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2021/05/21

Few properties in Wildwood celebrate their roots quite like the Caribbean Motel, and if you ask me, it's got the best neon sign in the area, with sweeping letters. Inside, the ebullient Sheila Brown has created a raucous shrine to the 1950s and 60s, with bedrooms dedicated to Elvis (his room has a library of all his movies), Marilyn Monroe, surfing and retro TV/movies, using airbrushed artwork and memorabilia. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. From the colorful atomic-era logo which is emblazoned on the building and lights up at night in neon to the space-age architecture, this place exudes fun. Pros: The hotel is popular with repeat guests, who come back for the proximity to the boardwalk and rave about the cleanliness of the rooms. History features in the Crusader, the Jolly Roger and the Aztec, as well as space age travel in the Pan American and Satellite. A meter parking pass will be provided if your room is left Without a spot and MUST be returned at checkout, or a $300.00 fee will be charged!!! The Boardwalk is open to cyclists from 5am to 11am (10.30am at weekends) and theres an 11-mile Bikeability route that takes in further sights. The food is roadside classic without a twist: meatball sandwiches and turkey Reubens are appreciated by the mostly local clientele, and this is reflected in the prices, which hover around $15 for a variety of the broiled or the battered inclusive of help-yourself salad bar, bread, water, vegetables, fries or spaghetti and dessert. It's no surprise that the Caribbean has been listed as both a state and national historic landmark, and a fun fact: It's the first motel ever listed with Historic Hotels of America. I've stayed at many of the properties on this list with my family over the years. The glass and metal poolside lounge is a remodelled Jetsons interior, with plastic palms hugging the ribbed metal walls as architectural statement rather than just garden decor. Crowds gather at the sign for the Wildwoods, New Jersey. For a true retro experience, book one of the propertys two vintage Airstream trailers. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Confirmed reservations held until 5:00pm unless notified. We searched the city to find the best family-friendly activities in Philadelphia, from top-notch museums to fairytale playgrounds. Armada By-the-Sea was named one of the "Best Hotels for Families in the US" in Trip Advisor's 2020 Travelers Choice Awards, with fans saying that staying here feels like a "welcome home." wildwood motel nj 1959 north ranch exterior night retrostockpix retro photoshelter hotels History still squeaks out, most notably from 1930s World Fair electric trams which glide past and announce Watch the tram car please (they have no horns) and stores such as Douglass Fudge, where a seventh-generation Scot is still mixing sugar and butter into the tooth tingling fudge so beloved by his forebears. We welcome your feedback. A neon sign shouts Salty Balls at potential clientele. Some of the rooms have a fanciful mural of the word "Wildwood" above the beds. I've also taken into account ratings and reviews of guest satisfaction on trusted travel sites such as. These days, Wildwood and nearby Cape May seem to be having another moment, especially with families, in part because they're very affordable. On-site amenities:Cabana lounge, pool, shuffleboard, live music, pool. Here's the oldest building in Pennsylvania, built around 1640, The Lower Swedish Cabin in Drexel Hill is one of the oldest log cabins in the U.S., too, The 23 best things to do in Philadelphia with kids. "Because I grew up with these motels as the backdrop of my summer for as long as I could remember, they seemed as immovable as mountains to me," Havens told Business Insider. Sign up and stay up to date with our latest news, travel tips and destination updates. Enjoy a retro stroll around town, pack a picnic and hit the beach, or enjoy the rides and classic foods found on the boardwalk before shopping at the Boardwalk Mall. THE CARIBBEAN MOTEL IS OPEN AND SAFE. nearly a reality TV star. Another property on the list of "Best Hotels for Families in the US" in Trip Advisor's 2020 Travelers Choice Awards, the Aloha Oceanfront Motel is a property where every room has a view of the ocean. There are many hotels/motels to choose from in Wildwood. Bel Air Motel 5510 Ocean Avenue Wildwood Crest, 609-522-4235 Named for the mid-1950s Chevy that epitomizes the doo-wop era, the Bel Air, built in 1957, sports a seafoam-green pallette, angular roof, poolside plastic palms, globe lighting and hand-built tiki hut. You can't help but fall in love with the swinging '60s music playing in the public spaces (it can also be piped into your room, if you want). These turn out to be rather innocent baby new potatoes cooked in heavily salted brine and spices. