Best Pool Hotels in New Jersey

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

A night in the Atlantic City area doesn't have to mean bright lights and smoky casinos; instead, head about 11 miles northwest to the Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey. This member of the Dolce Hotels and Resorts family (and the Wyndham Hotel Group) features spacious guest rooms with antique furniture, flat-screen TVs and complimentary wireless internet access. Plus, if you've brought your clubs along, the resort's two golf courses are backed by some impressive coastal vistas. If hitting the links isn't your forte, the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa provides a variety of massages and skin treatments, while the two pools (one indoor and one outdoor) provide an enjoyable setting for some family-friendly fun. No matter how you spend your day, the hotel's Main Dining Room and its more casual Coastal Grille serve up hearty plates of American cuisine that recent visitors say isn't to be missed. However, prepare to pay a pretty penny for all this pampering: Many guests say rooms rates and meals at the on-site eateries can be pricey.

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.

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.

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.

Facing lower Manhattan from across the Hudson River, the Hyatt Regency Jersey City earns high praise for its atmosphere, amenities and customer service. Guest rooms are large with contemporary furnishings, massive windows and a bevy of amenities, including wet bars, LCD televisions, iPod docking stations and free Wi-Fi access. If it's New York vistas that you're after, guests highly recommend grabbing a meal at this Hyatt's Vu restaurant, which features an entire wall of glass overlooking the Hudson. Previous visitors really appreciate the hotel's proximity to the New Jersey Transit PATH train, which shuttles visitors back and forth between Exchange Place Station in Jersey City and the Big Apple. And because this hotel belongs to the Hyatt Hotels Group, loyalty program members can earn or redeem points here.

Located in the north central New Jersey town of Morristown, The Westin Governor Morris was named after the state's first governor, Lewis Morris. Despite its historic namesake, this Westin outpost exudes a contemporary feel with rich green and gold hues in the lobby and simple-yet-stylish furnishings in the guest rooms (which are, according to some visitors, on the smaller side). Still, accommodations come with Westin's Heavenly bed and bath amenities, flat-screen TVs and showers with dual showerheads. Guests rave about the exceptional customer service here, saying that everyone from the housekeeping staff to the waiters at the Blue Morel Restaurant and Wine Bar were very friendly. Other on-site amenities that win favor with past travelers include the pool and the spa. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Sitting less than 13 miles east of Philadelphia in southwest New Jersey, The Westin Mount Laurel makes it easy to enjoy the city without paying big city room rates. Decorated in calm, muted tones, the spacious guest rooms come with contemporary features like flat-screen TVs and Westin's signature Heavenly bed and bath amenities. Meanwhile, common areas like the Bellagio Ristorante and Bar 555 exude a more colorful ambiance with bright furnishings and custom lighting. But while guests were pleased with the overall appearance of the hotel, some say that the housekeeping staff did a poor job cleaning. Others complain about not having complimentary wireless Internet (this Westin charges $10 per day for logging on). However, the rest of the staff earn kudos for their friendly and accommodating demeanors. And when it comes to on-site amenities, many travelers note that the indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center and free self-parking are pluses. Because The Westin Mount Laurel is part of the Starwood Hotels family, the hotel accepts Preferred Guest loyalty club points in exchange for nightly stays and room upgrades.

This member of the Benchmark Hospitality family in the central New Jersey city of New Brunswick is a stylish alternative to the numerous chain properties that occupy real estate here. The guest rooms are spacious and bright, joining vibrant yellows and blues with muted greens and rich browns; each room comes loaded with marble and granite bathrooms, down bedding and complimentary high-speed internet access. Recent guests especially appreciated The Heldrich's rich art collection, saying that the unique pieces spice up the ambiance. As far as on-site facilities go, travelers praise the hotel's pool and gym, though some complain that dining at the in-house Christopher's Restaurant and Lounge can be pricey and that the dishes are mediocre. Recent guests are split on the staff: Some said the hotel's employees were welcoming and efficient, while others said workers seemed inconvenienced by simple requests.

Business travelers will find the Hanover Marriott's 18,850 square feet of meeting space (with 22 meeting rooms) suitable for industry happenings in Morristown, Whippany and other nearby northern New Jersey towns. Meanwhile, travelers of all types appreciate the hotel's 353 rooms and suites for their comfortable, clean feel and plentiful amenities. Accommodations feature pillow-top mattresses, ergonomic work desks, Bath & Body Works products and high-speed internet access (for a fee). Leave the confines of your room to spend time in the gym or indoor pool. And when all that activity stirs up your appetite, visit the well-liked Auld Shebeen Pub. The hotel's Irish pub features traditional Celtic fare for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, stick to the on-site Seeds restaurant that serves American cuisine to get your day started. All those meals – along with the cost of your stay – can translate into free nights for loyalty members of the Marriott Bonvoy program, who can earn and redeem points here.