It's Christmas in NJ, and the whole state is full of adventures to be had. But what if you want to make your holiday adventure last? With visits to Whippany and Florham Park, you don't need to let the fun end prematurely. Your adventure begins at The Polar Express in Whippany, the best Christmas train in New Jersey and an experience no kid will ever forget. From there, it's on to a charming boutique hotel in Florham Park that knows how to celebrate the season in style. You'll enjoy festive drinks and have the chance to take park in the hotel's quirkiest holiday tradition. By the time you head home, you'll have experienced the best holiday getaway in NJ.
steam train in a winter night
All aboard! Start your adventure by climb aboarding The Polar Express in Whippany for another unforgettable holiday adventure. The family-friendly train departs the station throughout November and December, with the last ride setting off on Dec. 30, 2024. Tickets tend to sell quickly; try to reserve your seats early, so you don't miss out. Prices depend on when you go and include value (best savings), standard (regular price), and premium (high demand times).
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This Christmas train in New Jersey is themed to the classic Tom Hanks movie, and it transforms a standard vintage train into a kaleidoscope of holiday colors, promising a delightful adventure for guests of all ages. Enthusiastic crew members turn every ride on the Polar Express into a charming show with Christmas carols and dancing chefs who offer guests cookies and hot chocolate. Sit back and listen to the famous tale of The Polar Express, too. The highlight of the ride is, of course, an appearance by the big man himself. Santa Claus arrives for the grand finale to give the riders a unique holiday greeting.
After disembarking from The Polar Express, head north to Florham Park, where you will check into the Archer Hotel, the best Christmas resort in NJ. The Archer is known for its mascot, Archie the Elf. (Yes, the Elf from Elf on the Shelf fame.) Archie hides in a new place around the hotel every day during the holiday season. Look around and you just might find him hiding, which makes for the best holiday photo op in the region. If you find Archie, take a picture, and then make your way to the front desk, where a surprise awaits.
The Archer also features complimentary holiday beverages all day long. Sip on such favorites as hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee, and tea.
cropped shot of santa claus holding red cup with hot chocolate and marshmallows
The AAA Four Diamond hotel in New Jersey offers luxurious accommodations with all guest rooms and suites featuring a full menu of amenities, including walk-in showers, a fridge, HDTV with premium channels, and a safe that's large enough to hold a laptop. Bring your swimming gear, too. The hotel's indoor pool is the perfect way to relax after your adventure aboard The Polar Express.
Christmas in New Jersey is my favorite time of the year with neighborhoods awash in twinkling lights, holiday tunes playing while Christmas shopping at my favorite mall, Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, and, if we're lucky, snow on the ground when we wake up on Christmas morning. Then there are all of the Christmas festivals in NJ. What are your favorite Christmas festivals in New Jersey? What do you think is the best Christmas resort in NJ? Let us know by filling out this nomination form.
Book your own holiday adventure by visiting The Polar Express and Archer Hotel websites for more information on rates and availability. While you're celebrating Christmas in NJ, don't forget to bring your camera to capture every magical moment.
It's summer and the Jersey Shore is in full swing - which means it's time to book that summer getaway, the closer to the water the better! Many people are choosing to book vacation rentals this year, liking the flexibility of a whole-home rental. I see the appeal - but often, I prefer a traditional hotel getaway where everything is taken care of for me. And when it comes to hotels on the shore, it doesn't get any better than Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven, an amazing island resort in New Jersey. That's right, an island resort - this hotel is located right on Long Beach Island, a barrier island a little over a mile from the mainland. Long Beach Island is only half a mile wide, too, so you'll be near the water wherever you stay - but it doesn't get any better than a stay here, mere feet from the water, at one of the most charming beach getaways in the Garden State.
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The Sea Shell Resort is basically a tropical getaway in the middle of New Jersey, and it's open for its summer season.
But there are also more upscale dining options here, including a lounge and wine bar, and even a sushi restaurant. The crown jewel is definitely The Pine Tree, an upscale seafood-centric restaurant in the resort.
Have you stayed at the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven before? Let us know about your getaway at this island resort in New Jersey in the comments section! You can book your own stay on the Sea Shell Resort website, and follow this Beach Haven resort on Facebook for details on this upcoming summer's events and amenities. It's the perfect getaway to a summer on the shore, and Beach Haven is also home to Thundering Surf Waterpark, one of the most exciting splash zones in the state. Have fun - and make sure to bring your sunscreen!
When searching for overnight accommodations, what do you look for? Is it the price, amenities, or location? Do you prefer the city, small town, or beach getaways? Well, luckily the Garden State has a wide variety of places to stay. From one-of-a-kind hotels to luxury, from boutique hotels to beach resorts, here are some of the best hotels in New Jersey.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in New Jersey
Why stay at a Hilton or a Marriott when there are so many other, more unique, options out there? Sure, those hotels are great but if you want a more memorable experience, spend a few nights at one of these unique hotels in New Jersey:
Located in downtown Princeton at Palmer Square, you'll love this historic hotel with its luxurious accommodations and on-site restaurant. Nassau Inn offers 157 contemporary guest rooms and 31 well-appointed suites that are comfortably furnished. You'll love the comfort and style here.
