10 Top-Rated Specialty lodgings in New Jersey

April 19, 2023 Karren Gelb

Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.
Things to do in New Jersey

1. The Waves Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

4001 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260-4730
Excellent
23%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
8%
Terrible
19%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 26 reviews

The Waves Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Enjoy professional service, accommodations and a convenient location at our hotel in Wildwood, NJ.

Must stay

Reviewed By Wander03010851786

I’m not a motel person so this hotel was really the only option for the areas we were interested in. The hotel was extremely clean, private parking which I loved. Really nothing to complain about it was right by the boardwalk. Would absolutely stay here again!! Personally looking at the other hotels and motels surrounding this hotel they all looked very outdated and dirty compared to the waves hotel.

2. Thunderbird Motel

132 Kearney Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751-1821
Excellent
44%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
33%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 9 reviews

Thunderbird Motel

Perfect location - close to everything

Reviewed By 822luciea

The Manager made sure we were made to feel comfortable the entire time, the room smelled cleaned and disinfected. The kitchen was super clean as well as the rest of the room. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Definitely will be back!

3. Courtyard Hamilton

530 US Route 130, Hamilton, NJ 08691-2202
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3 reviews

Courtyard Hamilton

Pleasant Stay

Reviewed By SmoothGem13

I chose this hotel because it was reasonably close to some places I had to visit during the holiday season. It was also relatively new which was a bonus. The location is in a FedEx compound which was fine for me. You do have to drive everywhere but that wasn't a problem either. Check in was fine. My room: King sized bed with a sofa and ottoman. The room and the bathroom were spacious. My only issues with the room was the walls were very thin. My neighbors were playing music and I could hear it clearly. The music wasn't blasting but I could still hear it. The other issue was there was a hair on the sheet and the top of the cabinet where the microwave and fridge is located was extremely dusty. I bring Lysol Wipes, Lysol spray and sheets when I travel so I rectified the situation myself but I couldn't do anything about the thin walls. Housekeeping did bring a bag with towels and wash cloths, however, they didn't bring the additional toilet paper which I called the front desk about. They are still working out some quirks but I would stay here again.

4. Tavern on the Bay Resort

800 Bay Ave, Somers Point, NJ 08244-2308
Excellent
26%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
9%
Terrible
30%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 23 reviews

Tavern on the Bay Resort

Enjoy the comfort and charm of a romantic Victorian Style seaside retreat. Breathtaking bay views, great food and entertainment make your stay at Tavern on the Bay Resort unforgettable. The guest rooms gently reflect a past era with large comfy beds and a sprinkling of antiques. The second and third floor decks enjoy a views of the bay and the skyline of Ocean City.

Loved the view but not the food

Reviewed By misty00115

The location is breathtaking right on the bay. They are understaffed this year like most resturants but our waiter was attentive and kept checking in. Drinks and apps were slow coming out but dinners took a while and we're not hot when delivered. Filet was very good as were the scallops. The crab cake cake is very large but has a lot of filler so not a favorite. The entrees are expensive and the portions are small. Garlic mashed potatoes was the starch of the night and they were good but served with a very small serving of green beans. Maybe drinks and apps is the best approach here.

5. Rest Inn - Elizabeth

454 Maple Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07202-3510
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Rest Inn - Elizabeth

Great Stay, Good Value!

Reviewed By Derrick_3333

Great location, friendly staff and always willing to accommodate your needs. The room had been updated. We enjoyed our stay and nearby restaurants were added bonuses. We would highly recommend this motel.

6. Sunset Inn - 2

1400 East Absecon Boulevard, Absecon, NJ 08201
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

1 based on 1 reviews

Sunset Inn - 2

DISAPPOiNTED AND DISGUSTED

Reviewed By alleykatz10

ABSOLUTELY ABOMINABLE AMD DISGUSTING!! the room was beyond smelly (wreeked of cigarettes) ,had stains all over the carpet with holes in it, A HUGE BUG WAS ON THE BED,lamp had no bulb in it and everything in the room looked like it was from the stone ages. After walking in the room , we decided to cancel this room. It would be better to sleep in the car. THIS PLACE SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED!

7. Village Inn & Suites

37 S New York Rd Route 9 North, Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205-9610
Excellent
7%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
13%
Terrible
45%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 55 reviews

Village Inn & Suites

Horrible horrible,dishonest owners!

