejuvenate after a long day in the city; however, several recent guests warn that parking and Wi-Fi fees can start to add up. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, both Starwood Preferred Guest members and Marriott Rewards members can earn and use points here.

Sitting half a block south of the Newport New Jersey Transit station – which connects Jersey City and New York City – The Westin Jersey City Newport makes a great home base for Big Apple exploration. Guest rooms are spacious and bright with muted natural tones and great views of the city skyline (ask for a room that faces the Hudson River). Guests praise the Westin's on-site amenities, especially the Fire & Oak restaurant and its delectable American cuisine. You could also fill up on the light fare served at the trendy Half Moon Restaurant and Lounge. But according to guests, the best thing about this hotel is the room rates, which are significantly lower than what you'd find in Manhattan. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, both Starwood Preferred Guest members and Marriott Rewards members can earn and use points here.

Situated on nearly 2 acres of gardens in Cape May, New Jersey's historic district, The Southern Mansion is just a short walk from nearby beaches, shops and restaurants. Originally built in 1860, the Victorian-style mansion boasts a large front porch with rocking chairs and guest rooms with hand-painted tile showers, flat-screen TVs and antique furniture. In the morning, guests are served a complimentary gourmet breakfast. Wine lovers will appreciate access to the hotel's nearby Willow Creek Winery, which has more than 50 acres of vineyards and a 9,500-square-foot villa for wine tastings. Overall, recent guests said the breakfasts are worth a return visit alone, while others mentioned the attentive staff, comfortable rooms and landscaped grounds as reasons to book a stay. 

The Reeds at Shelter Haven provides a waterside respite along the shores of Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Newlyweds-to-be are captivated by the property's charm, often using the resort as the backdrop for their ceremonies. Some recent guests do mention that the high volume of receptions can detract from a quiet shore getaway. Otherwise, the property wows visitors with its contemporary design, sundeck and free motorcar service to the beach (which is less than three short blocks southeast of the hotel). That free ride comes complete with complimentary beach tags, umbrellas, chairs and towels. Back at the hotel, guests will find their accommodations adorned with white oak floors imported from Holland, Frette bathrobes, Keurig coffee makers and large windows with town or bay views, depending on the room. For an even more complete view of Shelter Haven Bay, guests can dine outdoors at the Water Star Grille, where a menu rich in seafood is served three times a day during the spring and summer months. Indoors, more upscale seashore-influenced dining is available year-round at SAX.

While its name may suggest a more old-fashioned, traditional British atmosphere, the Westminster Hotel in Livingston, New Jersey, is exactly the opposite. The hotel's decor flaunts bright colors, bold patterns and trendy artwork, while guest rooms come equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, spa-quality bath amenities and minifridges. (However, some visitors warn that the rooms' thin walls can make for a restless night, so light sleepers beware.) Guests appreciate the Westminster's boutique atmosphere as well as on-site perks like the indoor pool and hot tub, and the 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also houses a new steakhouse restaurant, Marble & Moxie, though diners say the eatery still needs to work out a few kinks with the menu, execution and waitstaff to be impressive. However, guests say that the hotel staff here is friendly and room rates are a bargain, so you can enjoy the Westminster without breaking the bank.

Situated in northeast New Jersey, the Hilton Short Hills hotel garners mixed reviews from recent guests. Many complement the hotel's excellent location, while a handful say that customer service could be improved. For those who enjoyed their stay, this Hilton's primary perks are the oversized beds and the on-site indoor pool. Working travelers are also pleased with the Hilton Short Hills' business center and wireless internet access. Plus, the recently renovated hotel's proximity to the Short Hills Mall and the Canoe Brook Country Club makes it a great home base for golfers and shoppers alike. No matter why you're here, previous visitors highly recommend reserving a table at The Dining Room for the desserts alone; you can always work off the extra calories at the fitness center or in the pool. Because of its Hilton Hotels ties, this property readily accepts Honors rewards points in exchange for free nights and room upgrades.

After a multimillion dollar renovation in 2013, the Golden Nugget Atlantic City continues to earn praise for its new look and high-quality amenities. The renovated guest rooms feature beds with pillow-top mattresses, iPod docking stations, high-speed internet access and 42-inch plasma TVs. But who needs to spend time in their room anyway? A nearly 80,000-square-foot casino can be found on the premises, along with multiple eateries ranging from an all-you-can-eat buffet to the upscale steak and seafood restaurant, Chart House. The H2O Pool, on the hotel's sixth floor outdoor deck, receives praise from recent guests for its views and lively atmosphere. Despite the Golden Nugget Atlantic City's fancy new look, its location within Atlantic City is still not ideal for sightseers or casino hoppers; the property sits more than a mile north of the boardwalk (next to the Borgata).

An East Coast offshoot of the Las Vegas classic, Caesars Atlantic City has become a landmark in its Atlantic City, New Jersey home. With towering columns aspiring to the aesthetic heights of ancient Rome, this immense casino hotel offers tempting diversions. The hotel's theme carries through to the tranquil QUA Baths and Spa; however, some visitors felt that while the guest rooms were impeccably clean, they were also a bit on the plain side. On the other hand, Caesars' on-site facilities (including the popular Playground at Caesars, the pool and deck, and the numerous dining venues like the trendy Buddakan at the Playground and Morton's The Steakhouse) earn rave reviews. But let's be honest: The highlight of this property is the expansive casino, which boasts a wide array of table games and slot machines.

This quaint boutique hotel in Bernardsville – a small town in central New Jersey – has been catering to Garden State guests since 1907. Prepare yourself for cozy digs, complete with antique furniture, comfy robes, free Wi-Fi access and spa-quality bath amenities. Though, some say the accommodations are starting to look tired and could be due for a refresh. Previous visitors adore the inn's romantic atmosphere and savor the gourmet American cuisine (and extensive wine selection) served in the richly decorated Great Room. The staff here receives praise as well for their warm, welcoming demeanors. The property can also host meetings and weddings on-site.