For many New Yorkers, some of the best summer memories are just a train ride away.
They’re found in long weekends spent strolling charming beach towns, mornings that begin with the smell of salt air and coffee, and evenings wrapped in a sweatshirt after a day in the sun. The Jersey Shore has long been a go-to escape when city life calls for a little slower pace. And now, one of its most beloved seaside towns has another reason to earn a spot on your summer bucket list.
Just steps from the sand in the postcard-perfect town of Ocean Grove, a beautifully restored Victorian boutique hotel has officially been crowned the No. 1 inn in the continental U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.
Less than a year after opening its doors, this dreamy coastal hideaway is already being recognized as one of the very best places to stay in the country, proving you don’t have to board a plane for a world-class getaway.
Inside Hotel Albatross: The Stunning 27-Room Hideaway Sweeping the Travel World
Tucked away at 34 Ocean Pathway, Hotel Albatross is a 27-room boutique hotel operating inside a historic Victorian building originally constructed in 1881. Positioned exactly one block from the beach, the property was acquired in 2022 by two Jersey Shore natives.
After an extensive restoration project, the hotel officially opened its doors to guests on July 15, 2025. In less than a year, it skyrocketed to national acclaim. Globally, the hotel placed 52nd on the publication’s prestigious list of the top 100 hotels in the world.
Why Travel + Leisure Readers Voted This New Jersey Gem the Ultimate U.S. Vacation Spot
The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are decided entirely by readers, with more than 207,000 travelers rating hotels based on their rooms, service, location, dining, and overall value. Hotel Albatross earned an impressive 98.49 out of 100, making it the highest-ranked inn in the continental U.S.
So what set it apart? Readers loved how the boutique hotel embraces Ocean Grove’s historic charm without sacrificing modern luxury. Housed inside a beautifully restored 1881 Victorian, the 27-room property pairs colorful, design-forward interiors with vintage details, breezy wraparound porches, and a distinctly Jersey Shore feel that never feels cookie-cutter.
It’s also the thoughtful touches that elevate the stay. Complimentary beach badges, custom bicycles, an electric shuttle, and fresh coffee and pastries each morning make exploring Ocean Grove effortless—letting guests spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the beach.
The Storybook Charm of Ocean Grove: A Victorian Escape Frozen in Time
If you haven’t visited Ocean Grove, it is widely considered one of the Jersey Shore’s hidden historical gems. Founded in 1869 as a camp meeting site, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It boasts the highest concentration of authentic Victorian architecture in the country. A walk down Ocean Pathway offers unobstructed views of painted-lady porches, manicured lawns, and the famous Ocean Grove “Tent City,” where canvas tents are still erected every summer next to permanent wooden cabins. Because the town is small and largely residential, it maintains a quiet, serene alternative to the bustling boardwalks nearby.
The Ultimate NYC Weekend Escape: How to Get to America’s No. 1 Inn
Escaping the city for a weekend at Hotel Albatross is remarkably straightforward:
- By Car: It’s a 60-to-90-minute drive down the Garden State Parkway (take Exit 100B to Route 33 East) depending on traffic. Keep in mind that Ocean Grove does not have on-site hotel parking, so street parking requires patience on busy summer weekends.
- By Train (Best Option): Catch the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line directly from New York Penn Station. Take it straight to the Asbury Park-Ocean Grove station. The ride takes roughly 95 minutes. From the station, the hotel is just a quick 10-to-15-minute walk or a 3-minute rideshare across Wesley Lake.
- By Bus: Grab the Academy Bus line from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which drops passengers off directly in Ocean Grove in just under 2 hours.