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. A wafer-thin concrete spiral walkway connects the floors. But as she spent more time there, she began to fall for the charms of this very real, very proud, and very neon place. When my family and I stayed here, we were able to roll right out of bed and onto the boardwalk, being the first in line for breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants theDoo Wop Diner,a classic spot serving decadent bites like Oreo pancakes. We apologize for the inconvenience, but the motel does not currently have any ADA compliant, or handicap rooms, or other facilities, of any kind. take a dip. Occasional, Exclusive Contests, Deals and Offers, The 30 Best Restaurants in New Jersey of 2022, Poll Results: Readers Choose Their Favorite NJ Restaurants of 2022, Millburn Chef Fighting to Change New Jerseys Liquor License Laws, 13 Jersey Restaurants Highlighting Local Tomatoes & Corn, Cooking for a Cause: These Restaurants Keep New Jerseyans Fulland Fulfilled, David Burke, NJs Rockstar Chef, Serves Flavor, Fun and Surprise, Five Star Real Estate Agents in New Jersey, Five Star Mortgage Professionals in New Jersey, Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professionals in New Jersey. The grounds are loaded with kitschy elements like giant sea creatures, swaying plastic palm trees, and even a faux sand dune. Cons:Besides the two hotel pools, the hotel doesn't have any other amenities like a restaurant or breakfast service. You will pay for your stay at a later stage. To certain travelers, they'll seem downright dated. Doubles from $80, +1 609 522 0609, shalimarresortnj.com, This is an aluminium space-age fantasy slap bang in the centre of Wildwood, facing the beach. We certainly can't. That is until I discovered Wildwoods real stars: An entire district of post-war modernist motels from the 50s and 60s, all built within steps of the carnival-esque surrounds of the Wildwood boardwalk. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Theres so much memorabilia the ice-creams (nearly all under $10) seem almost secondary but the place offers countless flavours including 35 sugar-, dairy- and gluten-free versions plus sundaes such as scoop deville and wild-woody. Ground zero for rocknroll it isnt, but those are some weighty credentials nonetheless. Photos to transport you to the desert utopia of Burning Man, These photos will transport you to the desert utopia of Burning Man, How not to alienate locals: Tips for responsible photos, Cooling off in Cuba: A love letter to Havanas swimming spots, In photos: The mesmerizing and surreal Pushkar Camel Fair. There was also a separate living area with a full kitchen, a pull-out couch, a dining area, and another balcony with a great view of the beach. Many of the motels went for a fantasy theme, and often referenced popular culture. Once featured on Guy Fieris down and dirty TV show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, it serves generous portions in dog bowls. All the rooms have coffeemakers and pods of coffee to help you start your day. Rooms are small but keep with the go-go vibe, with lots of green walls, leopard stools, and striped bedspreads. We operate independently from our advertising team. Located two blocks from the beach. The Starlux is a member of the Morey Resorts group (which also owns the amusement park), pretty much guaranteeing a good time. This is where Chubby Checker first did The Twist and Bill Haleys Comets rocked around the clock. It was great fun to explore many of the more than 50 mid-century hotels still there. By submitting comments you grant permission for all or part of those comments to appear in the print edition of New A dazzling interior palette of turquoise and purple requires the use of RayBans. Wildwood is an extremely affordable beach vacation. Cons: The room design could use a little updating and some may find it quite dated. By the 1990s, these motor-hotels were largely redundant, with many bulldozed to make way for bland condominiums. An equally vibrant swimming pool is squeezed between the main building and street, with just enough space