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