The mid-Atlantic is home to some of the most charming waterfront landscapes in the United States, featuring beach towns in New Jersey, harbors in Maryland, and scenic rivers and springs in Pennsylvania. Consequently, it is no surprise that eight of the ten best resorts in this region, according to GoTravelDaily readers, offer stunning water views.

How Voting Works

Every year, GoTravelDaily conducts the World’s Best Awards survey, inviting readers to express their opinions on travel experiences around the globe. This year, nearly 165,000 readers participated in the 2023 survey, marking a significant increase in engagement compared to pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of over 685,000 votes were cast across more than 8,500 unique properties, including hotels, cities, cruise lines, and more.

Hotels were classified into categories such as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on location and amenities. They were rated on the following criteria:

• Rooms/facilities
• Location
• Service
• Food
• Value

Respondents rated each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

Last year, River House at Odette’s in New Hope, Pennsylvania, made its debut in the World’s Best Awards, securing the No. 3 spot. This year, it ascended to the top position as readers awarded it the title of No. 1.

Another enduring favorite is the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland, which ranked No. 4. One GoTravelDaily reader praised it for its lovely rooms, good food, and beautiful location overlooking the water, describing the hotel grounds and spa as “heavenly.”

Asbury Park, New Jersey, also made a strong showing this year, with the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel at No. 3 and The Asbury Hotel at No. 10. The Jersey Shore, just over an hour from New York City, boasts a vibrant art and music scene, along with exciting new hotels and restaurants emerging in the area.

Continue reading to discover which hotels readers named their favorite destinations in the mid-Atlantic region.

The Winner

River House at Odette’s: New Hope, Pennsylvania

This 36-room riverfront hotel, which opened in 2020, sits in idyllic New Hope, Pennsylvania. This charming town is easily accessible from both New York City and Philadelphia and is known for its antique shops and a vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene. The hotel honors French-American actor Odette Myrtil, who once ran a cabaret restaurant on the hotel site.

The property boasts a vibrant piano lounge featuring live music, alongside a 1970s-inspired rooftop bar that offers unobstructed views of the Delaware River. Guests have exclusive access to the members-only bar with a special key. One GoTravelDaily reader remarked that River House at Odette’s is “beautifully decorated, professionally staffed, and the atmosphere is over the top.” This praise highlights the location’s appeal, leading some guests to choose it for special occasions, such as weddings.

The Full List

1. River House at Odette’s: New Hope, Pennsylvania

Reader Score: 90.53

2. Nemacolin: Farmington, Pennsylvania

Reader Score: 90.09

3. Asbury Ocean Club Hotel: Asbury Park, New Jersey

Reader Score: 88.29

4. Inn at Perry Cabin: St. Michaels, Maryland

Reader Score: 87.58

5. Congress Hall: Cape May, New Jersey

Reader Score: 87.35

6. The Reeds at Shelter Haven: Stone Harbor, New Jersey

Reader Score: 85.62

7. Omni Bedford Springs Resort: Bedford, Pennsylvania

Reader Score: 83.86

8. Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection: Annapolis, Maryland

Reader Score: 83.40

9. The Hotel Hershey: Hershey, Pennsylvania

Reader Score: 82.66

10. The Asbury Hotel: Asbury Park, New Jersey

Reader Score: 82.38