When I first arrived in Trenton, I knew I wanted to experience the city not just as a visitor, but as someone who could savor the finer things—the comfort, elegance, and attention to detail that a luxury hotel offers. While Trenton is often celebrated for its historic charm, its cultural attractions, and vibrant street food, the city also hides a surprising array of upscale accommodations. Staying in these hotels allows you to explore Trenton with a sense of ease and indulgence, from elegantly designed rooms to personalized services and curated local experiences. Over my stay, I explored five standout luxury hotels that truly define opulence in the city, each offering unique experiences and a glimpse into Trenton’s hospitality.
1. Hyatt Regency Princeton
Location: 102 Carnegie Center Drive, Princeton, NJ
Though technically in nearby Princeton, the Hyatt Regency Princeton is one of the most convenient luxury options for visitors to Trenton. Driving just 20 minutes from downtown, I was immediately struck by the hotel’s modern architectural elegance and serene atmosphere. The lobby is expansive, with high ceilings, contemporary art installations, and subtle lighting that gives the space an understated sophistication.
Room Experience:
I booked a King Deluxe room overlooking the manicured gardens. The bed was plush, with linens that felt crisp yet soft against my skin, and the oversized windows allowed natural light to flood the room, offering views of the lush property. Amenities included a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower, a deep soaking tub, and complimentary high-end toiletries.
Services and Features:
The hotel features an indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a renowned spa offering signature massages and facials. Dining options include Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar, where the farm-to-table menu combines local produce with elegant culinary techniques. I particularly enjoyed the truffle mushroom risotto, paired with a glass of fine New Jersey Pinot Noir.
Guest Reviews:
Online reviews emphasize the hotel’s tranquility, excellent service, and proximity to Princeton University and local attractions. Guests often highlight the attentive staff and the quality of the on-site dining experiences.
Booking Platforms and Price:
I secured my stay through Booking.com, which offered a price of around \$280 per night for a King Deluxe room. Other platforms like Expedia and Hotels.com often provide bundle deals including flights and car rentals. A key tip is to book at least four weeks in advance, as weekends around university events can sell out quickly.
2. The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
Location: 201 Village Boulevard, Princeton, NJ
A short drive from Trenton’s downtown, the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village is a modern luxury hotel with a focus on wellness and comfort. From the moment I entered the lobby, I noticed the hotel’s commitment to detail: polished marble floors, warm lighting, and an air of calm professionalism.
Room Experience:
I stayed in a Heavenly King room, part of Westin’s signature wellness-oriented collection. The bed was the softest I’ve slept in outside my own home, and the “Heavenly Bath” provided a serene escape after a day of exploring Trenton and Princeton. The room featured a desk, ergonomic chair, and high-speed Wi-Fi, perfect for planning my next day’s itinerary.
Services and Features:
The hotel offers an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and Ecco’s Restaurant & Lounge, which serves contemporary American cuisine. I enjoyed breakfast here several mornings—the avocado toast with poached eggs and fresh herbs quickly became a favorite. There’s also an on-site Starbucks for coffee lovers like me who prefer a quick pick-me-up in the morning.
Guest Reviews:
Reviewers consistently praise the hotel for its cleanliness, modern design, and proximity to upscale shopping and dining at Forrestal Village. Many note the convenience of free parking and easy access to major highways connecting Trenton and the surrounding area.
Booking Platforms and Price:
I booked via Hotels.com for approximately \$310 per night, taking advantage of their rewards program that provides a free night after ten stays. Early bookings during weekdays can also secure discounted rates, especially outside peak tourist seasons.
3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Trenton/West Windsor
Location: 3355 US-1, Princeton, NJ
The Homewood Suites offers a unique luxury experience focused on extended stays while maintaining high-end comfort. Though it is technically a suite-style hotel, the rooms are meticulously designed, offering a balance between home-like coziness and upscale amenities.
Room Experience:
I reserved a one-bedroom suite, which included a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living area with a flat-screen TV, and a spacious bathroom. The suite’s interior combined neutral tones with elegant furniture, making it perfect for both relaxation and work. I particularly appreciated the living area, where I could enjoy a quiet evening with room service or prepare a simple meal in the kitchenette.
