I have nothing against big hotel chains, they tend to offer value and comfort along with familiarity; each room looks the same, you know exactly what to expect. While that can be nice, boutique hotels, local inns and bed & breakfasts typically provide a more welcoming, unique stay. We have so many small gems in New Jersey, here are a few that don’t get the attention they deserve.
- Scarborough Inn, Ocean City
Facebook/Scarborough Inn
Facebook/Scarborough Inn Blocks from the beach, guests can enjoy ocean views from the top floor or ocean breezes from the porch. There are 22 themed guest rooms with air conditioning, flat screen televisions, free WiFi, DVD players and refrigerators. Breakfast is served as a daily entree, with a mini-buffet available. There are also snacks served in the afternoon. Free parking is included.
- The Harrison, Cape May
Facebook/The Harrison
Facebook/The Harrison Cape May Bed and breakfasts are abundant in Cape May, but this lesser-known inn stands out with its exquisite decor. Recently renovated, you’ll find 9 stunning rooms with Victorian touches and modern amenities. The complimentary breakfast includes an entree, buffet and unlimited coffee. You’ll also find an afternoon tea served with sweets like scones.
- The Lily Inn, Burlington
Facebook/The Lily Inn
Facebook/The Lily Inn This historic inn on the banks of the Delaware offers 5 guest rooms in a 300-year-old home, 3 of which offer fireplaces. You’ll find 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, and they recently received a certificate of excellence for standout service.
- The Wooden Duck Inn, Newton
Facebook/Wooden Duck Inn
Facebook/Wooden Duck Inn You’ll find 10 rooms, divided between 2 buildings on this stunning country estate. Every room comes with a flat screen TV, private bath and free WiFi, some are appointed with fireplaces and 2-person soaking tubs. Guests will enjoy ten wooded acres, an in-ground pool, gardens and a 3-course breakfast.
- Avon Manor, Avon-By-The-Sea
Facebook/Avon Manor
Facebook/Avon Manor An incredible value, the extensive amenities set this bed & breakfast apart from others. Choose from a full breakfast menu, enjoy complimentary bicycles, early check-in times, an outdoor fireplace and much more. Discounted rates are available for those who choose to skip breakfast, but I wouldn’t.
- The Tower Cottage Inn, Point Pleasant Beach
Yelp/Tower Cottage Inn
Facebook/The Tower Cottage This romantic spot is a popular wedding venue offering whirlpool tubs in each guest room. Enjoy complimentary beach badges, a full breakfast and afternoon refreshments.
- The Gables, Beach Haven
Facebook/The Gables
Facebook/The Gables Choose from 5 fantastic rooms with either fireplaces or working iron stoves. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast (included) and full service restaurant on-site. You’ll find modern amenities (TV/DVD/WIFI) mixed with old school charm.
- Inn at Glencairn, Princeton
Facebook/Inn at Glencairn
Facebook/Inn at Glencairn You’ll find several spacious, modern guest rooms here, along with a great room appointed with antiques. If you’re looking to elope, they provide an affordable package that includes almost everything you’ll need.
- Main Street Manor, Flemington
Facebook/Main Street Manor
Facebook/Main Street Manor Choose from 5 rooms, all with en-suite baths, and enjoy one of the prettiest porches around. You’ll love the locally sourced breakfast and afternoon tea. Romantic add-ons including chocolate dipped strawberries are available.
- Alpine Haus, Vernon
Facebook/Alpine Haus
Facebook/Alpine Haus This delicious upside down French Toast could be your breakfast, along with other delectable dishes. A perfect winter getaway, this B&B is located near New Jersey’s premiere ski destination - Mountain Creek. Choose from 8 rooms and 2 carriage house suites.
- Cedars & Beeches, Long Branch
Facebook/Cedars & Beeches
Facebook/Cedars & Beeches Enjoy easy access to the beach, shops at Pier Village and the Monmouth Racetrack. Choose from double, king and queen rooms along with a grand suite and full apartment. Add on one of 7 different massage packages, perfect for every occasion.
- Sand Castle Bed & Breakfast, Barnegat Light
Facebook/Sand Castle Inn
Facebook/Sand Castle Perfection on LBI. Enjoy incredible waterfront views from many rooms along with a heated pool. You’ll love the game tables, rooftop deck and available bicycles. The eggs benedict for breakfast is a favorite.
- The Inn On Holly, Pitman
Facebook/The Inn On Holly
Facebook/The Inn On Holly The carriage house here makes for a great event space and there are several rooms available offering free wifi, HDTV and a full gourmet breakfast on weekends. Afternoon refreshments are also included.
- The Blue Rose Inn, Cape May
Facebook/The Blue Rose Inn
Facebook/The Blue Rose A short walk to the beach and Washington Street Mall, this charming inn also offers a full service restaurant. Choose from 8 rooms with private baths and a variety of packages including the Dine & Wine, BBB (Bed, Breakfast & Beer) and Babymoon options offering luxurious add-ons at reasonable prices.
