Nothing says summertime in the garden state like escaping to some of our most luxurious accommodations

By Brendan Fitzgibbons

Bungalow Hotel
50 Laird St., Long Branch / 732.229.3700 / bungalowhotel.net
A stone’s throw from the beach, and surrounded by the bustling commercial and charming food plaza, Pier Village (see above) simply couldn’t have a better location. The Bungalow’s rooms are decidedly modern and feature king-sized beds, flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and working fireplaces. The hotel’s walls are also adorned with better than 50 pieces of original art. For a reasonable charge, guests can bask in even greater luxury at the swanky private beach club, Le Club.

Port Royal Hotel
6801 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest / 609.729.2000 / moreyspiers.com/portroyal
Given enough time at the nautically-themed Port Royal Hotel, guests might be given to thinking that they are actually on the high seas. They can choose between its massive outdoor pool and oceanfront sun deck to catch some rays, or recline on the guest rooms’ private balconies. A visit to the nearby Wildwood boardwalk—spanning 38-blocks—offers everything from carnival rides and live music to some of the tastiest treats on the Jersey Shore.

Ocean Place
1 Ocean Blvd., Long Branch / 732.571.4000 / oceanplace.com
Life at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa is all about the sea. The towering oceanside hotel consists of 254 capacious guest rooms, five opulent suites, a private beach, Tiki Bar with live entertainment on the weekends, a spa, and a nearby waterfront promenade. The beach is the optimal fresh air escape from any city grind, and Ocean Place is also close to the ever-dynamic Pier Village.

The Virginia Hotel
22 Jackson St., Cape May / 609.884.5700 / caperesorts.com
A veritable time capsule, this hotel resides in a landmarked 1879 colonial-style building that transports guests to a time when Cape May was a rare luxury—a chance for well-heeled 19th-century brahmins to escape the city swelter and take a five hour (or more) buggy ride to an oasis on the shore, just steps away from the beach. Every morning, guests are treated to a free continental breakfast, and it would be a crime not to take in a dinner at the Virginia’s critically acclaimed restaurant, the Ebbit Room, which features cuisine that originates in part from a nearby farm. Guests can then recover in the truest self-congratulatory style by lounging at one of hotel’s private beach cabanas.

W
225 River St., Hoboken / 201.253.2400 / whoboken.com
Overlooking both the Hudson River and Manhattan’s glittering skyline, the W Hotel proves that the best views of views of New York City are actually in Hoboken. Hotel guests can Zen out at the Bliss Spa, work up a sweat at the in-house FIT Gym, revel in a cocktail at the trendy Living Room bar, or rent complementary bikes to explore Frank Sinatra’s home city’s eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants. Beautifully designed and staffed, the W is consistently rated among the Best Hotels in New Jersey.

Daddy O
4401 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach / 609.494.1300 / daddyohotellbi.com
Few Jersey Shore getaways provide instant beach access and a chic spacious rooftop bar, yet those are just a few of the perks of the Daddy O boutique hotel. The 22-room posh inn is decked out in lovely modernity, and in bold color-blocked hues. Guests are just steps away from the nearby beaches and/or can relish in the seaside view in comfort by basking in the ocean air from lounge chairs at the rooftop bar. Afterwards, they can stop by the hotel’s eatery that features a seasonal dinner menu (with fabulous sushi).

Molly Pitcher Inn
88 Riverside Ave., Red Bank / 732.747.2500 / themollypitcherinn.com
This quaint Red Bank gem overlooks the Navesink River and is an elegant backdrop for any wedding or private party. The boutique hotel combines luxurious amenities with a classic colonial motif creating a swanky memorable vibe. The expansive pool deck is nestled against the hotel’s marina, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the harbor’s plush vessels. Be sure to take in a meal at the hotel’s tasty eatery, The Dining Room, a fine dining restaurant that features New American style cuisine served with regional flair.

The Water Club at Borgata
1 Renaissance Way, Atlantic City / 609.317.1000 / theborgata.comb
In case there’s any doubt about guests at the Water Club being treated like utter royalty the second they step foot into the hotel, consider the on-site amenities: a two-story spa, sun-drenched lounge with artisanal bites (curated by Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian), a fitness center, five pools, and a slew of highend retail shops. The luxurious $400 million dollar hotel also includes access to the adjacent Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, making the transition from active casino living to unwinding at the Water Club’s Immersion Spa seamless. •