A New Jersey hotel was just named the best in the continental U.S. by a prestigious travel publication. The beachside Victorian gem dates back to the 19th century.
Hotel Albatross, a 27-room boutique hotel in Ocean Grove, was named the No. 1 Inn in the Continental U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026. In a separate ranking by the magazine, the Shore hotel placed No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 52 in the world.
The honor comes just a year after the hotel opened its doors in July of 2025. Going from a quiet Victorian bed-and-breakfast town to housing the best hotel in the country—in the span of a year—is no small feat. But the building’s rich history goes back much further than that.
Inside the Hotel
Hotel Albatross lives just one block from the beach inside a restored Victorian building, built in 1881. Hospitality designer Mapa Mueller led the restoration, keeping the 19th-century architectural feel while weaving in a mix of contemporary touches and vintage detailing like 1950s mirrors, according to Travel + Leisure.
Guests are given complimentary beach badges as a perk of their stay, Priority Coast bicycles, and access to an electric shuttle. The front desk handles specialty coffee and espresso.
In true New Jersey fashion, Ocean Grove is a dry town. That means no beer, wine, or liquor can be sold within its limits—or on hotel premises. It’s an unusual rule for a beachfront hotel, but it adds to the charm of Ocean Grove as a unique stay. Instead, guests are encouraged to bring their own for drinks on the porch. If you forget to bring a bottle, the hotel can arrange a delivery from a wine shop in nearby Asbury Park.
Hotel Albatross shows the best of the Jersey Shore with its Victorian digs and serene beachside feel. Now, just one year after opening, Travel + Leisure recognizes the same, naming it the best hotel in the continental U.S.
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest and Creative Director at X Factor Media. A Bergen County native, he discovered his passion for storytelling while studying at Montclair State University. In addition to his work in journalism and media, Michael is an avid fiction writer. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking, a bold glass of Nebbiolo, and the fine art of over-editing.