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Logo for "Armada By the Sea" featuring stylized ships and blue text.
A beachfront hotel named Armada with several benches in front and greenery around it.

About Us

Welcome to Armada By-The-Sea in Wildwood Crest — where family traditions, lasting memories, and the simple joys of the New Jersey Shore come together.

A man and woman stand together in front of a hotel balcony, with an umbrella and pool visible in the background.

Generations of Hospitality

Our story began in 1973, when our grandparents, Rudy and Gloria Tecco, built the Armada By-The-Sea with a vision of creating a place where families could relax, reconnect, and make lasting memories. What began as their dream has become a multi-generational legacy. Today, the motel is owned and operated by their son, Steve, and his wife, Bonnie, with their grandchildren now part of the day-to-day experience—continuing the same values that have defined Armada By-The-Sea for over 50 years. On any summer day, you’ll likely find Rudy and Gloria’s great-grandchildren swimming in the pool alongside our guests—a simple reminder that our hotel is not just a business, but a place our family truly loves and lives together.
Two women ride bicycles past the Armada hotel while other visitors gather nearby.

A Place Families Return To

From the beginning, our passion has been simple: helping families make meaningful memories together. Over the decades, we’ve welcomed guests who return year after year—often staying in the same room, the same week, as part of their own tradition. It’s not uncommon for us to watch children grow up here, continuing to return each year as they get married and begin families of their own.Those relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
Fireworks illuminate the night sky above the "Wildwoods" sign surrounded by colorful beach balls.

Ranked the #1 Motel in Wildwood Crest

We’re honored that our commitment to hospitality has been recognized again and again. Armada By-The-Sea has consistently been ranked the #1 motel in Wildwood Crest on TripAdvisor for nearly 15 years. While we’re grateful for the recognition, what matters most is the trust families place in us to be part of their vacations and their stories.
Black silhouette of a cat sitting gracefully.
Logo for TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards, labeled "Best of the Best."
A landscaped area featuring a small pond surrounded by rocks and colorful flowers, with palm trees and a clear blue sky.

Feels Like Home

What makes the Armada By-The-Sea special isn’t just our location—though being steps from the beach certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s the feeling you get when you arrive. The familiar faces. The warm greetings. The sense that you’re not just checking into a motel, but returning to a place that feels like home.
View of a hotel balcony overlooking a pool and the beach.

Comfort by the Coast

Our family-friendly suites are designed for comfort and convenience, featuring kitchens that make longer stays easy. Our clean, heated pool offers a place to unwind after a day at the beach, and our peaceful setting gives you space to relax while still being close to everything Wildwood Crest offers—from local activities to free concerts and beautiful sunsets.
Bright, modern living room with large windows, coastal decor, and a mix of comfortable seating.

Hospitality with Care

We know there are many places you could choose to vacation. That’s why we don’t take your decision lightly. Every detail—from the cleanliness of our rooms to the friendliness of our service—is handled with care, because we understand that your time together is valuable.

Become a Part of the Armada Family

At Armada By-The-Sea, you’re more than a guest—you’re part of our story. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we’re here to help make your time at the shore something you’ll never forget.