The Best Hotels to Book in New Jersey

Book a stay at the W Hoboken for glittering New York City skyline views | Courtesy of W Hoboken / Booking.com

29 September 2021

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Once you leave behind the busy freeways, you may be surprised to discover New Jersey’s farmland, forests, hills, and nature reserves. Whether you are visiting for work – the state is a big corporate and tech hub – to tour the university where Einstein used to teach – that’s Princeton – or to explore miles of wide, sandy beaches – hello, surfers – on the famous Jersey Shore, we’ve got you covered with these nice places to stay in New Jersey. Plus, catching a train to New York City, USA is as easy as – a big apple – pie.

The Water Club

Courtesy of the Water Club / Expedia

The short drive to the famous boardwalk is half the reason this Atlantic City resort is often considered the most exclusive in town. The 43-story hotel features 800 modern rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury amenities. There’s also a huge two-story spa and fitness center on the 32nd floor, plus five adults-only heated pools — both indoor and outdoor. Meanwhile, high-end shopping and dining are available here and next door at family-friendly Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Just cut through the lobby – where you’ll find Borgata’s enormous casino and a range of dining options including Izakaya, Italian, and New American, along with nightlife and entertainment.

W Hoboken

A double bed facing a colorful accent wall with a desk and TV, in a room with floor to ceiling windows and Manhattan skyline and water views at W Hoboken

Courtesy of W Hoboken / Booking.com

The best perk of this highrise hotel in Frank Sinatra’s hometown? Direct views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline across the Hudson River. Choose between several renovated room types with floor-to-ceiling windows – ask for a river view – signature beds and well-stocked minibars. You’ll have access to a fitness center, a cocktail lounge called Living Room, and the restaurant, Halifax – featuring farm and coastal cuisine, with an emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients. Try the house-smoked meats and oysters on the half shell. Downtown Hoboken is a charming walkable city with lots of restaurants – while the Big Apple is just a quick train ride away.

Blue Creek Inn

Courtesy of Blue Creek Inn / Booking.com

This simple, affordable, and friendly hotel – with local owners – is an easy drive to Long Beach Island known to locals as LBI, where some of the best beaches, boardwalks, and fishing spots are found. Renovated rooms have contemporary furnishings and come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers – free wifi is available in common areas only. During warmer months, you’ll have access to an outdoor pool that has a sundeck, loungers, and umbrellas. There are also hiking trails at nearby Double Trouble State Park.

Hotel LBI

Courtesy of Hotel LBI / Booking.com

Prefer walking distance to the beach? This new hotel in Long Beach Island, one of the best places to stay in New Jersey, welcomes visitors with its fresh coastal decor. 102 well-appointed rooms have wood floors and kitchenettes equipped with a microwave, dishwasher, cooktop, full-size fridge, dishes/flatware, and a Keurig coffee maker. Some rooms are ideal for big families like the Family Bunk suite – with an extra room that can sleep four little ones. Stay on-site and dine at Salt Kitchen and Bar with seafood, salads, steaks, and pizzas. Try the tuna tartare with sourdough toast, or a pizza with vegan mozzarella – there are plenty more non-vegan options – along with a seasonal rooftop bar for sunset cocktails. Other amenities include a luxury indoor pool area with a retractable roof, a fitness room, and free use of bicycles and beach gear.

Daddy O Hotel

Two twin beds against a wood-panelled wall and adjacent to a wall with a picture of a family in front of a campfire in a carpeted room with a coffee machine at Daddy O Hotel

Courtesy of Daddy O Hotel / Booking.com

This modern boutique hotel – ages 10 and up – is another option on LBI, just a short walk to the beach with a cool vintage surf motif for added inspiration. 22 rooms and suites have mini-fridges and Frette linens, with bright colors and individual decor. Staff can provide complimentary beach badges, beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels, as well as vintage bike cruisers to explore the island. After a day on the sand, head up to the rooftop deck for cocktails and sushi – or choose the secluded garden patio and rum bar with snacks and happy hour specials. An American restaurant serves great food, where you’ll get to pick between lighter items like the mussel pot and kale Caesar or heartier options like the short rib stroganoff.

Bungalow Hotel

Courtesy of Bungalow Hotel / Booking.com

This surf-themed boutique hotel is located in Long Branch, one of the more upscale areas of the Jersey Shore that is famous for its upscale restaurants and nightlife. Spacious rooms come with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchenettes, and Tivoli Bluetooth speakers – while bigger suites might come with soaking tubs, dining areas, and ocean-facing balconies. Sip cocktails at Bungalounge, which serves cocktails Thursday through Sunday – and displays exhibits by local artists. There’s also an assortment of games in the lobby like billiards and foosball – and you’ll also have access to Bungalow’s sister property, Wave Resort, with its private beach club, outdoor pool, fitness center, children’s playroom, plus a modern brasserie-style restaurant complete with a beach bar and nightclub.

American Hotel

Courtesy of American Hotel / Hotels.com

History buffs will appreciate the fact that this classic hotel in downtown Freehold used to be an old stagecoach stop – built back in 1827. Today, traditional rooms have dark wood furnishings, mini-fridges, and coffee makers, while suites have living space and soaking tubs. Ask for a room with a wrought-iron balcony facing the street and adorned with hanging plants during the summer months. The hotel lobby has plenty of seating areas and a lovely piano and lounge, as well as an American bistro with steaks and seafood. Three ballrooms also make this a popular place for weddings. Continental breakfast is included in the rate – and the nearby Turkey Swamp Park offers hiking and biking trails.

Archer Hotel Florham Park

A double bed with a white leather headboard against a navy accent wall in an elegant room with a gray carpet, a writing desk and a white chair at Archer Hotel Florham Park

Courtesy of Archer Hotel Florham Park/Morristown / Booking.com

This contemporary hotel has a touch of industrial design in a prime location outside of Morristown, at Florham Park’s mixed-use corporate campus. There are 161 deluxe guest rooms and suites here with working desks, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines. Common spaces are fun and friendly and include furnished indoor/outdoor areas, with billiards and bocce ball, a fitness room, and an indoor pool. There’s also a trendy bar and restaurant drawing a post-work crowd. Start the day with avocado toast and Intelligentsia coffee – or wait for dinner for garden bowls, seafood, and specialty cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri.

For more options, discover our guide on the best hotels in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as well as the best hotels in Atlantic City, and book now on Culture Trip.

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