-Brenda Hillegas
feature photo courtesy of Madison Resort Wildwood Crest
Last last year, Madison Resorts, a leading name in South Jersey resort ownership, announced a significant expansion as they acquired the Royal Hawaiian in Wildwood Crest. The property, combined with the former historic doo-wop style property next door (formerly The Oceanview Motel) opened officially in May.
I had the opportunity to visit last week with my husband and five-year-old, and fell in love with the space. If you’re planning a trip to Wildwood soon, here’s what you can expect!
Parking is free for one car during your stay. You can self-park or use the valet services. You can come and go as you please as well.
Check in at 4pm in the bright, vintage style lobby with doo wop styling and colors. There are Instagrammable photo ops everywhere with a floral phone booth, retro tv and record player, and this adorable Pound Puppy to welcome four-legged friends (it’s a pet friendly space)!
Rooms are perfect for families or just a weekend getaway with your significant other. We had two beds as well as a separate sitting area that can be closed off. The couch turns into a pull-out and that room includes retro style micro appliances (fridge, microwave, Keurig) and television. The bedroom portion of the room also included a television.
The layout was ideal for our five-year-old who was so excited to get a pull-out couch and “room” all to himself. He watched TV until he crashed, and we did the same in our part of the hotel room. A full bathroom and sink/counter space, plus a closet, desk and end tables offer more than enough spots to charge phones, do work, color, set up the snacks you brought, etc. You will not feel crowded in here! We also had a little patio style table and chair set directly outside of our front door.
Pool / Beach
Step right off the resort and into the sand! Our visit started off with plenty of sun and pool time, but our plans for a morning on the beach the next day didn’t work out due to clouds and rain. We spent a few minutes looking for shells and exploring, but we’ll definitely have to return to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary beach service for guests which includes chairs, towels and umbrellas.
We did have a great time on our arrival day at the pool though! It’s so spacious with cabanas and poolside seating for 100+ guests. There’s also a hot tub and a small wading area with build in chairs which was really nice for me to enjoy with a mocktail while my five-year-old played. A DJ was on hand too! You can bring your own snacks and drinks to the pool or purchase select items, including zero proof beers and cocktails, right at the pool.
As a bonus- the portion of the resort we stayed in is also directly across from a large park with an expansive playground and separate splash pad area!
Entertainment
Along with DJs, you can look for themed weekends, Father’s Day BBQ, Luau, live bands and acoustic performers. Entertainment will start right away on select nights, beginning in July there will be daily entertainment.
Dining
When renovations are complete, three restaurants will be available at the resort. The restaurant in the Madison Tower is slated to open early this summer with restaurants in the Royal Tower planning to open later this year.
For now, guests will receive a complimentary grab and go breakfast to enjoy poolside or in their rooms (where you can also make your own coffee in these adorable Keurig machines). When we visited, all of our breakfast favorites were available- croissants, bagels, Chobani yogurts, fresh fruit, individual single serve cereal containers, milk, juice and coffee. Perfect for fueling up before heading to the beach.
Madison Beach Resort also offers beachfront weddings (available to book now), one fitness center at each property, five conference rooms, and two rooftop event spaces. Along with the complimentary beach service for guests, upcoming restaurants and room service, plus live music, hammocks, bistro lighting, outdoor dining tables- this might be a place you NEVER want to leave!
For a grand opening special, Madison Resorts will offer guests 15% off with code MADISON through June 18th. Blackout dates and minimum stay requirements may apply. New reservations only. May not be combined with any other offer.
For more special offers, resort information or to book a stay, contact the office at (609) 389-6666 or visit madisonresortwildwoodcrest.com.
Thank you so much for having us. I suspect you’ll be seeing us again before the end of the summer!
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