11 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Wildwood NJ

If you’re looking for a traditional Jersey Shore experience, you’ll find it in Wildwood, New Jersey. This barrier island beach town is part of “The Wildwoods” in southern New Jersey and is famous for its white-sand beach and lively boardwalk. You’ll find an endearing 1950s-60s vibe here, with water parks, thrilling rides, amazing museums, and restaurants and bars. In fact, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine with plastic palm trees, neon signs, and diners and motels everywhere. Topping everything off are the many options for a beachfront or oceanfront hotel in Wildwood, NJ, on the beach, which range across budgets and types. What’s fascinating is the “Doo-Wop” resort architecture, which is a nod to Wildwood’s heyday in the 50s/60s. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your beach clothes and head to the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels on the beach in Wildwood, NJ.

Hotel Icona Diamond Beach

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Hotel Icona Diamond Beach is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels in Wildwood, NJ, on the beach. Its on-the-sand location is its main attraction, especially since you have access to a private beach with many daybeds. In fact, if you get a room or suite with a beachfront balcony, and you should, you can jump right onto the sand! While the views are exciting enough, Icona also has some fantastic amenities. For instance, when you’re done with beach time, you can enjoy time by the sparkling outdoor pool, which offers sea views. And when the hunger pangs come calling, head to the popular Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar and Grill, which serves all meals. Wrap the day up with a nightcap at the bar, which serves amazing drinks befitting the Jersey Shore vibe.

Le Voyageur

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Best value for money. No-frills comfort is the motto at Le Voyageur, a popular budget motel in downtown Wildwood. In fact, it’s one of the best cheap hotels in Wildwood, NJ. It’s a mere block from the main beach, which is one of its highlights. Choose from a host of spacious rooms which feature tasteful neutral furnishings. Besides being smoke-free, all rooms have plush beds, seating areas, flatscreen TVs, and microwaves. The real fun here lies outside the room, though. It’s common to see kids and adults by the outdoor pool, while the two sundecks are perfect for some quiet tanning time. Wi-fi and parking are both free, and the common space has a few tables and chairs and a coffee station. One thing travelers need to remember is that Le Voyageur is seasonal, which means it’s open between mid-April and mid-September.

Paradise Oceanfront Resort

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Imagine every room in a hotel having an ocean view – that’s why the Paradise Oceanfront Resort is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels in Wildwood, NJ, on the beach. Choose from a host of motel rooms and suites, all of which enjoy views of the ocean from huge picture windows or balconies. In fact, the beach is just steps away, down a short wooden walkway. Hot-pink parasols are laid out on a raised ocean-view terrace right in front of the hotel, with the added benefit of daybed-side service. When you’re done with beach fun, the outdoor pool is equally inviting, complete with a splash zone for the kids. Are you coming here with the whole clan? The six-person family suite even comes with a money-saving kitchenette. Travelers especially have rave reviews about the cleanliness here and the wonderful staff.

Acacia Beachfront Resort

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Best hotel on the sands. Acacia Beachfront Resort is perfect for travelers on a budget who want to stay right on the Jersey Shore. You can’t get any closer to the sands; this hotel sits right on the sands. In fact, if you were to jump down from the rooftop deck, you’ll land right on the sandy beach! Make the most of the views by spending your days lounging by the heated rooftop pool or chilling on the multiple second-floor patios. In fact, the patios/deck even have barbecues, where you can enjoy an alfresco meal when night falls. While the rooms and suites are on the basic side, they’re very comfortable and feature plush beds, wooden floors, flatscreen TVs, and modern bathrooms. You can even rent bikes nearby to go on a Jersey Shore expedition on your own.

Congress Hall, Cape May

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If you want to stay in Cape May rather than the town itself, then head straight to Congress Hall. Not only does it sit on Cape May beach, but it’s also one of the best spa hotels in New Jersey! It’s what makes it one of the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels in Wildwood, NJ, on the beach. In fact, it’s famous as America’s first seaside resort! So, unwinding by the sea just got a whole lot better. Head to the full-service spa and get a heavenly, ocean-inspired massage or a treatment.

The rest of this historic 19th-century hotel is equally amazing, especially the stunning rooms and suites named after U.S. dignitaries or presidents. Plus, all suites have gorgeous linens, antiqued brass hardware, and American heritage furniture. After your spa session, relax in the cabana tents on the beach right out front. And when the hunger pangs come calling, the onsite Blue Pig Tavern serves up delicious New Jersey cuisine.

Summer Nites

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If you want to stay in a gorgeous B&B in town and don’t mind being a block down from the beach, then Summer Nites is the place for you. The early days of rock ‘n’ roll are in full swing at this themed B&B, which has a game room that’ll transport you to the past! Think a vintage pinball machine, a pool table, and statuettes of the Blues Brothers. In fact, you’ll even love the 1950s-themed diner, complete with a jukebox. But there’s plenty of substance beyond the fun too. Choose from the king and queen rooms as well as a king suite, although some of the king rooms boast spa baths right in the rooms! When you want to unwind, the beach is a mere five-minute walk. Back at the property, you’ll find a sundeck and a hot tub for relaxation.

Caribbean Motel

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Few properties in the Wildwoods are as iconic and historic as the Caribbean Motel, which, unarguably, has the best neon sign in the area! The sweeping letters, along with the eye-catching color, are instantly recognizable and have even made their way to many design books. This 1957-built hotel in the region’s Doo-Wop architecture was one of the post-WWII era’s wildest designs. Even today, you can see the iconic design details such as the cresecnt-shaped outdoor pool that’s perfect for a swim and the curved staircase that practically looks like it’s floating in the air! Not only is it the first motel ever listed with Historic Hotels of America, but it’s also a state and national historic landmark.

