A historic Jersey Shore hotel that was completely renovated before opening last year has already made a name for itself, as Ocean Grove’s Hotel Albatross was recently named the Best Inn in the U.S.
Travel & Leisure recently released their rankings for some of the biggest travel destinations in the country, and there’s big news for one of Monmouth County’s perhaps less heralded beach towns. Hotel Albatross, situated at 34 Ocean Pathway, won the magazine’s award despite only opening in 2025.
“A restored Victorian on the Jersey Shore, this hideaway features vibrant wallpaper and 1950s vintage mirrors across its 27 rooms, as well as inviting porches,” noted the publication.
The property itself is historic, dating back to 1881. It underwent a massive renovation led by developers and partners Chris Cornell, Ron Rudolph, Dominick Perrier-Strand, along with local architect Mark Pavliv and interior designer Mapa Mueller, that added an elevator and embraced an aesthetic of days gone by.
The 27-room facility, which was once a boarding house, features stately ivory columns, sports a ground-floor café, and provides complimentary beach cruisers to all guests. Rates start from $250/night.
Ocean Grove itself is an unincorporated area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1869, the New York Times once dubbed the community the “Queen of Religious Resorts” because visitors traveled to attend spiritual ceremonies.
Some of the area’s religious history remains intact, as the beach is closed on Sunday mornings between 8:30 am and noon. But the area has become known more in modern times for its large collection of mostly preserved Victorian-style homes.
Situated just south of its more famous neighbor, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove also made our list of the best beaches in New Jersey.