Chateau Inn and Suites is a fantastic small hotel that's ideal for a family getaway. With comfortable rooms and elegant decor, you'll feel relaxed the moment you check-in at the front desk. Located in Spring Lake Beach, you'll be within walking distance of the town's two-mile boardwalk, beaches, restaurants, outdoor activities, and more!
Best Hotel Pools in New Jersey
Want to make a splash on vacation? There are some incredible hotel pools around the Garden State and we found a couple that will make you book a stay ASAP. Here are two of the best hotel pools in New Jersey:
While staying at a casino hotel isn't for everyone, once you get a view of the pool, you may change your mind. Harrah's indoor pool is a gorgeous oasis complete with a poolside bar. And since it is indoors, you can lounge poolside year-round here.
Those 21 and older staying at the Borgata are welcome to use the gorgeous, luxurious indoor and outdoor pools. Lounge and relax poolside while enjoying a cocktail or a snack, or go for a swim! It's up to you how active or passive you want to be here.
Best Luxury Hotels in New Jersey
We all deserve a relaxing getaway and we all deserve to experience luxury. Whether you have something to celebrate or not, do you really need an excuse to treat yourself? So, put yourself in the lap of luxury at one of these best luxury hotels in New Jersey:
With its stunning French-American design, The Chateau Grande Hotel offers an air of elegance and luxurious accommodations. With an on-site restaurant for fine dining as well as a bar, you may never want to leave. It's one of the most exquisite luxury hotels in New Jersey.
The luxurious bed and breakfast is set in the idyllic countryside. Escape city life and come to the country for a little bit of r&r. Take a hike or a bike ride on one of the property's trails or relax on the terrace. When the weather is nice, take a stroll through the gardens while breathing in that fresh country air! When you retire to your well-appointed room, you're sure to get a good night's sleep in a bed covered in fine linens. And when you wake up in the morning, start your day with a three-course gourmet breakfast. This place is simply divine!
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Best Boutique Hotels in New Jersey
If you love the unique attributes of a boutique hotel, we found a few for you to consider on your next getaway. Some of these are top hotels in New Jersey too, so you know you'll be staying somewhere great!
ICONA Cape May is one of the best-rated hotels in New Jersey and it's easy to see why when you stay here. First of all, it's got the location -- on the beach! Second, its rooms are ultra comfortable and then there's the friendly service, the seasonal outdoor pool, and close to all the best of what Cape May has to offer. You will love it here!
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8. Archer Hotel Florham Park/Morristown, Florham Park
Less than three miles away from the Morristown airport, the Archer Hotel Florham Park isn't just a convenient choice -- it offers plenty of amenities plus comfortable upscale rooms you'd expect to find in a luxury hotel. And its location at Florham Park where the New York Jets play is just an added bonus for football fans.
9. The Peacock Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, Princeton
Located close to Princeton University, The Peacock Inn is a gorgeous boutique hotel with excellent service and deluxe accommodations. Enjoy a drink at the bar in the evenings or breakfast or dinner at The Peacock Restaurant. It's also within walking distance to restaurants and cafes in town.
Best Beach Resorts in New Jersey
Life is better at the beach for many of us and if you want a resort by the beach, we definitely have a few of those. We hand-picked some of the most beautiful hotels in New Jersey that happen to sit beachside. Once you take a look at the photos, you'll be booking your summer vacation immediately.
When you come to Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, you will immediately leave all your cares at the door. Staying here is like staying at an oasis with ultimate relaxation at your fingertips. While the rooms are stylish and luxurious, you'll probably want to spend most of your time out at the terrace and pool that overlooks the ocean. It's simply breathtaking to stay at one of the best resorts in New Jersey!
Cape May is a popular summertime destination and if you're looking for luxury resorts in New Jersey, La Mer is an excellent choice. You can choose a room with an ocean view, hang out poolside, or spend your days at the beach. This resort is also situated a short distance from Wildwood Boardwalk for some summertime fun!
With amenities galore, you could be busy here at Ocean Place Resort & Spa during your entire stay. Or you can relax instead! There are plenty of options for both. On the active side, there's the pool, the gym, billiards, a game room, and even a nightclub. If you choose to relax, there's a full-service spa, several swimming pools, a sauna, and a hot tub. Aside from all the amenities, you'll be right on the beach! It's the perfect place to stay at the halfway point between New York City and Atlantic City.
Has this list of some of the best hotels in New Jersey helped you make any decisions on where you'd like to stay next? Which one will you book first?
