609-522-1234 Call the Matador Book now

Opens our booking system. Open May – October.

Check availability

Opens our booking system. Open May – October.

Or call us on 609-522-1234 — someone in the family will pick up.

OUR FAMILY’S STORY

Generations of family hospitality

What began with Carl and Rosalie Del Monte’s dream of a new life in North Wildwood grew into a family tradition. From building the Harbor Light to purchasing the Matador in 1995, their story is one of hard work, dedication and family—a tradition Robert and Heather continue today.

The front exterior of the Matador Oceanfront Resort seen from the lower sundeck, red awnings over the office entrance
HOW IT STARTED

Carl and Rosalie

Carl and Rosalie Del Monte moved to Wildwood in the 1970s to start a new life. A piece of ground at 3rd and Ocean Avenues in North Wildwood would become the home of their newest business endeavor: the Harbor Light Family Resort.

The Del Montes had zero knowledge about the motel business and had no idea what they were getting themselves into either. Even though they had spent many years vacationing in Wildwood, NJ, near the boardwalk, running a motel is a different animal. However, they were up to the task. Carl and Rosalie sold their home in Philadelphia, cashed out their retirement fund, borrowed money from relatives and started construction on one of the top hotels in North Wildwood, NJ, in October 1978.

Fast-forward to the spring of 1994. The Matador Motel, which was owned by Rosalie’s Aunt Josephine, became available. The Del Montes acquired the Matador in 1995, and thus began a new chapter for the family.

The Matador Oceanfront Resort seen from the beach side, its red MATADOR OCEANFRONT RESORT sign facing the boardwalk, with the pool deck below
CONTINUING THE FAMILY TRADITION

Our family, welcoming yours

After forty-five years, Carl and Rosalie sold the Harbor Light in February 2023, while the Matador remained in the family. Today, their son Robert and his wife Heather carry on the tradition, building on nearly five decades of welcoming families to North Wildwood.

For us, that means a personal connection with our guests and hands-on care for the property. From helping you choose the right accommodations to sharing a favorite local spot, we want you to feel welcome and comfortable throughout your stay.

The most rewarding part is seeing familiar faces return year after year—and watching children who grew up vacationing here bring families of their own. We’re proud to be part of those memories and look forward to helping the next generation make their own.

The Matador may not have a spa or restaurant bar with umbrella drinks, but its a place that becomes familiar, like a home away from home for all its guests. Now if you are a true NJ shore vacationer, that's what you truly want.
The Quinn family

We’re grateful to be part of our guests’ vacation memories. Read more of their stories on our reviews page.

The front exterior of the Matador Oceanfront Resort seen from the lower sundeck, red awnings over the office entrance
Open May – October

We’d love to welcome you. Open May–October. Call 609-522-1234—we’re happy to help.

Or call 609-522-1234 — someone in the family will pick up.

Opens our booking system. Open May – October.