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We don't always have time, budget, or energy to plan an epic family vacation. Sometimes we just want a nearby no-frills family-friendly hotel with a pool and comfy beds, where we can take the kids for a quick and cheap staycation, am I right!? Bonus if they have free breakfast and some cool stuff to do nearby.
So if you're in northern New Jersey finding yourself spinning circles googling "cheap hotels with indoor pools near me" LOL you're in the right spot - I got you!! Whether you are looking to get away last minute during a long three day weekend, or just want to surprise your kids for a random overnight adventure (while you escape that growing pile of laundry and list of chores to do), let's go! 
Note: Below are my hand picked hotels from a search I did for President's Day (Feb 17-18) for 4 guests on Expedia, sorted in ascending price. My pricing examples below include taxes, fees, and Expedia membership discount (if applicable). I earn a commission if you book through my affiliate links below. Remember to have Rakuten (affiliate link) installed so you get your 6% cash back!! You can of course search and book directly through the hotel or your favorite aggregator.
Holiday Inn Express Woodbridge
Courtyard by Marriott Edgewater
Hampton Inn & Suites Teaneck Glenpointe
Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne
Archer Hotel Florham Park / Morristown
What do you think? Have you stayed at one of these hotels? Do you recommend another?? Leave a comment below!
Looking for more travel inspo? Here are some other articles we think you'll love:
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Looking for a quick and exciting gram-worthy getaway, drivable from NYC?
Unique staycations in New Jersey? Kischy and fun hotels in New York and New Jersey that will have kids' and adults' dropping to the floor?? ME. TOO!! I hope this roundup helps inspire you to books something crazy for your next vacation, birthday, or special celebration!!
If you want to go on a Safari...
try glamping at Six Flag's Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa! 
Savannah Sunset Safari View from Glamping Suite Veranda - copyright SixFlags
Savannah Sunset opened in 2024 and has gorgeous and comfortable glamping options for couples and families; their largest accommodation being their 6-guest suite with veranda and safari view! Packages include morning giraffe encounter, breakfast, nightly activities, and admission to Six Flag's attractions (varies by time of year), including the 350-acre Wild Safari Adventure (home to 1,200 animals from 6 continents), Great Adventure amusement park, and Hurricane Harbor water park. 
Savannah Sunset Family Glamping Suite with Veranda - copyright six flags
It is NOT a low budget stay, more of a splurge, especially with their two-night minimum. BUT it is only a fraction of the cost (and time) required to actually fly to Africa and go on a full safari. So... if that's on your bucket list but it's not doable in the foreseeable future, Six Flag's Savannah Sunset is the next best thing! This would be such a memorable birthday surprise getaway and, hello, AMAZING proposal spot!! LOCATION: Jackson, New Jersey OPEN: select dates in April + November, and daily May 1 - Nov 2, 2025.
If you love planes...
jet off to TWA Hotel at JFK Airport! 
Designed to bring you back to the good ol' retro era of airplane travel, TWA Hotel transports you to the 1960's quite literally from the moment walk up to it from the airport. What's cool is that there are several options, depending on your budget and time constraints. You can simply visit the hotel as a day trip from NY or NJ (what we did a few years ago) or if you have a decent layover at JFK airport. For day trippers, it serves as a super fun museum to explore, with curated vintage (and completely free) exhibits! Also not limited to overnight guests, anyone can book time at their year round (95*F heated) rooftop pool - for $25/adult $10/child either directly on their website or through ResortPass. If you want to book a room, you can book daytime use (great for those with a layover at JFK after a long red eye flight!) or spend the night. Overnights start from just over $300/night (but do not include pool access, that's still an add-on). 
Don't miss: Taking photos in front of their 1958 Lockheed Constellation "Connie" propeller jet out back (open for cocktails 4-10:30PM nightly). LOCATION: One Idlewild Drive, New York (outside of Terminal 5 @ JFK Airport, NYC) - they have $80 valet parking for overnight guests, otherwise you can park at the airport and take the free AirTrain to Terminal 5 (see directions here).
