Locals and visitors alike love Ocean Grove for its many quaint charms, and now there’s yet another reason. Hotel Albatross has been named the No. 1 Continental U.S. Inn in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards, earning the top ranking in the magazine's annual reader-voted list of the nation's best inns. The honor comes less than a year after the historic property reopened following an extensive restoration.
The annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are determined by readers, who rate hotels on factors including rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. This year's survey included responses from more than 207,000 readers, who cast more than 661,000 votes across hotels, destinations, airlines, cruise lines, and other travel experiences. Hotel Albatross finished at the top of the Continental U.S. Inns category, putting Ocean Grove in the national spotlight.
“Hotel Albatross is one of those places that truly captures the spirit of Ocean Grove. It's incredible to see all of the hard work, creativity, and attention to detail that went into transforming this historic property into something so special. The owners created a one-of-a-kind destination while preserving the charm and character that help to make Ocean Grove unique. This recognition is so well deserved and is a wonderful reminder that we have a true gem right here in Ocean Grove and on the Jersey Shore. We're thrilled to see Hotel Albatross receive the national recognition it deserves,” Jessie Thompson, Executive Director, Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce said.
Originally built in 1881, the Victorian landmark reopened in July 2025 as a 27-room boutique hotel after an extensive restoration. Located just steps from the beach and Ocean Grove's iconic Great Auditorium, the property blends the town's historic character with modern accommodations while preserving the charm that has drawn generations of visitors to this unique shore community.
When the hotel debuted, its owners said they wanted to create a level of hospitality not previously available in Ocean Grove. Co-founder Caroline Perrier-Strand told Travel + Leisure the goal was to establish "a new standard of hotel and service that's never been available in Ocean Grove before." Less than a year later, the magazine's readers rewarded that vision by naming Hotel Albatross the best inn in the continental United States.
If you've ever wandered Ocean Grove's tree-lined streets or spent a summer evening on the boardwalk, you already know what makes the town special. Now the rest of the country is taking notice, too. Hotel Albatross' top ranking is another reminder that some of Monmouth County's best treasures have been hiding in plain sight all along.
