The southern half of the Garden State or South Jersey, is rich in farms, small towns and has ample beachfront property. Chief cities include Camden, Vineland and Atlantic City, with the interior part of the area known as the Pine Barrens, featuring more than a million acres of coastal plain. From boardwalk casinos to natural habitat, South Jersey has much to offer, with numerous hotels and motels throughout the area providing a relaxing stay near major attractions.
At the very southern tip of New Jersey is Cape May, a town and county surrounded by water on three sides. The town of Cape May includes more Victorian homes than any location in the country except for San Francisco. Several area hotels and motels, including the Marquis De Lafayette Hotel, are historic and are open throughout the year. This six-story, 83-room hotel, built in 1885 and rebuilt in 1960 following a fire, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is centered in the town's business district near restaurants, shops and galleries. Walk to the beach or take a stroll down one of Cape May's quiet, historic side streets. Each Victorian-themed room includes one queen or king bed or two double beds, a coffeemaker, a microwave and a private balcony. A limited number of pet-friendly rooms are available. Nearby attractions include the Cape May Lighthouse and a family favorite, the Cape May County Zoo. As of September 2010, rates start at $218 per night.
Marquis De Lafayette Hotel
501 Beach Ave.
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-884-3500
marquiscapemay.com
Atlantic City is one of the oldest and most well-known resorts at the Jersey Shore, located one hour north of Cape May and two hours south of New York City. Since becoming an important gambling destination in the 1970s, Atlantic City now includes several casinos, its famous boardwalk and pristine beaches. For families seeking respite apart from casino resorts, this 15-story, 502-room Sheraton hotel has been a popular destination since it was opened in 1997 next to the Atlantic City Convention Center. Hotel amenities include an exercise room, an indoor pool, room service, business services, a ballroom, meeting rooms and Internet access. Rooms offer sweeping views of the city skyline and ocean, with coffeemakers, refrigerators and microwaves available. The family pet is welcome at the Sheraton Atlantic City. This hotel includes two restaurants, the Boulevard Cafe and the Tun Tavern. As of September 2010, rooms started at $139 per night.
Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel
2 Convention Blvd.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-344-3535
starwoodhotels.com
Vineland is in the middle of South Jersey farm country, a sprawling city of 60,000 residents. Atlantic City is one hour to the east, Philadelphia is 40 miles to the north. Parvin State Park, with more than 200 species of flowering plants is eight miles from Vineland. In town, the four-story, 116-room Wingate by Wyndham Vineland hotel provides respite and is near local businesses, shops and entertainment. Amenities offered include a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness room, free breakfast and a business center. Room service from the neighboring Bennigan's Restaurant is available. Each room includes one king bed or two double beds, a microwave, Internet access and a work desk. Wheaton Village, a historical arts community in neighboring Millville, is five miles from this hotel. As of September 2010, rates start at $88 per night.
Wingate by Wyndham Vineland
2196 W Landis Ave.
Routes 55 (Exit 32A) and 56
Vineland, NJ 08360
856-690-9900
wingatehotels.com
