The Icona Diamond Beach resort in Wildwood Crest has been named one of the best hotels in the world in TripAdvisor's 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards.
The annual awards are based on reviews of properties by TripAdvisor users. The Icona Diamond Beach ranked number 7 on the list of top American hotels.
According to the TripAdvisor award citation: "Icona overlooks one of New Jersey's only private beaches, Diamond Beach. The hotel boasts luxurious suites, and beach attendants who serve fresh cocktails and delicious bites right on the beach. Amenities include a sundeck, outdoor heated pool and Beach Bar."
It isn't cheap to stay there -- the average rate, according to TripAdvisor, is $340, though that number can go much higher during peak summer season. (On the other hand, if you don't mind the chilly temps, a room can be had there this weekend for a mere $139.)
The Travelers' Choice award for Top Hotel in the World was given to the Aria Hotel Budapest in Hungary, and the top American hotel was Nantucket Hotel and Resort in Massachusetts.
TripAdvisor also rewards Travelers' Choice citations in individual categories, such as top bed & breakfasts/inns, top hotels for romance, and best bargain hotels -- though no other New Jersey properties were cited this year. For a full list of winners, go to TripAdvisor.com.
Icona Diamond Beach -- which is also a highly-ranked wedding venue, according to The Knot -- is located at 9701 Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood Crest, near the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge and Doo Wop Preservation League Museum.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.