The Best Hotels in Wildwood, New Jersey

You know you’re at the Crusader when you see the giant knight mural over the entrance: it’s a quirky introduction to one of the best hotels in Wildwood Crest. The highlight here is the decent-sized pool, which has a small fenced section for little kids. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the game room, which has a pool table; enjoy post-beach-day relaxation in the sauna.

The early days of rock ‘n’ roll are in full swing at this themed B&B helmed by Sheila and Rick Brown. Channel your inner Fonz at the 1950s diner – there’s a jukebox, of course – or the game room, which has a pool table, vintage pinball machine and statuettes of the Blues Brothers. Beyond the fun, though, is plenty of substance. There’s a hot tub and sundeck for relaxation; some rooms come with jacuzzi tubs. It’s also just a two-block walk to the beach and boardwalk.

For a Wildwood hotel on a budget, book yourself a stay at the Acacia. You couldn’t get any closer to the sands; make the most of the views by spending your days lounging by the heated pool or chilling on the second-floor decks. There are barbecues on the latter. Rooms are basic but comfortable; there’s also free self-parking and a picnic area.

The Aztec is a classic all-American, straight-from-the-movies motel, with rows of simple but comfortable rooms and a small swimming pool. Here, it’s all about embracing the traveler’s spirit and exploring the neighborhood. The hotel is steps from the beach, where sunbathing and boogie boarding are the order of the day. There are also plenty of family-friendly restaurants nearby, including the neighboring Mexican joint Bandanas and the beachside Bagel Time Cafe.

Every room has an ocean view, with the Atlantic just steps away and there’s a pool with a separate splash zone for the kiddies – what more could you want? Well, simple but comfortable rooms add to the enjoyment, as does a raised ocean-view terrace with shade provided by hot-pink parasols. If you’re bringing the whole clan, book the six-person family suite for the money-saving kitchenette.

A popular budget motel in downtown Wildwood, the non-smoking Le Voyageur, part of the Red Collection, is within walking distance of the beach and boardwalk and a short drive to the main tourist attractions. The spacious rooms are neutrally furnished, without any unnecessary frills, but the convenient location is the main advantage. The outdoor pool is popular with kids, so adults generally head to one of the two sundecks to top up their tans.

The location of the Icona Diamond Beach is its main attraction, as you’ll have access to a private beach and rows of lounge chairs. It’s also home to the popular Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar and Grill, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and hosts nightly live music. If you prefer your water warm and still, take advantage of the heated pool and separate splash pool for kids, or lounge on the deck with free beds and umbrellas.