Best Cheap Hotels at the Jersey Shore 2026
Beach vacations on a budget. Affordable hotels, motels, and vacation rentals under $150/night.
13
Hotels
Under $100
With Pools
Beach Vacations on a Budget
A Jersey Shore vacation doesn't have to break the bank. From Wildwood's iconic doo-wop motels to Seaside Heights' boardwalk-adjacent lodging, you can find great value without sacrificing the beach experience.
What to expect. Budget hotels offer clean rooms, pools, free parking, and beach access - the essentials for a shore vacation. Many have been welcoming families for generations and know exactly what beach-goers need.
Wildwood is the budget champion - no beach badges required, dozens of motels with pools, and the free boardwalk is steps away. Seaside Heights offers similar value with its famous boardwalk. Book midweek or shoulder season for the best rates.
Wildwood
Free beaches and classic doo-wop motels make Wildwood the budget capital of the shore.
Caribbean Motel
Budget ($)Classic doo-wop motel with pool, sundeck, and steps from free beach.
Starlux Motel
Budget ($)Retro-cool boutique motel with pool, shuffleboard, and tiki bar.
Oceanic Motel
Budget ($)Oceanfront motel with pool and direct beach access at budget prices.
Bolero Resort
Budget ($)Family motel with pool and walking distance to Wildwood boardwalk.
Lollipop Motel
$North Wildwood
Colorful doo-wop motel with pool in quiet North Wildwood location.
Seaside
Boardwalk action and budget motels in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park.
Sahara Motel
Budget ($)Budget motel steps from boardwalk with pool and free parking.
Bel-Air Motel
Budget ($)Classic shore motel with pool and easy beach and boardwalk access.
Sea-N-Sun Resort Motel
Budget ($)Quiet motel in Seaside Park, away from boardwalk crowds.
Atlantic City
Budget chain hotels near casinos for visitors who want to gamble, not pay for rooms.
Days Inn by Wyndham
Budget ($)Budget chain hotel near beach and casinos with free breakfast.
Travelodge by Wyndham
Budget ($)No-frills budget option for casino visitors on a tight budget.
Clarion Inn
Budget ($)Solid mid-budget option with pool and free shuttle to casinos.
Long Beach Island
LBI is pricey, but these are the most affordable options on the island.
Engleside Inn
Moderate ($$)The most affordable option in Beach Haven with direct beach access.
Sea Shell Resort
Moderate ($$)Beachfront motel with pool and good value for LBI standards.
Budget Booking Tips
🏨Choose Wildwood
Wildwood has free beaches, saving $50+ in beach badges. Combined with affordable doo-wop motels, it is the best budget destination.
🏨Travel Shoulder Season
May and September offer summer weather at 40-60% off peak prices. The water is often warmer in September than July.
🏨Stay Mid-Week
Sunday-Thursday rates can be half the cost of Friday-Saturday nights. Book a 4-night mid-week stay for best value.
🏨Book Direct
Many shore motels offer better rates when you call or book through their website vs. third-party sites.
🏨Consider Efficiencies
Rooms with kitchenettes let you cook meals and save on dining. Look for efficiency units at family motels.
🏨Check Beach Badge Costs
Factor in beach badge costs when comparing towns. Free-beach towns like Wildwood save you $50-80 per person per week.
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FAQ
When are Jersey Shore hotels cheapest?
Hotels are cheapest in late April, May (before Memorial Day), September (after Labor Day), and October. Mid-week stays are always cheaper than weekends.
Which shore towns have the cheapest hotels?
Wildwood and Wildwood Crest offer the best value with free beaches and many affordable doo-wop motels. Seaside Heights and North Wildwood also have budget options.
Are cheap motels safe at the Jersey Shore?
Most budget motels are safe, especially in family-friendly areas like Wildwood Crest and Ocean City. Read recent reviews and stick to well-reviewed properties.
What amenities should I expect at a cheap hotel?
Basic rooms, pool, free parking, and AC are standard. Many budget motels also offer mini-fridges and microwaves. WiFi is typically included.
How much do Jersey Shore hotels cost in summer?
Peak summer (July-August) rates range from $150-400+ for most hotels. Budget motels in Wildwood start around $100-150. Off-season rates drop 40-60%.
Do cheap hotels include beach badges?
Not usually. However, Wildwood beaches are free, making it the best destination for budget travelers. Some hotels in badge-required towns offer discounted badges.
Is it worth staying at a motel vs hotel?
Absolutely. Jersey Shore motels often have better beach access, free parking, and pools. The classic doo-wop motels in Wildwood are a shore experience themselves.
How can I get the best deal on a shore hotel?
Book directly for best rates. Stay mid-week. Travel shoulder season. Consider Wildwood for free beaches. Book early for best selection of affordable rooms.
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Find Your Budget Beach Stay
Great value without sacrificing the shore experience