Taking a trip to Wildwood doesn’t always have to be about action on the boardwalk—the Madison Hotel at Wildwood Crest is the kind of place that brings the family fun at your own pace. Spend the days lounging by the pool under shady cabana tents, head to the beach on a swath of sand with an umbrella and chair set up by an attendant, and after, watch incredible sunsets from your room balcony. And did we mention that there are bike rentals, playgrounds, and all the fun of Wildwood nearby? Read on for all the details on what to know about The Madison Resort in Wildwood Crest.  (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Madison Resort in Wildwood Crest

Explore the resort

The Madison Resort has two towers—Ocean and Royal—with spacious, newly renovated rooms that mix modern and doo wop styles. Coastal blues and creams are a soothing palette that caters to families (and Fido) for a beachy vibe that makes it feel like a retreat and your own private space. Rooms include plush bedding and a modern retro-style dry bar with a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, plates, and utensils, making it convenient to bring snacks and drinks from home. At night, check out the lounge seating and fire pits on the Ocean Tower patio (NJ MOM tip: bring your own marshmallows). While they don’t have a private balcony for each room, there is a balcony in front of each room with two chairs and a table, and it’s the ideal place to play cards and enjoy a drink, overlooking the pool, fire pits, and ocean at night while the kids are fast asleep. They also have weekend poolside DJ entertainment, band acts, and their signature end-of-the-season Paradise Island Luau. 

Cool off in a cabana or head to the beach

The Ocean and Royal Towers each have their own heated outdoor pools with a relaxing hot tub, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. It’s family-friendly, with a shallow end where toddlers can swim while parents lounge. For a treat, book a private cabana at the Ocean Pool where you can hang on comfy sectionals and order lunch by the pool from the on-site Madison Rose Food Truck or Vinyl Restaurant. It’s easy to spend the day hanging out in the casual, relaxed vibe with ocean views— exactly what you want in a shore getaway. If your kids are more apt to spend time body surfing or playing in the sand, the hotel is oceanfront, so the beach is just steps from the pool, and it’s easy to go back and forth. The beach here feels less crowded and peaceful than other Jersey Shore spots, plus it’s gear-free—during the season, the Madison Resort offers beach service, with attendants on hand to set up chairs and an umbrella (included with your stay). 

The Madison Resort has bright coastal rooms to make it feel like the ideal beach vacation. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

Dine by the pool or indoors for breakfast and lunch

Need to fuel up? Start your mornings at The Madison Rose, a food truck offering breakfast smoothies, bagels, fruit, and handhelds. Bonus: Order lunch from Madison Rose while on the beach using the QR code tags attached to the hotel’s beach umbrellas. Kids will want to create their own ice cream treats at Twist & Spoon, which mixes cereals or candies to create a yummy shake or sundae. In the Ocean Tower, Vinyl by Madison serves breakfast and lunch with favorites like fluffy pancakes, omelets, and crispy bacon, along with lighter fare such as avocado toast and a yogurt parfait. Lunch dishes include brick oven pizzas, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and appetizers. At night, dine watching the sun slip into the ocean, with their Sunset Menu offering lite bites, pizzas, and shareables. 

Check out Wildwood Crest and nearby

When you’re ready to head off property, hop on the complimentary shuttle service that will take you to spots in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, and Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, their sister resort in Cape May. You can stroll the boardwalk, dine at area restaurants, get wet at the splash park, or ride on all the rides at Morey’s Piers. There is always something going on in Wildwood, so be sure to check the Madison Resorts events calendar. If your family craves action, you can book watersports—parasailing, a dolphin-watch speedboat, a jet ski, or a jet boat—directly with the hotel. 

FAQs

How much are rooms? 

The Madison Resort has over 190 rooms at either the Ocean Tower, which starts at around $109 a night, or the Royal Tower, with rates that begin around $189, both accommodating up to 6 people. The rooms are clean, modern, and nicely sized for families. Many offer oceanfront views, and all rooms include Wi-Fi. There is seasonal room service in the Ocean Tower and an on-site exercise facility.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

The standard check-in time is 4 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, based on availability and/or the hotel’s occupancy status. 

Do they serve alcoholic beverages at the Madison Resort? 

Wildwood Crest is a “dry town,” and the sale of alcohol is prohibited, but you can BYOB (each room has a fridge for storing drinks, so it’s a good idea to bring water and kid faves from home too). You can also get free liquor delivery from their sister property, The Wine Cellar, in Cape May, to the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest lobby daily if ordered before 2 PM. 

Is the hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, there are pet-friendly rooms at the Royal Tower on the hotel’s street side. A $100 service charge will be applied per stay for a pet-friendly room. One dog per room max. Your dog must be disclosed. No other pets are permitted. The Ocean Tower does not allow pets.

What are the parking options?

If you’re staying at the Ocean Tower, check in at the corner of E. Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue. The on-site valet attendant or front desk representative will assist with parking your vehicle between May 15 and September 15. If you are staying at the Royal Tower, check in at 500 E. Orchid Avenue. Parking at the Royal Tower is self-parking. Valet is also available to guests staying at the Ocean Tower from May 15 through September 15. The Royal Tower is self-parking only. Each room gets one parking spot, and you will be issued a parking tag at check-in that must be displayed in your vehicle throughout your stay to avoid towing fees. Parking and access are easy, which makes a big difference with kids.

Are there any special hotel packages?

They offer a variety of specials and packages, including Spring at the Shore, Guys’ Weekend, and Girlfriends’ Weekend. They also have packages like Rides and Slides, where you can visit Morey’s Piers or the Mudhen Brew 4 Two Package. 

Madison Resort

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