ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My husband and I arrived at Port Royal Wildwood Crest on a Friday evening in mid-September. Even though it’s outside of the traditional “season” at the Jersey Shore, we actually prefer to visit the area in September. We were blessed with wonderful weather the weekend we went and were able to spend all day Saturday on the beach. Despite being off-season, there was a firefighters’ convention in town the same weekend, so we still experienced check-in and parking at a busier time, and both were as easy as could be. Parking at the beach can be difficult to find and expensive, but Port Royal offers on-site parking and a below-ground parking garage, and parking was simple and painless all weekend.
GUEST QUARTERS: All guestrooms at Port Royal have private balconies and ocean views — calming and peaceful from the second you arrive.
Our Ocean Suite was massive, and it would be perfect to host families with children. The room opened into the bedroom area, with two queen-sized beds, a nightstand between and a dresser opposite with a television. Just off the bedroom and to the right of the entrance was a dressing area with a closet and sink/ mirror/vanity. The bathroom, with a shower, toilet and second sink, lay just off of this nook.
Walking through the bedroom, the suite opened to a kitchenette, dining table and living room area. The sofa could be converted into a queen-sized bed. Another TV hung above the dining table, across from the couch. Sliding glass doors led to the balcony, with seating, overlook- ing the beach.

PHOTO: © MOREY FAMILY ARCHIVES
SERVICES/AMENITIES: In addition to being perfectly located to the beach, Port Royal sits near two parks and is surrounded by green space. In Wildwood Crest, it’s not directly near the boardwalk, but we did walk and bike between the hotel and the boardwalk. The rest of the areas of The Wildwoods lie within an easy drive.
On-site Royal Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with indoor and outdoor dining options. The seating options were expanded in 2021. We had breakfast at the hotel on Sunday morning before our departure — great coffee, and I enjoyed my breakfast burrito with chorizo.
Other on-site amenities include an outdoor pool, game room, maritime library, outdoor fire pit and guest laundry.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
Location, location, location: This phrase is especially apt at Port Royal Hotel, situated right on the beach. Our balcony overlooked the sand and surf, and there really isn’t a better hotel nearby for beach views and access.
Wildwood is known as the “Doo Wop Capital,” and its influence is evident in the architecture throughout the island. While Port Royal doesn’t boast the architecture, many nearby buildings and properties do, offering hotel guests a chance to take in some history.
The hotel’s founder has a love of the sea and boating, and a maritime theme is prevalent throughout; however, it’s done tastefully and as a complement to the modern, up-to-date accommodations.
PORT ROYAL HOTEL
6801 Ocean Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ
08260
tel 609 729 2000
moreyspiers.com
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 7, 2023Why Sun-Splashed Mazatlán, Mexico, Attracts Digital Nomads
Mazatlán, Mexico, has long been an attractive home destination for Canadian and American retirees, but, in recent years, young, digital nomads have also discovered the charms of this coastal city, finding inexpensive accommodations, beautiful weather and plenty of bandwidth for working remotely. The laid-back beach scene definitely eases the transition of relocating to Mexico’s West Coast.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2023 Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel Awards
For its third year, Global Traveler awards the airline, cruise line and hotel brand best representing diversity, equity and inclusion within the travel industry. Over the past year Global Traveler analyzed many airlines, cruise lines and hotel brands to determine which companies prove most committed to changing the world through diversity and inclusion.
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023Enduring Excellence: Global Traveler Honors the Winners Achieving Top Status, Year After Year
The highly anticipated GT Tested Reader Survey has more reason to celebrate in 2024 than ever before. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, with many of the winning brands earning milestone accolades for years of dedicated and consistent service.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023Global Traveler Celebrates the Winners of the 20th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards
As another phenomenal year of travel comes to an end, it’s time, as always, for Global Traveler to celebrate and award those who do it best as we announce the 2023 winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. But that's not the only cause for celebration here: We've hit another major milestone, as this marks our 20th year honoring the best of the best inn world of travel!
eFlyer News
Dec 6, 2023First Carbon-Positive Hotel in United States Comes to Denver in 2024
Next summer, Denver, Colorado, becomes home to the country’s first carbon-positive hotel. The 13-story Populus features 265 modern guestrooms, a ground-floor restaurant, café, flexible meeting spaces, and signature rooftop restaurant and bar. Architecture is designed by Studio Gang, with interiors envisioned by Wildman Chalmers Design.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
eFlyer News
Dec 6, 2023Study Reveals Least Reliable Airports in United States in 2023
Private jet charter service Jettly recently conducted an extensive study to find the most and least reliable U.S. airports in 2023. Analyzing the total number of delays, cancellations and diversions from more than 390 U.S. airports provided by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the results saw the least reliable airports span all corners of the country.
ShareThis