The No. 1 inn in the U.S. is at our Jersey Shore

You don’t have to fly to some faraway city to stay at America’s best inn. In fact, it’s right here at the Jersey Shore.

Just one year after opening, NJ.com is reporting Hotel Albatross in Ocean Grove has been named the No. 1 inn in the continental United States in Travel & Leisure’s  2026 World’s Best Awards, based on votes from the magazine’s readers.

The Albatross received a near-perfect score of 98.49. If you were a student in a really tough, competitive class and received a 98.49 on a test, you'd be pretty proud.
Especially if you were a brand-new student.

It’s an almost unthinkable achievement for a boutique hotel that welcomed its first guests just last July.

The hotel

The 27-room Hotel Albatross occupies a beautifully restored Victorian building that dates back to 1881 and sits just one block from the beach. The restoration preserved much of the building’s historic charm while blending in modern touches, creating a place that feels both classic and contemporary.

When you visit their website, you’re immediately greeted by an artistic aerial video of the surf at the beach and the words “a place of lore and a place for dreams.”

You’ll want to go.

What you'll get

Guests receive complimentary beach badges, Priority Coast bicycles, an electric shuttle service, and specialty coffee and pastries during their stay. Later this year, the hotel also plans to launch a culinary program featuring chef residencies, pop-up dining experiences and collaborations with local artists and creatives.

Hotel director Dominick Perrier-Strand said the recognition is something the hotel shares with the entire Ocean Grove community.

The history

Ocean Grove is one of those Jersey Shore towns that has always had its own unique personality. It was established in 1869 as a Methodist encampment. Known for its picturesque Victorian architecture, walkable streets, charming downtown and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a favorite for visitors looking for a quieter beach getaway while still being just minutes from the excitement of Asbury Park.

And to think the newest member of their family is a one-year-old hotel that’s already a star.