Best Boutique Hotels in New Jersey

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.

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, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

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.

When you are one of the only hotels on the block that doesn't offer gambling, you've got to have something different to bring to the market. And visitors find that at The Chelsea. This unique hotel ushers back the classic Atlantic City glamour of yesteryear. Guest rooms feature stylish blue and white decor, flat-screen TVs, fully stocked minibars and complimentary Wi-Fi access, though some previous guests note that the accommodations here can feel a little cramped. Though you won't find a sprawling casino attached to this boutique property, you will uncover a rooftop swimming pool (and an accompanying rooftop bar), not to mention a private portion of coastline decked out with cabanas. When you're ready to dry off, recent visitors recommend relaxing in the 10,000-square-foot Sea Spa or dining at one of two on-site restaurants.