Best Spa Hotels in New Jersey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.