for a line of tall plastic palms. Located one block from the beach. As such, that pride of ownership translated to the staff, who fastidiously cleaned throughout the day, making sure that not a curtain was out of place. In 2019, the hotel was named one of the "Best Hotels for Families in the US" as part of Trip Advisor's Travelers Choice Awards, and here's the reason why: It has been owned by the same family since 1982, and 90% of guests are regulars, giving the place a Cheers-like atmosphere, where the owners and everybody else probably knows your name. And the best place to see it is New Jerseys Wildwood. Double rooms start from around $90 B&B, airstream trailer from $80, +1 609 522 7412, hotels.moreyspiers.com/starlux, Close to the Starlux Hotel and the Boardwalk, this home to the Doo Wop Preservation League is housed in a 1960s space-age restaurant, The Surfside, which was dismantled in 2002 and stored for three years until being rebuilt in its present location. Each year Sheila organises a garden party with Elvis impersonators that blocks surrounding streets. The nearest youll get to health food is the macaroni salad (mayo, tuna, spices) and the only greenery is a sausage-sized pickle ($1.65). The hotel has been family-owned since it was built in 1973. Choose from early bird specials, lunch specials, blackboard specials and weekly lunch/dinner specials. The neon sign outside is an unmissable giant green gas guzzler. Styles vary greatly, from the exotic to the gaudy, with faraway place names featuring heavily: Hawaii, Tahiti, Singapore, Pyramids and Tangiers. 1111 New Jersey Avenue, +1 609 729 2665, coolscoops.com, Here, theres 2.5 miles of raucous entertainment and ceaseless noise day and night as shrieking punters indulge themselves on roller coasters or partake of Breakfast in the Sky aboard a giant ferris wheel. Out in North Wildwood, the Lollipop and Chateau Bleu are of note, the latter being one of two properties on Americas National Register of Historic Places. But the rooms themselves are totally modern with their sleek shades-of-gray color scheme. There's a heated, Olympic-sized pool that overlooks the water, with an adjacent kiddie pool, and right next door is Centennial Park. Cons:The staff is slightly aloof, according to some guests, who complain about long waits for food and help in the reception area. Amenities, particularly those most attractive for beach vacations, were also taken into account. In fact, the entire property is loaded with design elements like space-age lamps to atomic-era tables, and it's particularly atmospheric at night with so much neon lit up. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Just remember: it's the beach, and most hotels here don't scream modern luxury. There was a time, not so long ago, when I was As I made my way back along the boardwalk that nighttowards my own, less-than-exciting hotelI realized that my initial contempt for Wildwood had been unfair. The choice of rooms includes two superb vintage airstream trailers. All reservations are subject to guests to vacate or causes or conditions beyond our control. At night the dazzle of neon and School of Rock soundstage make Brighton Pier look like a village fete. He already had a vast collection of jukeboxes, concert posters, figurines and signage, which are on display. While the design is fairly simple, with old-fashioned floral and geometric bedspreads, plain white furniture, and gray wall-to-wall carpeting, you don't need much when you see what's waiting out the floor-to-ceiling windows: a wide stretch of Wildwood beach. Walk right out of the hotel and onto the beach, or check out the two pools (one for kids and one for adults), with southern exposure and all-day sun. The hotel features heated outdoor pools, multitiered sundeck and on-site restaurant, Alosis. But Wildwoods architectural future may not be as brightly colored as its past. There are more than 200 if you include those in the Motel District with those in Wildwood and North Wildwood. Outside on the street, a multicoloured Vacancy/No Vacancy neon sign may look original but was made recently by local neon craftsman F Dominick Musso, a giveaway being the word Wi-Fi (available throughout the property). I also learned that Rock Around the Clock, considered the first ever rocknroll record, was performed by Bill Haley and the Comets at the towns Hofbrau Riverfront Motel, and that Chubby Checkers The Twistwhich went on to become a huge dance crazewas first introduced at Wildwoods Rainbow Club. High