The Legendary Caribbean Motel in Wildwood NJ

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March 2020 we are disheartened to report that The Caribbean is up for sale. We get it, this place takes a lot to run, and George and Carolyn have done a wonderful job. I hope it goes to deserving owners who see the potential in it as it is, and not as a teardown!

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/5600-Ocean-Ave-Wildwood-Crest-NJ/18814690/

2019 -

10 years after my first post about this fabulous mid-century modern motel, its still great and going strong! Get there and see for yourself!

Original 2009 post:

Just returned from my stay at the fab Caribbean Motel in Wildwood Crest, NJ and can't wait to go back!

As you can imagine, vintage motels are probably one of the more chancy things to plan on when going on a vintage vacation. So many of them have seen better days, and you don't often know that until you get there and into your room. I've stayed in more than my fair share of dank depressing lodgings and I want to spare you that same fate.

It is because I know places like that can be so iffy that I can so heartily endorse the Caribbean, am suggesting it to pals and family, and am making plans to stay there again myself!

Just some quick background: Wildwood has probably the highest concentration of exuberantly designed mid-century hotels and motels anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard, which is something to be proud of. Unfortunately these smaller places are too easily torn down to be replaced with incredibly generic yet potentially profitable condos. Luckily the Doo Wop Preservation League has been actively raising awareness of these places to try and forestall the demolition, and my retro roadmap hat goes off to them for such a noble effort.

Opened in 1956 the Caribbean is probably the most adventurously designed of the vintage motels to survive, with its curved ramp to the 2nd floor and nary a right angle to be found. It also has the distinction of being the first motel to "plant" the fake plastic palm trees that are now one of the iconic symbols of Wildwood.

While the motel has been around for over 50 years now, the more recent 50's inspired renovations that make the Caribbean so pleasant and photogenic are thanks to owners George Miller and Carolyn Emigh who purchased the place in 2004 and their designer Darleen Lev. No absentee owners here, these folks can be found serving up sauteed spinach  (a Wildwood tradition, I'm told) during cookouts hosted by the hotel, or passing out cookies to the guests along with their after dinner coffee.

There is a great blending of old and new at the Caribbean, making it perfect for those of us who love the past (cool architectural designs! Shuffleboard!), but appreciate the amenities of the present (non-smoking rooms! Free Wi-Fi!).

The curved pool is perfect for dipping into or lounging around, the Cabana room with leopard bar and tables is available for card games or chilling, and each room has a fridge and mini-microwave. There are kitchenettes available, and you can even use the grill next to the pool to cook up your own dinner if you like.

The place was clean the folks were friendly, the vibe laid back and casual, with music playing in the background. Bring your cocktails poolside and listen for the bell from the Fresh Fruit truck to add some fresh pineapple to your tiki drink. Families and folks of all ages peacefully co-exist under the swaying Jersey palms.

When the sun goes down the multi-colored lights are flipped on along with that drop dead gorgeous sign - returning to the motel after a fun night on the boards, you know that you're staying in the coolest place around!