Can anyone recommend a hotel or motel in New Jersey(Wildwood, Brigantine, Cape May, Seaside Heights) or maybe Hershey Pennsylvania? There are so many place out there but don't want to get stuck with some dive place. We are 2 separate families desparately seeking a few days at the shore.

Any recommendations for this late stage of vacation planning?

Ann

There are some decent hotels in Point Pleasant, which is about 10 miles north of Seaside Heights.
The White Sands looks nice. Most of the hotels seem fairly well kept.
If those are unavailable, there is a Comfort Inn on Route 35 in Spring Lake. It is not right at the beach, but it is only about a five mninute driva and it is an easy drive to Seaside, Pt. Pleasant, etc.

forget wildwood unless you are in wildwood crest, a lot of inner city thugs are drawn to that town. Ocean City New Jersey is a very nice family town. This is a slow season for many east coast rentals. One big realtor is Berger Realty for Ocean City. Go online get their number and call and see if you can get a house for a few days. Just a thought. Accomadations are affordable away from the beach. It is a serious hit or miss at the Jersey Shore with hotels.I have walked into some that are so unacceptable but yet they charge $250+ a night. Flanders in O.C. is clean and charming and many rooms have kitchen. You are only 1/2 block from the boardwalk. Also Hilton on the northern tip of Atlantic City offers rooms for as little as 70-80 during the week. These are often Ocean view rooms. And you can take an evening drive to the boardwalk in O.C. Another smaller realtor is Monyihan (sp)Realty. I love Cape May but it is largely suited for adults.

Ann - I agree with both responses. I would not stay in Seaside Heights or Wildwood. Cape May is suited towards adults, and is probably really booked up. You can also try Stone Harbor or Avalon - beautiful beaches and quiet. They are very close to Cape May and AC. If you want to go to Seaside Heigts for the boardwalk, stay in Point Pleasant as Phil advised. Spring Lake is also beautiful, but a little expensive.

I am from the area and agree that I thin you'd have a great time in Point Pleasant apposed to the other areas, You can stay in a great hotel with pool, The Sea Girt Inn on Rt. 35 or the Comfort Inn, Wall is nice as well with a pool. You have Pt. PLeasant about 5 miles away if you dont want to just hang out on the boardwalk and have to give the kids tons of money for rides an arcade. But it is the most fun thing to do in the area. I would recommend Sea Girt beach or Spring Lake as the nicest beaches in the area, but I must warn you you can bring food on the beach.

Seaside Heights is no longer a family place like Pt . PLeasant and I agree that Cape May is more for adults. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail.
Have a great trip

Try Long Beach Island. LBI has several hotels/motels. Check out the The Sea Shell, The Sea Spray Spray Beach Motel, The Buccaneer. Check out these and others oat www.lbinet.com and/or
www.longbeachisland.com

If you are planning a trip with kids look at Pt. Pleasant or Ocean City. Port O Call in Ocean City is very nice. Right at the ocean.

Dear Ann,
Stay in Wildwood Crest. It is a great place for families and the beach is beautiful. The boardwalk is great for kids and people watching. There are two water parks and three piers with amusements on them. Hotels that I recommend are Pan American and Regis. Have a great time.

Hershey, PA is over 3 hours away from the shore

Wildwood Crest--The Mariner is a clean, well kept small family owned hotel and is very reasonable.

Wildwood Crest is best for families, and you are still only 1 mile from the Wildwood boardwalk if you want to go there at night!

We stay in Harrisburg when we go to Hershey (15 minutes away) at the Marriott--they have great weekend rates.

Have fun!

Spring Lake ! You'll be at the shore, off season, in a lovely area - go to bedandbreakfast.com for a B&B recommendation and try "Whispers" for dinner (make reservations!!!) for a good german restaurant - about a 20 minute drive from Spring lake - try "The Little Kraut"

Definitely avoid Seaside Heights and Wildwood completely. Definitely not family places. I suggest Long Beach Island (Beach Haven, etc.) or Spring Lake/Sea Girt. Point Pleasant very close to Spring Lake if you need a boardwalk. Avalon is also very nice. Less crowds than Cape May supposedly, though I don't know firsthand.

Totally not true about Wildwood - as a matter of fact we rent a house every year in N Wildwood - which is EXTREMELY clean and VERY family oriented. I would stick with a Hilton or Westin if I were traveling with our family.