Reviewed By Safari812683

Book two rooms for 5 night stay May 26th to May 31st. Arrived at 9PM on 26th to two dirty worn rooms that smelled like cigarette's, bathrooms were terrible ceiling all molded and stained, terrible place,at 3AM my Grand daughter had bugs crawling all over her in bed, the window sills outside all had ash trays with used cigarette butts on them, so if your AC is on it naturally sucks the smell right into your room. This is terrible place to stay, needless to say we checked out the next morning and owner refused refund on remains four nights. THAN HE HAD THE NERVE TO CONTACT BOOKING.COM TELL THEM WE WERE NO SHOWS! BOOKING.COM SAYS THEY ARE GOING TO CORRECT THIS LETS SEE. IVE FILED A COMPLAINT AND DISPUTED CHARGE FOR MY BALANCE. STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS!

8. Shelton Motel

1410 Nj 47 S, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

1 based on 2 reviews

Shelton Motel

Dirty , unprofessional, disrespectful

Reviewed By amandaiN6073RM

This “motel” firstly has cockroaches, they do not wash blankets, do not use cleaning products , only thing they bring in rooms to clean is a broom and dust pan. I had to clean my own room, the “owners” have no respect for guests, they just walk in your room, i was about to shower as the older man just walked in my room . They do not treat you like a guest, they treat you as if you are trash. They yell, get ignorant, and snatch things out of your hand. I would not recommend. This motel honestly should be shut down. Toilets arnt attached , sinks woble , bars on the windows . Mold in the room i was in, when you leave the room unattended, 80% chance they are going into your room. Management is the worst ive seen. & im a housekeeper !!

9. Lokal Hotel - Cape May

5 Stockton Pl, Cape May, NJ 08204-2413
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 105 reviews

Lokal Hotel - Cape May

Lokal Hotel is a micro beach resort with eight apartment style suites and a salt water pool located steps from the beach. All units include kitchens, dining area and living rooms stocked with everything needed to cook a meal and make your own coffee or tea or even a cocktail. Beach Service is included across the street with custom lounge chairs and umbrellas setup for you. Many additional amenities come in the rooms including beach bags, Yeti coolers and mugs and all linens needed including Turkish beach towels. Many games are included allowing you to pack light including board games, yard games and beach games. Lokal has thought of every detail to make your next trip easier and more enjoyable.

Perfect hotel for families!

Reviewed By seg478

What a fantastic hotel! The location is perfect (close to the town and the beach), the room is everything you could hope for, and the service (although invisible) was always impeccable. We have two small kids, and it was just what we needed (2 bedroom suite). The pool was warm and clean, and we were able to swim without company most of the time. The only advice we’d offer families with kids: make sure to bring extra blackout curtains. Although the hotel uses blackout curtains, they don’t work well, and it’s so (beautifully) bright in the room - great for adults, but terrible for kids who woke up at 6am everyday. That said, we loved our stay and will certainly be coming back on our next visit to Cape May!

10. Rock Lodge Nudist Club

119 Rock Lodge Rd, Stockholm, Hardyston Township, NJ 07460-1118
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Rock Lodge Nudist Club

Rock Lodge Club is a family oriented naturist club. We welcome guests for nightly or weekly accommodation. We currently have 4 rooms available, each of which sleep 2 guests. We have a beautiful lake for swimming, acres and acres of unspoiled wilderness for hiking, tennis, volleyball, hot tub and sauna. Our members are welcoming and love to have guests visit the club and stay.

Solace in the Suburbs

Reviewed By naturistdan

I visited Rock Lodge with my adult daughter last summer, simply to enjoy a late summer day in the sun. We found a place near the lake to sit and have lunch, along with a book and a bottle of wine. A really nice day! This is an "old school" kind of place, with membership requirements for regulars that can be a bit tricky to navigate for the casual guest. That said, they seem to have done well in marketing to younger folk from NYC who make day trips out here, and it was great to see several families as well. The requisite tour from the guy working the office that day was a bit off-putting, but it's just part of the experience when you visit a nudist place in the US. There's no pool - only a lake, but lots of people swim in the lake, along with small boats and paddleboards. Overall, a serene environment, not so far from suburbia, but seemingly a world away!

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