Wildwood hotels

Follow the boardwalk along Beach Avenue and arrive at one of the best hotels in Wildwood: the Oceanfront Pan American Hotel. You’ll notice the property for its striking mid-century style that stands out on the beachfront.

The suites range from efficiencies to rooms decked out with private balconies. If you can, I recommend splurging on the penthouse, which has a luxurious bathroom and spacious living area that creates a dreamy beach retreat. The only thing the penthouse is missing is its own laundry facilities, which are accessible to guests on the lower floors.

More amenities await downstairs, including an outdoor heated pool, fire pit, and an on-site restaurant with a lounge. It’s rare there’s a reason to leave the Oceanfront Pan American Hotel, but if anyone wanted to, they’d find a playground, a pier, and plenty of cafés nearby.

A Jersey Shore getaway at The Waves Hotel is as delightful as picturesque Cape May itself. This blue and green-coloured hotel on Atlantic Avenue feels relaxed in every way. A leisurely stroll takes you to the boardwalk, beach, and Seaport Aquarium in minutes. Even less effort is required to get to the hotel’s seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

The guestrooms all have microwaves and refrigerators, and while there’s no formal breakfast on offer, fruit, milk, and cereal are available for anyone who asks. The lobby has a 24-hour reception too, which might not seem noteworthy until you realize that many hotels in Wildwood limit theirs to certain hours.

This is also one of the best hotels in Wildwood for anyone planning a day at Adventure Pier. I grew up with wooden roller coasters as a kid in Pennsylvania, and it’s always nostalgic to see them on New Jersey’s Wildwood Boardwalk.

Having access to one of the sole private beaches in the Garden State instantly makes Icona Diamond Beach a standout hotel in Wildwood. It’s also one of the few to feature galley kitchens in its condo-style suites and a private beach club.

The penthouse suites are absolutely marvellous, granting both pool and beach views from the sixth floor. It’s wonderful to open up the doors of the twin Juliet balconies and let the sea breeze flow in while cooking in the kitchen or relaxing in the living area.

But for me, the Icona’s amenities are the stars of the show. The beach club has dedicated lifeguards, loungers, and umbrellas, all included in the resort fee. Meanwhile, the outdoor heated pool has a splash section for kids and a spacious deck for sunbathing. The Star Beach Bar, although seasonal, makes the most of the warm weather with live entertainment.

Port Royal Oceanfront Hotel is set in an envious location between Rambler Road Park and Centennial Park. With the beach at its front and Ocean Avenue at its rear, it’s one of the best hotels in Wildwood along the boardwalk. I love the fact that private balconies with ocean views come as standard here, so you can expect dramatic vistas to match the upscale rooms.

There’s so much to explore in this hotel, but my first stop is always the maritime-themed library. Reading about coastal history is a fun way to immerse yourself in the classic Jersey Shore experience.

Taking a book to the pool, the outdoor fire pit, or the beach makes for hours of blissful relaxation. When I need a little excitement beyond the pages, I like to hang out in the game room with my kids or grab a drink at the on-site restaurant.

I didn’t expect one of the best hotels in Wildwood to have an exotic bird experience, but such are the surprises in store at Mahalo Diamond Beach Resort. Maui, the Macaw mascot, greets guests in the lobby. It’s an unexpected introduction at first, but by the time check-out comes it’s hard to say goodbye to this feathery friend.

Local shuttle service, beach cruiser bicycle rentals, and special afternoon treats for children are all available at this beachfront resort. The waterfall feature in the pool makes the entire pool deck sparkle like the waves of the Atlantic. On a rare rainy day, nothing beats sleeping in on the comfy pillow-top mattress in your room.

As a parent of little ones, I particularly love that this hotel has roll-away beds and pack ‘n’ plays available for guests (they’re always so cumbersome to take along while travelling).

This is one of the best hotels in Wildwood because it’s such a cool, retro place to stay, right near the boardwalk and beach. The aesthetic is pure '50s Doo Wop, yet the rooms have all the modern comforts and conveniences you’d expect.

The suites borrow some of the funky colours that the exterior showcases, but gives them a casual-coastal feel to keep the vibe as laid-back as possible.

This hotel also gets my vote for its awesome amenities. The three mini golf courses are so much fun, and the outdoor swimming pool, billiards, and fire pit are wonderful. Though for me, it’s the complimentary bicycle rentals and on-site ice cream parlour that put this Wildwood hotel in a class of its own.

Every guestroom at the Reges Oceanfront Resort is ocean-facing and has a private balcony. The views are just as jaw-dropping whether you go for an entry-level room or the King Suite. My tip is to book a suite on the 6th, 7th, or 8th floor with a kitchenette to enjoy breakfast at sunrise. I found the rooms were so comfortable, it was hard to leave.

The seasonal activity room and oceanfront sun deck are the places to be in the summer. The heated pool and children’s pool have their own café, grill, and live entertainment throughout the season—all of which are open until long after sunset to make the most of those cool summer nights.

Esplanade Suites is one of the best hotels in Wildwood for experiencing the shore like a local. That’s largely thanks to its location, tucked away on a quiet residential street that leads to the shoreline.

These condo-style accommodations include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, which instantly feel like home. Living rooms, full-sized bathrooms, and full-sized kitchens make the two-bedroom suites great options for families like mine that need a little extra space for young children.

While the suites have that home-from-home feeling, the amenities are set to vacation mode. The seasonal outdoor heated pool and separate kiddie pool are convenient spots to cool down without walking to the beach.

The hotel also has affordable upgrades like in-room wine, chocolates, and flowers, making it one of the best hotels in Wildwood for a romantic getaway.

This is one of the best hotels in Wildwood that’s set just across the Grassy Sound in Stone Harbor. The Reeds at Shelter Haven is just a 15-minute drive from the shores of Wildwood and delivers an elevated experience that few hotels in the city centre can match.

I like to think of it as a luxury retreat that balances the classic fun around Wildwood’s boardwalk. A year-round salt spa, a roof garden sun deck, live music performances, and paddle board rentals create a haven of relaxation and recreation. Dazzling suites with bay views, fireplaces, and custom furnishings add to the lavish setting.

What’s more, it couldn’t be easier to hop in the car and drive to the North Wildwood Sea Wall from here for more amazing views of the coastline.

It’s easy to say oui to a stay at Le Voyageur. This Red Collection Hotel is one of the best hotels in Wildwood for families, set two blocks from the Wildwoods Convention Center and Wildwood Crest Beach.

This is an ideal spot for travellers like me who like a simple, modest hotel that has all the basic comforts and conveniences covered. I’m one to spend more time on the boardwalk than in bed, so the seasonal outdoor pool and fresh coffee in the lobby are all the amenities I need.

That’s not to say the guestrooms aren’t worth hanging out in. An expanded cable package, refrigerators, and microwaves are standard in every room. Plus, Le Voyageur doesn’t charge for parking, which is a big bonus considering the hotel is so close to the beach and Rio Grande Avenue.