Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

By Joe Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media

As the weather changes, the urge to get a away for a weekend or a few days only intensifies. The first inclination may be to head to the shore, book a hotel on a whim and then just be content with being away for a couple days.

But for those looking for an intimate experience, they should consider staying at one of New Jersey's many boutique hotels. While the shore is the most popular spot for these gems, boutique hotels are spread throughout the state.

Whether it is on the bank of the Delaware River or in the Pier Village, some of the state's prominent boutique hotels offer a fresh twist for your weekend getaway this spring and summer.

Here are seven of them.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Lambertville House, Lambertville

For nearly 200 years, travelers have been stopping in to stay at the historic Lambertville House in Hunterdon County. Built in 1812, the 26-room boutique hotel housed former presidents Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant and is now a prime spot for weekend getaways or overnight stays in Lambertville. (All photos courtesy of the Lambertville House)

Rooms starting at $215 per night.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The hotel offers various queen and king rooms, as well as their luxurious carriage house rooms, which are separate from the main building. Pictured above is the hotel's carriage house queen room.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Pictured above is the Lambertville House's luxury queen room that features a balcony.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The hotel features a restaurant and bar as well as space for meetings or events. The house is a walk away from the pleasant views and atmosphere of New Hope, PA and the Delaware River.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

"The Lambertville House is a beautiful boutique hotel centrally located on Bridge Street in Lambertville, NJ and only a minute walk to the Delaware River and the bridge to New Hope PA. It is decorated with period looking furniture but all of the modern convinces and luxuries. There is a large off street parking lot but it does get filled on busy nights. The hotel houses a fine restaurant and cocktail lounge. It also facilitates banquets and meetings. The staff is friendly and helpful.



Our room was clean and inviting. The bed was large and comfortable. The bathroom featured a whirlpool tub and beautiful tile and granite. The wallpaper was peeling off but that wasn't a bother. The room had a gas fireplace which kept us warm and the setting romantic. We had a great night's sleep.



I will certain stay at The Lambertville House again and highly recommend this lovely hotel." -Rich C., Yelp, Feb. 26, 2017

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Bungalow Hotel, Long Branch

Located a single block from the beach, the Bungalow Hotel, built in 2009, is a modern boutique hotel in the Pier Village, showcasing its eclectic art and rooms that vary from 465 to 1,170-square-feet. (All photos courtesy of the Bungalow Hotel)

Rooms starting at $220 per night.

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The Bungalow Hotel offers five different types of rooms for guests to choose from. All five feature a flat screen tv, Tivoli Bluetooth speakers, kitchenette, cafe table, expansive window wall and a fireplace, while the larger rooms include other features such as an "oversized soaking tub" and a balcony.

All of the rooms are highlighted by the slick white walls, floors and linen while splashes color throughout the room add energy to the setting.

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Just a view blocks away from the Bungalow Hotel is views like this.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

One of the fun draws of the Bungalow Hotel is a game and art room that features various pieces of modern art and a fooseball and billiards table.

If you aren't in for a game or hanging out at the hotel, there is plenty to do around the hotel, including restaurants, shopping, nightclubs and of course, the beach.

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"I absolutely love this hotel. It's modern, chic, stylish and very cozy. The rooms are almost 500 sq ft. So you have room to breathe. The staff is nice and the hallways always smell fresh. An absolute must stay if you want quality and cleanliness ! 10 stars." -Olisa H., Yelp, 2016

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Virginia Hotel, Cape May

The 24-room boutique hotel on Jackson Street in Cape May offers guests access to a private beach, a front porch to enjoy one of the hotel's signature cocktails on and upscaling dining in the Ebbit Room, the hotel's full-service restaurant and bar.

The restored building was built in 1879.

Rooms starting at $119 per night.

(All photos courtesy of the Virginia Hotel)

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Featured in the photos above are a few of the rooms guests have the option to choose from. Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are traditional, comfortable and create a homey vibe.

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Photographer: Frank Weiss

The award-winning Ebbitt Room is an upscale restaurant located at the Virginia Hotel. The restaurant has their own farm in Cape May so their farm-to-table meals highlight their fresh ingredients. The restaurants offers a 3-course early dinner meal on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays for $35 per person. Main course options include pan roasted ora king salmon, grilled flat iron steak and roasted chicken breast.

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The decorated entrance into the Virginia Hotel.

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"Had an absolutely wonderful stay at the Virginia Hotel. It is quaint and has a nice boutique-y, home-y charm to it. Went to the bar and tried this lovely white wine, the Oyster, that restores oyster reefs to the Jersey Shore. Tasted great! It was an awesome find, and would definitely come back here again." -Joey C., Yelp, July 27, 2016

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Daddy O, Brant Beach

Known as one of the premier dining spots on Long Beach Island, Daddy O is also a 22-room boutique hotel just five doors down from the ocean.

