The Best Cheap Hotels To Book In New Jersey

New Jersey is best known for its cultural icons – from The Sopranos to Bruce Springsteen to Garden State. But it’s also a natural playground, with 130mi (209km) of shoreline and a host of characterful towns including New Brunswick and Princeton. Whether you’re looking to commune with NJ’s outdoors, hop malls or find somewhere within easy reach of NYC, we’ve rounded up the top cheap hotels in New Jersey, USA – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Courtyard Lyndhurst Meadowlands, for central convenience

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Two double beds in a room at Courtyard Lyndhurst Meadowlands face a desk, chair and a TV on a cabinet

Looking for a central and convenient spot with minimal traveling fuss? This New Jersey cheap hotel will ensure you never miss a thing. Just 3mi (4.8km) from the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Giants NFL team – and 1,000ft (300m) from the Medieval Times dinner theater, a slice of New Jersey life is never far away.

2. Sonesta ES Suites, Somerset, for modern amenities

Suite Hotel, Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Several loungers by an outdoor pool with a handrail at Sonesta ES Suites, Somerset

Somerset is one of America’s oldest counties, established by charter in 1688. Fortunately, this hotel is all about modern amenities, with an outdoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor sport courts and gas barbecue facilities. Itchy feet? New Brunswick’s reassuringly 21st-century restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife are just 6mi (10km) away.

3. Holiday Inn Philadelphia South-Swedesboro, for a pet-friendly stay

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Double bed, footstool and flat-screen TV in a room at Holiday Inn Philadelphia South-Swedesboro

Swedesboro was established by a group of Swedish and Finnish travelers in the mid-1600s. Visitors – often arriving from Philadelphia International Airport, just 15mi (24km) north – can peek into this unique past at the Swedesboro-Woolwich History Museum. Head back to this pet-friendly hotel’s restaurant for an all-American menu, including build-your-own burgers and moreish grilled pork chops with tarragon cream sauce.

4. Holiday Inn, Clark – Newark Area, an IHG hotel, for a cozy evening by the fire

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Outdoor pool with two handrails and steps at Holiday Inn, Clark – Newark Area, an IHG hotel

If you’ve just touched down at Newark Liberty International Airport and are looking for a nearby hotel within a pretzel’s throw of New York City, this newly renovated Holiday Inn ticks the boxes with a snappy half-hour drive up Garden State Parkway. Weary travelers can hunker down on its gleaming patio whatever the weather – the fire pit and heat lamps will keep everyone toasty. If the weather’s sparkling, hit the outdoor pool instead; it’s open July to September.

5. Ramada by Wyndham Toms River, for golf lovers

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Suite at Ramada by Wyndham Toms River, with sofa, TV, desk, chair, armchair, kitchenette and separate bedroom

Seeking a cheap hotel in New Jersey for a golfing holiday base camp? The Ramada by Wyndham Toms River is just 2mi (3.2km) from the 27-hole championship course, Eagle Ridge, on top of being 6mi (10km) from Pine Barrens. After a long round, you’ll feel famished – head 3mi (4.8km) to nearby Smokey Hill for the most life-affirming brisket in the state.

6. Best Westerns Plus Fairfield Executive Inn, for sports fanatics

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Double bed, armchair and radiator in a Best Western Plus Fairfield Executive Inn room

Families of sports fans and shoppers, rejoice. This modern hotel will keep everyone happy with a 15mi (24km) journey to the MetLife Stadium, a 22mi (35km) trip to the Yankee Stadium and close proximity to retail therapy at Willowbrook Mall. The popular shopping center is known for its diverse range of stores, from Apple to Abercrombie & Fitch.

7. Sonesta ES Suites South Brunswick Princeton, for local charm

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Outdoor pool area with seats and a handrail at Sonesta ES Suites South Brunswick Princeton

Princeton may be known as the home of the Ivy League, but there’s much more to this charming place – the downtown of which is just 6mi (10km) from these fully equipped one- and two-bedroom suites. Peruse the kooky local boutiques on Palmer Street before sinking a Palmer Punch at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room. Want to dial up the culture? Dust down your tux or pearls for an orchestral concert by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

8. Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands, for shopaholics

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Exterior of Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands, lit up in the evening

Lovers of a bargain will think they’ve found nirvana at Secaucus Outlets. It’s a two-minute walk from this hotel to that sprawl of over 100 outlet stores, including Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole and Samsonite. You won’t need to venture far to indulge your culinary desires either – household names including Outback Steakhouse, Chipotle and Houlihan’s are on the same complex. Feeling a little more adventurous? Hop on the 190 bus and be in twinkling Times Square within 20 minutes.