season rates: $187-$192. Nicola is an award-winning photographer who lives between her homes in Sydney, Australia and New York City. We particularly loved staying in a One-Bedroom Suite, with two double beds and a kitchenette. The owner is former New York architect Paul Russo, who left his native Brooklyn after 9/11. There are more than 200 if you include those in the Motel District with those in Wildwood and North Wildwood. Globalphile, L.L.C. In 1997, the Wildwood Doo-Wop Preservation League was set up, and the non-profit organisation has since stepped in to save the remaining motels, recognizing their historical and cultural context. The hotel recently updated many rooms, adding neutral flooring and bathrooms, but best of all: every room overlooks the ocean and comes with a neutral color scheme that doesn't distract from the spectacular views outside. Deposit refundable (not transferable) only if notified two weeks prior to arrival date and subject to 25 percent service charge. Pros: The Port Royal is by far the most stylish game in town, set right across from the beach and offering tons of perks, like access to theLaguna Oaksgolf course plus free golf carts. With the ocean a fair distance from the boardwalk, Id heard that its not uncommon to have the beach come alive with events and concerts during the summer months, including ultimate Frisbee tournaments, the Firefighters Parade, and monster truck rallies. RELATED: Photos to transport you to the desert utopia of Burning Man. In the living area, you'll find butterfly chairs centered around a midcentury wood-burning fireplace and lots of board games ideal for a rainy day. But the furniture, neon signage, artefacts and pop memorabilia that have been rescued for posterity represent a trove of modern historic treasure from dozens of motels lost to the wrecking ball. Utilitarian rather than simply nostalgic, the rooms have their own balconies, kitchenettes and modern bathrooms. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CARIBBEAN SAFE & CLEAN PRACTICES. When my family and I stayed here, we booked a Deluxe Ocean Suite, which is ideal for families. The Wildwoods are the four communities that make up Wildwood island. Life clearly had grander plans for me. Think: free coffee and muffins every morning, free bikes to explore the area, free beach chairs, and free boogie boards for riding the waves on the nearby beach. Cons:Some guests complain that the smallest rooms are a bit too small and that the rooms especially the bathrooms could use a little updating. For registration provide valid driver license with same valid credit card. The main town is Wildwood, but the whole barrier island is sometimes referred to as "The Wildwoods," since it's made up of a group of beach communities with the word "Wildwood" in the name. All but six rooms have kitchens with a microwave, stove, and full fridge. Armed with their new sets of wheels and their disposable incomes, families could now take vacations further afield, which helped lead to the birth of Wildwood. The hotel hosts guest chefs, who do barbecues and special events like wings night, and there's shuffleboard, too. 62 Media Group, a division of New Jersey Monthly, creates custom print and digital publications that help build customer relationships and drive more sales. Guided tours are also available through the Doo Wop Preservation League Museum. Starlux Hotel 305 East Rio Grande Avenue Wildwood, 609-522-7412 This property was completely redesigned in 2000 to accommodate a kidney-shaped pool, an additional floor, a large glass-paneled lounge with geometric-shaped roof, and plenty of aluminum and neon. Rooms range from a Standard with two Queen beds to a Two-Bedroom Suite with three Queen beds. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Laura Begley Bloom is an award-winning editor, writer, and content strategist who is a leader in digital and print journalism. I would know, I'm one of them. Original bathrooms are pink and chunky. Pros: Guests appreciate all the wide-open spaces and family-friendly nature. Its five storeys accommodate penthouse duplexes for views of the ocean by day, the nearby neon signs by night. