Best Family Hotels in New Jersey

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.

Having recently completed the tallest tower on the skyline, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City has been reinventing itself to compete with its neighbors. This Harrah's – which is a member of the Caesars family – also steers clear of the tasteless and tacky decor and amenities that some might associate with Atlantic City. Instead, you'll find more elegant features, like the tranquil Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and The Pool, an indoor tropical oasis complete with multiple pools, cabanas and, at night, a raging club. Some guests mention, however, that the worn guest rooms could use a little love and the staff could benefit from additional training. But everyone agrees that you certainly won't starve here. The hotel's dining options range from high-end to casual to family-friendly. And, of course, a Harrah's casino would not be complete without a buffet. You can find Harrah's Resort Atlantic City off the Absecon Inlet, near the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

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.

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, 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.

Found on the opposite side of Carnegie Lake from downtown Princeton and within minutes of the area's Princeton University, this Westin branch is surrounded by the Forrestal Village shopping center, which puts travelers within walking distance of numerous stores and eateries. However, guests note that you shouldn't overlook the in-house restaurant, Parallel 40, which serves up hearty (albeit slightly pricey) dishes of global cuisine. Meanwhile, travelers describe the guest rooms here as some of the best in the area, praising the signature Heavenly Beds, clean decor, 24-hour room service and the pet-friendly environment. Also, family travelers note that the hotel pool was a big hit with the kids. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy 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.