ABOUT US
Who
We Are
Hotel
Amenities
The Jolly Roger Motel is 100% family-owned and -operated by the Tenaglia Family who has been in the hospitality business for 2 generations now in Wildwood Crest. In addition, one of the Tenaglia brothers, Vincent, is married to Cindy “Smith” whose family owned and operated the ever-popular Snuffy’s Restaurant operating in Wildwood Crest for over 50 years. For the Tenaglia brothers, Joseph & Vincent, their parents, Joseph & Maria, first bought a rental building in 1973 on Poplar Ave which excited them to move forward in hospitality. Eventually moving from Philadelphia to Wildwood Crest permanently and buying the Viking Motel, they later purchased the legendary Sands Motel & Resort, the beachfront Summer Sands Motel, and even MT Bottle, a 22,000 square foot bar/club on the Island.
The businesses were completely run hands-on by the Tenaglias themselves. The hospitality bug was still biting as the family invested in a 20-acre 21 room Inn & Restaurant (Inn At Sawmill Farm & Nonna's Restaurant) in West Dover, Vermont next to Mount Snow. In 2014, The Jolly Roger Motel was proudly added as an iconic addition to this family history in Wildwood Crest, NJ.
The Tenaglia Family is ever-growing and the next generation (the 3rd) is now showing the same excitement in promoting the family business and working to make it a magnificent experience. The Jolly Roger, with an extensive history since 1960 and a uniquely exciting character, holds its own VERY well. We are strongly investing in its improvements in a season-to-season plan with many improvements already underway for Upcoming Seasons!!!
The Tenaglias are diverse in their backgrounds but similar in their passion for customer service and satisfaction... Vincent completed a Marketing degree from Villanova University, Cindy has a Business Degree from Widener University, and Joseph graduated with an Economics degree from Villanova University undergrad followed by a J.D. Law Degree from Villanova University School of Law. With a family history of parents immigrating from Italy in about 1960 with nothing but dreams in their hearts & hopes for a growing successful future in a new country, the consistent understanding to give their guests the best possible experience is ever present and always respected. It is openly evident from the moment you walk into our front lobby doors!
The Jolly Roger Motel was originally built in 1960 by Palmer Way & Will Morey Sr. The Moreys soon departed the Jolly Roger investment at which time the Ways took full control & ran what has now become one of the most iconic motels on the East Coast. It is bold and direct in Mid-Century styling and Modern Retro design in its buildings, layout and accessories as you wander the property and grounds. You have truly stepped back in time but with modern amenities such as Free WiFi throughout, all new Bathrooms equipped with all KOHLER elements, retro designs prominent in all fully renovated rooms, and a poolside restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & smoothies.
The Jolly Roger had begun its popular hospitality motel stardom as a Beachfront Resort slightly smaller than it is today. The first phase of construction brought the front 2-floor building and its 2 wings into existence directly on the Beach before Ocean Ave existed, but not the third floor nor the ocean view front rooms. Rooms and floors were added as time went on and the business grew with popularity. The motel was completely beachfront in its first decade of existence until a street was added for more construction of a new beach block in the early 1970s. For a stroll through history, we proudly display its pictorial history on our facebook page at www.Facebook.com/jollyrogermotel ....go ahead and LIKE us!! The Ways very successfully ran the Jolly Roger, along with the Port Royal across the street, until 2014 in which year, John and Martin Way decided it was time to pass the reigns of the Jolly Roger onto the Tenaglias!! And so it is, the story continues on.....
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The Jolly Roger Motel offers Beautiful, Luxurious, Comfortable Accommodations – all with flat screen TVs, air-conditioning, fully renovated porcelain tile bathrooms with all Kohler selections, and private balconies with spectacular views. Lovely Guest Rooms feature Multiple Bed Selections while Roomy Efficiencies are ideal for families of four or more. Spacious Suites for six to eight have fully equipped kitchenettes and dining areas. (See our Rooms & Rates Pages for more details on available accommodation types & details)
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Of course, Daily Maid Service is provided by our Experienced, Long Term, and Professional Housekeepers. For when one may be in need, a coin-operated laundromat is available directly on the premises. For your convenience, Free Parking of one car per unit (2 cars for the 2-Bedroom Suites) is provided to All of our Guests.
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Throughout the Day, you & your family and friends can lounge and play by the Heated Swimming Pool. Our Pool is ranked among the Largest on the Island with a Pool Area of Lounges, Tables & Chairs to match!! We keep our Pool 100% Heated to at least 85 degrees F from the 1st weekend open in May through our Closing Weekend in October!! The kids also are provided with their very own Kiddie Pool. Only a short few steps of a mere 1 Block away, you will find our world-renowned FREE White Sand Beaches of Wildwood Crest. For those seeking a more active experience, one can wander over to our very own private and Free Acivity Arena including regulation Courts of Tennis, Shuffleboard and Bocce!! We can provide ALL Equipment for each Sport upon request.
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For the Film Lover, we offer our weekly Thursday MOVIE NIGHT shown directly at Poolside at the famous Jolly Roger Pool!! We feature a children's movie FREE for the whole family that can be watched poolside from the established seating area to gazing at the 12 Foot Screen while enjoying a Night Swim THAT Evening ONLY. It is a Shore Hit for the Whole Family & a Great Excuse to order in or barbeque and relax instead of hitting the Town and all its Constant Activity!! ....a nice break for the Pocket!
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Have a cookout and grill your own feast on one of several natural gas Solaire Grills available for your use. There are also many Fabulous Dining Choices located throughout the Wildwood Island, some of which are within a short walking distance of the Jolly Roger. While our Island Dining Choices are varied and extremely delicious, you may even wander off to our neighbors' adjacent shore towns from Victorian Cape May, Stone Harbor, Avalon to Atlantic City with its famous casino resorts. The choices abound!!! A Culinary Experience awaits your Adventurous Taste Buds!!