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. The Wildwood area is best known for its retro motels, as well as its easy access to an enormous beach. Pros: The Adventurer provides great bang for your buck and with so many rooms, there's usually plenty of availability, no matter the season. My daughter loved hiding out in the little nook with a bunk bed, while we got our own bedroom with a King bed and a private balcony. The Doo-Wop Experience and Neon Sign Garden contains neon signs and furniture from demolished motels as well as other artifacts that celebrate the music, art, architecture, design and pop culture from the 50s and 60s. Who can read more than that, anyway? So you'll need to go out for all your meals. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CARIBBEAN SAFE & CLEAN PRACTICES! What has always impressed me about the Blue Palms though, is that the hotel thoroughly embraces its name with a relaxing aquamarine palette and fake blue palm trees that line the perimeter of the property. It's instantly recognizable and has been included in many design books. Pros:The Daytona is one of the best-located hotels in town, just steps from the Wildwood boardwalk and the beach, but far enough away that you can have a quiet night's sleep. The 1950s was Wildwood's heyday and you can still see the architectural evidence of that era in Wildwood's well-preserved "Doo Wop" design (the town is so committed to maintaining its funky vibe that it has an official Doo Wop Preservation League). Over 300 motels were built in Wildwood during what is known as the Doo-Wop era, a term that pays tribute to the musical period of rhythm and blues created in the 1940s by young African-Americans that made Wildwood famous at the time. There's so much to see and do in Philly, but we get it: Sometimes you just need to get away. Pros: The Starlux is just a stone's throw from the Wildwood boardwalk and the beach. Double rooms from $115 B&B, +1 609 846 1955, summernites.com, Acid yellow and vibrant red, this is the home of the smokin cheesy drunk ($4.65) and the sausage soprano ($6.95), two of several dozen different hotdogs, burgers and sausage creations served with sides of cardiac fries and rootbeer floats. Only Visa, Mastercard and Discover card accepted. Throughout her career, Laura has held senior positions such as Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo Travel, Deputy Editor of Travel + Leisure, andChief Content Officer of Family Traveller Magazine.Journalism is part of Laura's heritage. Design geeks will love the exact reproduction of original ashlar brickwork on the upper floors as well as the massive rooftop neon beacon visible for several miles out to sea.

Even when I'm not staying at the retro Starlux Hotel, it puts a smile on my face just to drive by. The total price is. In summer, Wildwoods vast sandy beach and amusement rides keep both visitors and locals entertained. On-site amenities: Olympic-sized pool, kids' pool, two sundecks, coffee station, free parking, trolley to boardwalk. Shrimp and scallop, for example, come with added tilapia fish, stuffed mushrooms and extra stuffed scallops. Many of the motels in Wildwood reference popular culture of the time. Cons:The hotel is a bit isolated, as it's 12 blocks from the start of the boardwalk, but some guests prefer it that way and enjoy being in quieter Wildwood Crest. The museum is also the starting point for a twice-weekly evening bus tour (Tuesdays/Thursdays) which takes in all the neon its possible to ingest as well as extensive new murals celebrating stars of the 1950s and 60s like Bobby Rydell, Bill Haley and Chubby Checker. It sprawls across an entire city block right on the ocean, and has multiple sun decks for soaking up rays and views. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. The economy was booming in post-war Americapeople were feeling upbeat about the future and they had money for leisure. Now, theres even a museum. Pros: Guests love the nostalgic atmosphere that is a flashback to the Wildwood of the past. Before the casinos and Donald Trumps now-bankrupt hotel and gambling properties made Atlantic City the pre-eminent Jersey Shore resort, Wildwood was the place to be for vacationers from New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. I was living in New York, and the show was about myself and a colleague secretly photographing peoples marriage proposals. An old property refurbished, it mixes 1950s futurism with 21st-century irony, down to its own 27-hole luxury crazy golf, an acid-hued version of the Shores more sober courses. Pan American Hotel 5901 Ocean Avenue Wildwood Crest, 609-522-6936 The six-story, oceanfront Pan American celebrates its 50th anniversary this yearstill sporting its rooftop rotating globe. I've chosen the top hotels based on my personal knowledge and trips to Wildwood.