Services and Features:
The hotel provides a complimentary hot breakfast daily, an evening social with drinks and light bites several nights per week, and access to a fitness center and outdoor pool. The hotel’s concierge helped me arrange a private wine tasting tour at a nearby vineyard, a personalized touch that enhanced my experience.
Guest Reviews:
Guests often highlight the spaciousness of the suites, the quality of the complimentary breakfast, and the helpfulness of the staff. It’s particularly popular among business travelers who need both comfort and functionality.
Booking Platforms and Price:
I booked through Expedia, securing a rate of \$295 per night. Booking directly on Hilton’s website can also yield Hilton Honors points, which I later redeemed for a free night at another hotel in New Jersey. A useful tip is to check for mid-week stays, which often have lower rates than weekends.
4. Sheraton Princeton at Forrestal Village
Location: 866 Bear Tavern Road, Princeton, NJ
The Sheraton Princeton offers a refined luxury experience with a strong emphasis on convenience and comfort. The hotel is part of the Marriott family, which brings a reputation for quality service and attention to guest experience.
Room Experience:
I stayed in a Sheraton Club Room, which included access to the executive lounge. The room was spacious, featuring a large work desk, comfortable seating area, and blackout curtains that ensured restful sleep. The bed and pillows were exceptionally comfortable, and the plush carpeting added warmth to the room.
Services and Features:
The Sheraton offers an indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and Jasmine’s Restaurant & Lounge, where I enjoyed a dinner of seared salmon with seasonal vegetables. The executive lounge serves complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres, which I found especially convenient for quick meals without leaving the hotel.
Guest Reviews:
Many reviewers praise the Sheraton for its professional staff, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. Frequent visitors appreciate the consistency of the Marriott brand, and business travelers enjoy the well-designed workspaces in the rooms.
Booking Platforms and Price:
I booked through Booking.com, paying approximately \$320 per night. For Marriott members, booking through Marriott.com can provide points for future stays, as well as potential upgrades if availability allows. Booking early or during promotional periods can also secure reduced rates.
5. Nassau Inn in Princeton
Location: 10 Palmer Square West, Princeton, NJ
While technically located in Princeton, the Nassau Inn is a historical boutique hotel that provides a luxurious yet intimate experience. Its location in the heart of Palmer Square offers immediate access to shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks, making it ideal for visitors who want to combine elegance with convenience.
Room Experience:
I booked a Premier Room with a view of Palmer Square. The room combined classic charm with modern amenities—plush bedding, a comfortable reading chair, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The bathroom featured a large soaking tub and luxury toiletries, adding to the feeling of indulgence.
Services and Features:
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, where I enjoyed dinner on a terrace overlooking the square. The menu offers modern American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and the cocktails were artfully crafted. Room service was prompt, and the concierge offered helpful local tips that made exploring Princeton and Trenton a breeze.
Guest Reviews:
Guests rave about the combination of historical charm and modern luxury, the attentive staff, and the central location. Many highlight the hotel’s ability to provide a quiet retreat in the midst of a bustling square.
Booking Platforms and Price:
I booked through Expedia, paying around \$350 per night for the Premier Room. Early reservations often include discounts or complimentary breakfast, and signing up for Expedia rewards can provide additional perks for future stays.
Experiencing Trenton Luxury
Staying in these hotels allowed me to experience Trenton from a perspective few travelers enjoy. The city’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant street life could be explored during the day, while evenings were spent in rooms that combined elegance, comfort, and personalized service. Platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and OpenTable made planning seamless—reserving rooms, booking meals, and securing special experiences without stress.
From the modern sophistication of the Westin and Hyatt to the historical charm of the Nassau Inn, each property offered a unique window into luxury living in and around Trenton. Every hotel also taught me a subtle lesson: attention to detail, from the texture of linens to the presentation of a meal, transforms an ordinary stay into an immersive experience.
Even within the same city, the range of luxury accommodations is vast, each reflecting different tastes, histories, and priorities. And by using pre-booking platforms wisely, checking for seasonal promotions, and exploring loyalty programs, I found that indulgence in Trenton could be both accessible and memorable.
By the time I left, I realized that exploring Trenton’s luxury hotels wasn’t just about comfort—it was about understanding the city’s elegance, its understated charm, and its ability to make every visitor feel uniquely welcomed.
