14 Top-Rated Resorts in New Jersey

New Jersey offers plenty of great accommodation options for those looking for a base from which to explore the state and its many attractions. It’s also a great place from which to visit popular neighboring destinations such as New York City.

Top places to stay in “The Garden State” include a variety of luxury offerings. Two of the most popular are the high-end ICONA Diamond Beach in the seaside resort town of Wildwood Crest, and Marriott’s Fairway Villas near Atlantic City. Both offer a high degree of luxury and are in wonderful locations.

Those looking for an authentic New Jersey vacation couldn’t do any better than booking a stay at the historic Virginia Hotel and Congress Hall. Both are located in beautiful Cape May. These two boutique hotels are among the oldest in the US, and each has been offering delightful seaside getaways for more than a century.

Whether you are looking for historic or contemporary accommodations, choose the best place to stay on your next vacation with our list of the top-rated resorts in New Jersey.

1. Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City

Accommodation: Ocean Casino Resort

Highlights: On the Atlantic City Boardwalk, rooms with ocean views, beach access

Ocean Casino Resort occupies a glass tower building rising above the Atlantic City Boardwalk, one of New Jersey’s most visited attractions. This popular luxury property has nearly 1,400 rooms and suites in a variety of shapes and sizes. One constant in each one is floor-to-ceiling windows with awesome boardwalk, city, and beach views.

The interior design is modern sleek and minimalist, whether you are in a queen room or a one-bedroom suite. Corner rooms and suites have two sides of windows and the higher the floor, the better the view.

Resort amenities are plentiful. Guests have direct beach access, and there are also beautifully designed swimming pools with sun loungers and private cabanas. If you are traveling with kids, the property is family-friendly.

Other amenities include a spa with a full range of services. You can also check out the Topgolf Swing Suite, which is the world’s largest. It is perfect for practicing your swing before booking a tee time at a nearby golf course. Finally, there are multiple restaurants on the grounds.

Address: 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey

2. Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, New Jersey

Accommodation: Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe

Highlights: Close to NYC, kids stay free, bike rentals available

If you need to get to downtown Manhattan quickly but don’t want to pay NYC prices, then consider the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe. Located just west of the George Washington Bridge, it is a quick 20-minute drive to Times Square. It also offers easy access to I-95 and I-80.

The four-star property has a grand lobby with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, and a centerpiece chandelier. Rooms and suites are stylish, with crisp white linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and mural photography wall art of New York City landmarks.

Kids stay free here. Amenities include free parking (something you will never find in NYC), a workout room, restaurant, coffee shop, and sauna. Bikes can also be rented.

Address: 100 Frank W Burr Blvd, Teaneck, New Jersey

3. ICONA Diamond Beach Resort, Wildwood Crest

Accommodation: ICONA Diamond Beach Resort

Highlights: Luxurious beachfront accommodations, kids’ pool, large rooms and suites

A popular vacation spot for its proximity to the sea, the top-rated ICONA Diamond Beach Resort in Wildwood Crest is also considered to be one of the best luxury resorts in New Jersey.

A highlight of a stay in this elegant 4-star resort is enjoying the 425-foot private beach and Beach Club (umbrellas and lounge chairs available), or sunbathing and relaxing around the heated outdoor swimming pool. There’s even a kids’ splash pool.

Also available is on-site dining in the ocean-view restaurant, including in-room and alfresco options; a snack bar; a fitness center; a laundry area; and valet parking.

A variety of first-rate accommodations are available, including one- and two-room studio suites. The larger units come with separate sleeping and living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, along with private furnished balconies with ocean views.

Better still, check out the premium units. These sumptuous suites each come with a galley kitchen and appliances, dining area, and two bathrooms.

Address: 9701 Atlantic Ave, Diamond Beach, New Jersey

4. Hyatt Regency Jersey City On The Hudson

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Jersey City On The Hudson

Highlights: NYC skyline views across the Hudson River, on-site restaurants, jogging trails, gym

A great luxury location from which to explore New York City, the Hyatt Regency Jersey City On The Hudson boasts tremendous views over the Hudson River toward one of the most iconic skylines in North America. A variety of room configurations are available in this 4-star property, including one king or two double bed options.

Standard features include superb views, high-quality beds and bedding, work desks, and spacious bathrooms with granite bathtubs. A number of larger suites are available as upgrades and come with additional living space, handy wet bars with a mini fridge, and plush bathrobes. A number of mobility-friendly rooms are also available, but be sure to make your needs known when reserving.

The hotel’s riverside location provides an opportunity to visit the sites of New York City via ferry. When not out and about, you’ll enjoy amenities such as a large fitness center plus jogging trails, an indoor swimming pool, on-site dining, and a handy business center and meeting space. A restaurant is available serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 2 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, New Jersey

5. Congress Hall, Cape May

Accommodation: Congress Hall

Highlights: Historic hotel overlooking the beach, working farm, free bike use

Said to be one of the oldest hotels in the US, the historic Congress Hall was founded in 1879 and recently celebrated its 144th birthday. Located in beautiful Cape May, one of the most photo-worthy destinations in New Jersey, this magnificent old resort is one of those authentic seaside destinations that simply must be experienced.