- Tamaracks Country Villa, Byram
Facebook/Tamaracks Country Villa
Facebook/The Tamaracks Country Villa This historic restored farmhouse offers authentic details like a 200-year-old fireplace and exposed stone walls, alongside modern amenities including satellite TV and central air. All stays include a hot breakfast along with baked goods and breakfast staples like bagels and yogurt.
Have you heard of any of these incredible lesser known bed and breakfasts? While they may not have quite the following of say… The Southern Mansion (Cape May), they’re still spectacular. For other amazing lodging options in New Jersey, check out my previous post: These 12 Bed And Breakfasts In New Jersey Are Perfect For A Getaway.
Facebook/Scarborough Inn
Blocks from the beach, guests can enjoy ocean views from the top floor or ocean breezes from the porch. There are 22 themed guest rooms with air conditioning, flat screen televisions, free WiFi, DVD players and refrigerators. Breakfast is served as a daily entree, with a mini-buffet available. There are also snacks served in the afternoon. Free parking is included.
Facebook/The Harrison
Facebook/The Harrison Cape May
Bed and breakfasts are abundant in Cape May, but this lesser-known inn stands out with its exquisite decor. Recently renovated, you’ll find 9 stunning rooms with Victorian touches and modern amenities. The complimentary breakfast includes an entree, buffet and unlimited coffee. You’ll also find an afternoon tea served with sweets like scones.
Facebook/The Lily Inn
This historic inn on the banks of the Delaware offers 5 guest rooms in a 300-year-old home, 3 of which offer fireplaces. You’ll find 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, and they recently received a certificate of excellence for standout service.
Facebook/Wooden Duck Inn
You’ll find 10 rooms, divided between 2 buildings on this stunning country estate. Every room comes with a flat screen TV, private bath and free WiFi, some are appointed with fireplaces and 2-person soaking tubs. Guests will enjoy ten wooded acres, an in-ground pool, gardens and a 3-course breakfast.
Facebook/Avon Manor
An incredible value, the extensive amenities set this bed & breakfast apart from others. Choose from a full breakfast menu, enjoy complimentary bicycles, early check-in times, an outdoor fireplace and much more. Discounted rates are available for those who choose to skip breakfast, but I wouldn’t.
Yelp/Tower Cottage Inn
Facebook/The Tower Cottage
This romantic spot is a popular wedding venue offering whirlpool tubs in each guest room. Enjoy complimentary beach badges, a full breakfast and afternoon refreshments.
Facebook/The Gables
Choose from 5 fantastic rooms with either fireplaces or working iron stoves. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast (included) and full service restaurant on-site. You’ll find modern amenities (TV/DVD/WIFI) mixed with old school charm.
Facebook/Inn at Glencairn
You’ll find several spacious, modern guest rooms here, along with a great room appointed with antiques. If you’re looking to elope, they provide an affordable package that includes almost everything you’ll need.
Facebook/Main Street Manor
Choose from 5 rooms, all with en-suite baths, and enjoy one of the prettiest porches around. You’ll love the locally sourced breakfast and afternoon tea. Romantic add-ons including chocolate dipped strawberries are available.
Facebook/Alpine Haus
This delicious upside down French Toast could be your breakfast, along with other delectable dishes. A perfect winter getaway, this B&B is located near New Jersey’s premiere ski destination - Mountain Creek. Choose from 8 rooms and 2 carriage house suites.
Facebook/Cedars & Beeches
Enjoy easy access to the beach, shops at Pier Village and the Monmouth Racetrack. Choose from double, king and queen rooms along with a grand suite and full apartment. Add on one of 7 different massage packages, perfect for every occasion.
Facebook/Sand Castle Inn
Facebook/Sand Castle
Perfection on LBI. Enjoy incredible waterfront views from many rooms along with a heated pool. You’ll love the game tables, rooftop deck and available bicycles. The eggs benedict for breakfast is a favorite.
Facebook/The Inn On Holly
The carriage house here makes for a great event space and there are several rooms available offering free wifi, HDTV and a full gourmet breakfast on weekends. Afternoon refreshments are also included.
Facebook/The Blue Rose Inn
Facebook/The Blue Rose
A short walk to the beach and Washington Street Mall, this charming inn also offers a full service restaurant. Choose from 8 rooms with private baths and a variety of packages including the Dine & Wine, BBB (Bed, Breakfast & Beer) and Babymoon options offering luxurious add-ons at reasonable prices.
Facebook/Tamaracks Country Villa
Facebook/The Tamaracks Country Villa
This historic restored farmhouse offers authentic details like a 200-year-old fireplace and exposed stone walls, alongside modern amenities including satellite TV and central air. All stays include a hot breakfast along with baked goods and breakfast staples like bagels and yogurt.
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