A travel expert, Laura writes for a wide range of media outlets including Forbes, CNBC, and Food & Wine, and appears regularly on television outlets ranging from the Weather Channel to CNN. Guest must be 25 years old or older to check in. My daughter loved running around there and enjoying the COVID-friendly open spaces. It seemed that Wildwood was trying to be the ultimate vacation spot, offering something for the whole family. The Adventurer was built in the 1970s and while it has been updated over the years, it still has a Brady Bunch-era design flair with tweed couches and metallic wallpaper. Please activate at least one payment gateway in HBook settings (HBook > Payment). I love the fact that the funky vibe of the public spaces continues right into the rooms, which are decorated with vintage-style lamps and colorful retro wallpaper. On-site amenities: BBQ grills, swimming pool, kids' pool, complimentary coffee and muffins each morning. RELATED: How has travel changed since the 70s? During some of the filming, we were whisked off to Wildwood. Motels generally provide their guests with free bikes but hirers such as Zippys rents cycles, tandems, trikes and e-bikes. One night deposit required to confirm reservation unless otherwise specified by management. On-site amenities: Coffee shop, sundeck, laundry facilities, pool, kids' pool, free parking. From hikes lined with waterfalls to summits with epic views, these 12 hikes all offer a little something extra to keep your attention. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, now-bankrupt hotel and gambling properties. The crowds clear out and prices drop even lower. Count on a fun stay with fire pits, BBQ grills, and a big heated pool. However, their neon sparkle was never fully extinguished, and now its blinking back to life. With its giant colorful balls and iconic signage, it's the ultimate Instagram photo op. A curious pinwheel-shaped roof of jutting angles and glass walls gave it landmark status back in the day. Resplendent with fake palm trees, garish neon signs, vibrant paint jobs, and space-age designs, they were nothing short of bedazzling. She has a particular interest in remote and challenging locations, and the visual stories that come out of them. Located right on the beach, the Adventurer Oceanfront Inn is one of the larger properties in the area with 113 rooms ranging in size from one-bedroom Motel Rooms to four-room Suites that cater to families traveling together or large groups. Bedroom colours are bold, lit by Jackson Pollock-style spattered lamp fittings.

With bright neon signs competing to attract passing motorists, and names like The Jolly Roger, The Crusader, The Adventurer, American Safari, and the Yankee Clipper, I felt Id entered an alternate universe. Several guests on Trip Advisor complained about looking out on a wall, so be sure to ask about your view when you're making a reservation. On-site amenities: Pool, deck, restaurant, game room, free parking. However, if five-star lodgings or ritzy resorts are what you seek, you're better off looking elsewhere entirely. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Built in the 1950s, the motelswere hugely popular throughout thefollowing two decades. Thanks to its white-sand beach, June to August is the most popular time to visit. The Wildwood Doo-Wop Preservation League has stepped in to save the remaining motels, recognizing the important place they have in a historical and cultural context. The look is more kiss-me-quick than Palm Springs artful mid-century modern, and less niche than Googie, Populuxe, or Tiki architectural styles. One of the most upscale hotels in the area, the Port Royal is right across from the beach and a breath of fresh air in the heart of Wildwood Crest. The hotel is privately owned and we often spotted the owner on the grounds, making sure that everything was running smoothly. Other iconic design details include a curved staircase that seems to float in the air and a crescent-shaped pool. as well as other partner offers and accept our. The Jersey Shore, home of Wildwood, where good times are, of course, a shore thing. 806 New Jersey Avenue, +1 609 846 0444, mauisdoghouse.com, This million-dollar collection of 1950s music and design includes fin-fringed car booths from chopped-up Cadillacs and Chevrolets. Heritage tourism is a growing economic catalyst to our community says Michael Hirscht from the Wildwood Doo-Wop Preservation League. These motels tell the tale of shifting times and increased affluence in post-war USA and their enduring appeal is now obvious. But while summer is the peak, fall is just as appealing. Naturally, there's a beachy turquoise color scheme in the rooms, which are either set in the main resort or in the neighboring Boardwalk Bungalow, which has cozy rooms (read: small).