If you love LEGO...
play at LEGOLAND Hotel!
Perfectly paired with a day (or more) at LEGOLAND theme park, but of course you can go just for a night in one of their 250 LEGO-themed rooms!!
copyright LEGOLAND Hotel
Why you'll love it? LEGOLAND Hotel is steps away from LEGOLAND, with free breakfast, nightly entertainment for kids and families, seasonal outdoor pool, and LEGO build and play areas throughout the hotel and within each room. There are 4 different suite themes to choose from (LEGO® NINJAGO®, Pirate, Kingdom, or LEGO Friends), and each room includes a separate sleeping area for the kids (hello, fun bunk beds!)
LOCATION: Goshen, New York
OPEN: from April 10, 2025
If you love kitschy quirkiness and hiking...
escape to The Roxbury! 
copyright The Roxbury
Every room, suite, and cottage at The Roxbury's 2 locations (within 2 miles of eachother) are the epitome of over-the-top bespoke creativity, in the best way. Outside of Japan's infamous "Love Hotels" I have never seen such a unique accommodation. Just, SO fun!! For a romantic getaway, girls weekend, but also for families. From Dracula to Superhero to Wizard of Oz, there's a theme for every interest and fantasy! 
copyright The Roxbury
What's more? They've got a seasonal outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna, and are surrounded by beautiful landscape and hiking opportunities.
LOCATION: Roxbury, NY
If you love tropical getaways...
lounge poolside at Crystal Springs Resort! 
Crystal Springs' indoor and outdoor pools really set it apart, and especially in winter, spending the day in their warm and tropical Biosphere is the quickest and easiest way to feel like you had a mini Caribbean escape, without leaving New Jersey! They also have tons of activities, both free and fee based, such as kids painting, cocktail making classes, and tours of their ah-may-zing wine cellar! In winter, don't forget glice skating, and tubing at the nearby Mountain Creek!
Our family truly feels like Crystal Springs is an amazing home away from home, having been hosted by them FOUR times (check out our thorough reviews and fun youtube videos here), we absolutely cannot get enough of it (seriously, been considering purchasing a unit - it's a "condo hotel", kind of like a time share but a bit different - so you can book and visit just like a hotel, or buy your own unit and have them rent it out for you).
Whether for a weeklong summer family vacation, business golf trip, destination wedding, or weekend anniversary getaway, it's the perfect spot! They have great options for big groups too, including adjoining rooms with full kitchens, living rooms, and balconies with fire places!! LOCATION: Hamburg, NJ
If you love beach + indoor waterparks...
check out The Showboat + Indoor Waterpark! 
Sitting on the boardwalk in the heart of Atlantic City, The Showboat really has it all! The Oasis Indoor Waterpark is SO fun (with numerous slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider, restaurants, and a bar - you can stay there ALL day). The hotel also has a go cart track, HUGE arcade, mini golf, roller skating, and more. The beach is right out front, and there are numerous hotels, restaurants, and activities within a few minutes walk! Because of the warm indoor waterpark, it's a great winter getaway, and for beach lovers, its a must during summer! Book just a room, just the waterpark, or a package. LOCATION: Atlantic City, NJ 
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(sign up in the form at the bottom) Does packing for yourself and your family put a damper on the whole vacation excitement? Leaving you completely frazzled and panicked that you'll forget to do something? I've got you!! I just converted my own personal check list into one that can benefit all of you out there! I've been fine tuning this list for years as the sole packer for our family of 5. From travel visas and printing/uploading important dox to the cloud to putting electric toothbrushes in your CARRY ON and what kinds of dongles and wall plugs to bring. It's a HUGE list, including what to do at the time of booking, pre-departure prep, and what to pack. You can copy and paste and customize into your own check list, I recommend something like Google Keep. All you gotta do is make sure you're signed up to our list serve (form below). After signing up, you'll be redirected to a page where you can download the packing list! If you think it's helpful (we think you will), please share THIS page with a friend, so they can sign up and download as well!!
Sign up to US Japan Fam's list serve here:
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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