While rooms and suites are on the smaller side, they keep with the go-go vibe and will make you feel like you’ve entered a time warp. Think striped bedspreads, leopard stools, lots of green walls, atomic-era tables, and space-age lamps. Listen to the swinging ’60s music playing everywhere as you play shuffleboard, spend time at the BBQ or by the pool. The best bit? The beach is right behind the motel. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels in Wildwood, NJ, on the beach.

Armada By-the-Sea

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Best for families. Not for nothing was Armada By-the-Sea called one of the “best hotels for families in the US” in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers Choice Awards. This welcoming home-like family-owned hotel dates back to 1973 and sprawls across an entire block with the ocean right out front. In fact, there are multiple sun decks where you can lounge on the daybeds and soak up the sun and the views. The ocean is right down the wooden walkway if you want beach time. Back at the hotel, swim in the heated, Olympic-sized pool with sea views, after which you can retire to the comfort of your rooms. Choose from generously sized accommodations that come with microwaves, fridges, and seating areas. The best bit? Every room here overlooks the ocean!

Port Royal Hotel

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Most upscale. If you’re looking to splurge, head to the Port Royal Hotel, right across from the beach, in the heart of Wildwood Crest. This renovated property is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront hotels in Wildwood, NJ, on the beach and has a nautical-chic vibe. Think sea-inspired trinkets and accouterments like colorful ship flags, vintage-style wall maps, sisal carpets, and rope-covered columns. Whether you’re here with your family or want to splurge, the Deluxe Ocean Suite is perfect. The main bedroom has a king bed and a private balcony that overlooks the ocean. It has a full kitchen, living room, and another balcony overlooking the ocean.

In fact, all accommodations have private balconies, even entry-level rooms. adding to the nautical vibe are the cream and blue hues that feature in the rooms. Besides the amazing accommodation, there’s a lot to do here, such as the onsite restaurant, the multiple pools, and even the game room that’s perfect for kids.

Starlux Hotel & Suites

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There’s something utterly pleasing about the retro Starlux Hotel, which is all about space-age architecture and a distinctive neon atomic-era logo that lights up at night. Even the grounds have a lot of kitschy elements, such as faux sand dunes, swaying plastic palm trees, and giant sea creatures. Even the main living communal area has butterfly chairs, board games, and a wood-burning fireplace – perfect for a rainy day. When the weather is nice, head out to the 27-hole mini-golf course, soak in the hot tub, and sit around the fire pit. You’ll be impressed by the rooms and suites here, which continue the funky vibe of the public spaces. Think colorful retro wallpapers, vintage-style lamps, and lava lamps next to the bed. The fact that it lies right out front of Mile Beach gets it full marks.

Adventurer Oceanfront Inn

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Located right on the beach, the Adventurer Oceanfront Inn is one of the larger beachfront/oceanfront Wildwood, NJ, hotels. You can choose from a variety of rooms that range from one-bedroom ones to four-bedroom suites. In fact, all but 6 rooms out of the 113 rooms even have kitchens with full fridges, stoves, and microwaves. This 1970s-built hotel still has a Brady Bunch-era design flair with metallic wallpaper and tweed couches. But the traditional old floral bedspread has been replaced by crisp white duvets – a welcome addition.

Since 1982, this hotel has been family-owned, thus resulting in a “Cheers”-like atmosphere, making it perfect for solo travelers, couples, and even families. There’s plenty of offer when it comes to amenities too, such as the large heated pool and the separate kiddies pool. The oceanfront Pancake House is a highlight, as is the fact that the ocean is right out front.

Our Verdict!

While the Adventurer Oceanfront Innis our overall best hotel, travelers might be looking for something specific when it comes to beachfront hotels. Here are the best of the lot listed by their best features:

• Best value for money: Le Voyageur
• Best hotel on the sands: Acacia Beachfront Resort
• Best hotels for families: Armada By-the-Sea
• Most upscale: Port Royal Hotel

Where to Stay in Wildwood, NJ

Wildwood overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean along the Jersey Shore and is home to some fabulous beach neighborhoods. We begin with the region known as Wildwood, which is at the island’s center. What’s more, it’s home to the famous Wildwood Boardwalk, restaurants and bars, and amusement-filled waterparks and piers. It’s also the cultural center of the island. Secondly, there’s the family-friendly Wildwood Crest, which is the southernmost section of the Wildwoods. This quieter neighborhood offers wide-open views of the ocean. and is also home to a gorgeous lake and park. It’s also the neighborhood closest to Cape May.

Finally, there’s North Wildwood, which is the northernmost part of the Wildwoods and has many motels and condos. It’s also quieter than the boardwalk area and is where the Anglesea Seawall and the Hereford Lighthouse lie.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Wildwood, NJ

• Surfside West: This family-owned 1963-built restaurant is a Wildwood mainstay and is famous for its amazing American fare. The surf vibe is evident, with light-blue walls and chairs reminiscent of the ocean. Sit by the windows for the sea breeze or next to the huge sea mural, and dig into the Sunny Wrap scrambled eggs.
• Jersey Girl Kitchen: This Jersey Shore institution is famous for its full bar that has many Jersey-themed cocktails, craft beer, and other beverages. What’s more, they also serve late-night snacks, shops, steak, and fresh local seafood.

Recommended Activities in Wildwood, NJ

• Cape May Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise: This cruise takes you into Delaware Bay and out to the Atlantic Ocean to catch the sights of dolphins and whales. Along the cruise, you’ll also learn from an expert guide the local history and marine life of Cape May.