Still considered one of the best resorts in Cape May, this chic 4-star hotel features 108 luxury accommodations, ranging in size from standard hotel units to larger suites, and has earned a reputation as a first-rate wedding venue.

Decorated with bright blue and gray finishes that reflect their ocean views, the spacious superior rooms are a popular choice. Each of these bright units comes with large living areas and include a sofa bed. Be sure to ask for an ocean view if available!

The amenities are no less indulgent. As Congress Hall is widely considered one of the best places to stay in Cape May for a beach vacation, you’ll want to make sure you experience one of the wonderful private beach tents. These fancy beach-side shelters come with attendant services, while complimentary loungers and umbrellas make for a great alternative.

Other features include a heated outdoor swimming pool, an exercise facility, as well as beach workouts, a spa, free bike use, and a variety of restaurants. Be sure to also pay a visit to the hotel’s nearby working farm.

Address: 200 Congress Pl, Cape May, New Jersey

6. Caesars Atlantic City

Accommodation: Caesars Atlantic City

Highlights: Steps from the boardwalk, full-service spa, modern accommodations, ocean views

The 4-star Caesars Atlantic City is, as its name suggests, an ideal location for those wanting to experience a fun Atlantic City getaway. In addition to its location on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, this luxury hotel features world-class entertainment, as well as a variety of other amenities and services.

These include use of heated swimming pools, a full-service spa with Roman-style baths, great dining, and plenty of meeting and function space. The dining here is world-class, and includes a restaurant owned by famous British chef Gordon Ramsey.

A variety of high-quality rooms are available. A popular choice are the bright and spacious 675-square-foot “Tribune Suites.” These include such features as custom furnishings, attractive marble flooring, large bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and HDTVs.

Address: 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey

7. The Water Club Hotel at Borgata, Atlantic City

Accommodation: The Water Club Hotel at Borgata

Highlights: Five heated pools, on-site shopping and dining, romantic spa packages

The Water Club Hotel at Borgata is another great 4-star location to consider when planning a weekend getaway in New Jersey. Situated in Atlantic City just a short walk away from the city’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment, this big and luxurious place to stay consists of 800 rooms and suites, along with great amenities.

Highlights include plenty of meeting and function space, and no less than five heated swimming pools, including outdoor and indoor options. There are also a variety of on-site shopping and dining opportunities for guests to enjoy, too. In need of some pampering? The resort also boasts two full-service spas that offer a wide variety of treatments, including couples massages and in-room treatments.

The rooms are bright and elegantly appointed thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and include such features as large marble bathrooms, mini-fridges, quality beds and bedding, and HDTVs.

A great option for those wanting additional space are the 1,000-square-foot suites. These spacious units come with an attractive foyer area and bigger bathrooms with separate bathtubs and a shower made for two, plus great ocean views.

Address: 1 Renaissance Way, Atlantic City, New Jersey

8. The Virginia Hotel & Cottages, Cape May

Accommodation: The Virginia Hotel & Cottages

Highlights: Luxury rooms, suites, and stand-alone cottages; intimate boutique-style resort

Located in Cape May, one of the best small towns in New Jersey, The Virginia Hotel & Cottages has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the top luxury resorts in the state. Built in 1879 and fully restored and renovated, the resort has a picturesque location just steps away from historic downtown Cape May and the beach. Those wanting to spend time at the beach can in fact rent private tents, and umbrellas and lounge chairs are provided.

Dining is available on-site (breakfasts included), and a must-do experience is enjoying a beverage and meal al fresco. A full-service spa is also available, as is a fitness center offering yoga classes.

Thanks to its total of only 24 rooms, the Virginia is certainly a tranquil spot for a romantic getaway. While no two rooms are the same, all include such quality features as king or queen beds, upgraded mattresses and bedding, custom furniture, luxury bath amenities, a refreshment bar, and HDTV.

Address: 25 Jackson St, Cape May, New Jersey

9. The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Stone Harbor

Accommodation: The Reeds at Shelter Haven

Highlights: Small intimate resort, luxury suites with kitchenettes and separate living spaces

Another superb place to enjoy an authentic New Jersey coastal vacation is the elegant 4-star The Reeds at Shelter Haven. This all-season boutique hotel in Stone Harbor offers a choice of 37 luxury rooms and suites, each boasting magnificent ocean views.

A popular choice of room is the deluxe suite. These come with well-equipped kitchenettes featuring Keurig coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-fridges; separate living areas with fireplaces and dining tables; plus pull-out couches. Other notable features include oak flooring and spacious bathrooms with separate rain showers and plush bathrobes.

The amenities are of an equally-high quality and include casual and fine-dining restaurants, docking for boats, use of beach chairs and umbrellas, and meeting space for groups and functions. A real treat is relaxing on the roof garden sundeck, which boasts a heated plunge pool plus two hot tubs.

A concierge service and complimentary valet parking are available. Guests also have free use of a variety of watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards.