The fashionable and lively exterior and interior of the hotel draws guests in for a meal, drink, weekend stay or all three.

Prices starting at $240 per night.

(All photos courtesy of Daddy O)

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Guests have the options of different sized rooms and beds, but Daddy O touts that the decor of all 22 of their rooms is "soothing and sophisticated, creating an ideal atmosphere for relaxation."

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

In 2014, the Daily Meal named Daddy O's roof top bar one of the 10 best in the country.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The trendy Daddy O Hotel restaurant is a popular Long Beach Island dining spot. The restaurant is "modern and chic" and serves creatively prepared "modern interpretations of American classics." Entrees include pan roasted tofu, barnegat light scallops, organic chicken breast and others.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

During the summer, guests can take their fine dining outdoors and enjoy Daddy O's garden patio.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank

Situated on the edge of the Navesink River, the Oyster Point Hotel is a popular spot for weddings, events and other gatherings, but the luxury hotel also has stunning views, an upscale restaurant, a cocktail lounge and a marina, making it a getaway spot for anyone looking for a relaxing trip.

Prices starting at $191 per night.

(All photos courtesy of the Oyster Point Hotel)

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BRANDI GROOMS JOHNSON

A view overlooking the Navesink River from one of the areas in the Oyster Point Hotel.

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The Oyster Point Hotel offers six types of rooms for guests to stay in. Pictured above is one of the hotel's spacious king-sized rooms.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Oyster Point Hotel marina has 34 overnight or dock and dine slips for boats up to 60 feet. There is an onsite restaurant and bar, or guests can take a quick walk into downtown Red Bank for dining, shopping, live music and more.

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"I hate to even post a good review -- I feel it's our little secret. But credit where credit is due. The lounge/bar/restaurant area has been greatly improved. Remodeled and much better food. Great service. Live piano music on the Friday night we were in the lounge. A fireplace on a cold rainy March night and some good drinks and appetizers. Our bartender Mike took care of all of our needs. A big improvement from years past. BRAVO!" -Cliff G., Yelp, April 1, 2017

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Blue Bay Inn, Atlantic Highlands

Located minutes from the beach in Atlantic Highlands, the Blue Bay Inn is one of New Jersey's most well-known boutique hotels. The hotel, which has an onsite bar and restaurant, offers various styles and sizes of rooms making it an ideal stay for families or couples.

Prices starting at $190 per night.

(All photos courtesy of the Blue Bay Inn)

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Blue Bay Inn has rooms with various sizes and decor. The hotel describes the interior of their rooms as having "distinct design elements that give each room personality and flair." The hotel offers variations of suites, parlours and deluxe rooms.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Copper Canyon is the official restaurant of the Blue Bay Inn. Inspired by food from major Southwestern cities, such as Houston and Phoenix, head chef and owner, Michael Krikorian, has brought that taste to New Jersey. Menu items include Southwestern crab cakes, New York strip steak and spring rolls.

Copper Canyon also has over 150 different tequilas onsite.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Henry Hudson trail is one of the attractions nearby the Blue Bay Inn. The 24-mile trail offers guest a chance to get out and explore the surroundings on the coast.

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"Great boutique hotel, not many can be found in this area. Booked three rooms for a bachelorette party, plenty of space in each room and beds were clean and comfortable. One room was given a complimentary upgrade to a suite, which was perfectly sized for our activities. Would certainly stay again." -Lauren M., Yelp, July 27, 2014

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Madison Hotel, Morristown

The Madison Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel in Morristown that is known for its traditional looks, but is home to some of the state's most extravagant weddings and social gatherings in their two venues: their intricate ballroom and stylish conservatory.

Prices starting at $179 per night.

(All photos courtesy of the Madison Hotel)

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Madison Hotel, which has 186 rooms decorated in "classic furnishings," offers four different guest rooms and two suite options. The Presidential Suite, their largest room, includes a king-sized bed, sitting area and a work desk, among other features.

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Joseph Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Within the hotel, guests can enjoy the setting, food and drinks at two locations. Rod's Steak and Seafood Grille offers a variety of house aged USDA prime beef from a prime porterhouse to a rib veal chop.

At GK's Red Dog Tavern patrons have prime beef options like at Rod's, but also can order from a more extensive and traditional bar menu, which includes handmade burgers, flatbreads and milkshakes.

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The Madison Hotel is one of the premier wedding venues in the state. The hotel can host the wedding in their Glynallynn Ballroom or in their conservatory, which is pictured above.

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"I have stayed at this charming hotel at least 7 times and it is by far my favorite hotel ever. Amazing continental breakfast included, free coffee all day long, free homemade cookies every evening, turn down service every night with chocolates on the bed, superior customer service, and the restaurants have amazing food! During the winter the fireplace is going all day and is beautiful!" -Jodi M., Yelp, May 30, 2016

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(Saed Hindash | The Star-Ledger)

Vacation in New Jersey

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Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @jatmonavageNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.