Address: 9601 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, New Jersey

10. Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch

Accommodation: Ocean Place Resort & Spa

Highlights: Beachfront location, on-site restaurant and spa, free local shuttle service

Set overlooking a beautiful stretch of beach in Long Branch, the recently refurbished 4-star Ocean Place Resort & Spa is a great place for families and couples alike who want to enjoy a seaside vacation.

The bright and elegant rooms and suites are a real treat, each featuring quality beds and bedding, spacious bathrooms with separate bathtubs and glass showers, HDTVs, mini-fridges, coffee makers, desks, and furnished private balconies.

On-site amenities include a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the ocean; a full-service spa; and two large heated swimming pools near the beach, one indoor, and one outdoor. Other notable features and services include a free shuttle bus service, fitness center, and business center.

Address: Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, New Jersey

11. Seaview, a Dolce Hotel, Galloway

Accommodation: Seaview, a Dolce Hotel

Highlights: Two golf courses, tennis courts, full-service spa, fine-dining restaurants

Another classic old resort worth considering, the 100-plus-year-old Seaview, a Dolce Hotel in Galloway is a must-stay for golfers thanks to its two championship courses.

Golf enthusiasts and non-golfers alike, though, will enjoy such world-class amenities as its function and convention spaces, casual and fine-dining restaurants, full-service spa, plus a fitness center. There are also outdoor and indoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, and even an art gallery.

Consisting of 296 rooms and suites, the accommodations suit all needs and budgets. If available, opt for one of the 16 large suites, which come with a choice of a king bed or two double beds, a separate living room, handy wet bar with a mini-fridge, and an HDTV.

Address: 401 S New York Rd, Galloway, New Jersey

12. Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

Accommodation: Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

Highlights: On-site concert venue, personalized light shows, luxury rooms and suites

Atlantic City’s 4-star Harrah Resort offers guests plenty of fun things to do on-site. Topping this large resort’s list of guest amenities are its entertainment and live concerts, dining, full-service spa, fitness center, and swimming pool. A highlight is reserving one of the resort’s personalized light shows, which take place in and around its iconic tower.

A great choice for those seeking a little added indulgence in their Atlantic City getaway are the deluxe rooms in the Marina and Harbor Towers. Features of these upgraded rooms include high-quality beds and bedding, expansive bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, and separate living areas.

Address: 777 Harrah’s Blvd, Atlantic City, New Jersey

13. Marriott’s Fairway Villas, Galloway

Accommodation: Marriott’s Fairway Villas

Highlights: Spacious two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, spa, kids’ programs

Located in the town of Galloway, the 3-star Marriott’s Fairway Villas is a perfect place to stay for those looking to explore nearby Atlantic City. Accommodations comprise bright and spacious two-bedroom villas, each featuring a full kitchen, laundry room, three HDTVs, a living room with a fireplace, and furnished balcony.

The amenities here are also high-quality. Notable among them are the full-service spa, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, and a fitness center. There’s also a jogging trail on-site, along with a fun volleyball court. Activities for kids include outdoor movie nights and games, as well as a dedicated kids’ pool and splash zone.

A casual restaurant is also located on-site, along with a snack bar and shop selling basic grocery items.

Address: 500 E Fairway Ln, Galloway, New Jersey

14. Golden Nugget, Atlantic City

Accommodation: Golden Nugget

Highlights: On-site shopping and dining, spacious rooms and suites, close to beach and boardwalk

One of the top-rated large hotels in Atlantic City, the Golden Nugget is popular for its central location and proximity to the city’s boardwalk and beach. A variety of high-quality accommodations are available, most offering superb views over the city’s harbor area along with mini-fridges, HDTVs, and on-demand movies.

A great room choice are the luxury king rooms, featuring king beds with pillow-top mattresses and large bathrooms.

There are plenty of amenities to be enjoyed at the Golden Nugget, too. In addition to its many entertainment opportunities, guests can sample a variety of dining options, on-site boutique shopping, a marina, spa, and fitness center, plus a heated swimming pool.

Address: 600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Map of Resorts in New Jersey

Best Time to Visit Resorts in New Jersey

The summer months are optimal for visiting the best resorts in New Jersey. From June through July and August, you can expect very pleasant temperatures day and night, with highs reaching the 80s during peak summer. Coastal resorts are extremely busy during this period, as guests arrive to enjoy warm days soaking up the sunshine on the beach, cooled by lovely sea breezes. Evening temperatures are also very pleasant in summer.

While the early spring months of March and April can still be a little wintery in New Jersey, you can expect spring to make its presence known in early May. While March and April are not considered good times to visit due to the potential for cold temperatures and rain (possibly even a little snow), May brings with it longer, sunnier days with temperatures warming enough to encourage spring blossoms and foliage on the trees.

Autumn can be a pleasant time to visit New Jersey, particularly in September, as temperatures can sometimes match those of summer. Early October is a good time to visit due to the arrival of those lovely autumn colors, but things tend to get a little grey once the foliage has gone.

The worst time to visit New Jersey weather-wise is winter. Winter in New Jersey can be cold, blustery, and wet, with temperatures dipping to negative numbers with occasional blizzard conditions inland. While it’s usually a little milder on the coast, expect plenty of cloudy, dark days with rain, sleet, or snow conditions predominating.