Beachfront hotel or inn near NY area
Jul 10th, 2006, 07:56 PM
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Beachfront hotel or inn near NY area
I'm looking for a nice beachfront inn or hotel or B&B to take my Mom that's within 2 hours or so from NYC area (she lives in Brooklyn). She wants to be right on the beach (and is willing to pay for something nice). I only know Cape Cod, and it's too long a drive for her. I've been to Shelter Island, but the beaches I've seen are soo shelly. I don't know much about the Hampton's and if it's worth navigating the traffic and the scene. And of course the drive out to Montauk could probably take 4 hours. My thoughts have been Jersey Shore (Spring Lake maybe?) or somewhere in CT? But I'm having difficulty finding something on the beach. Any recommendations?
Jul 11th, 2006, 03:44 AM
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The problem is budget and availability. Places on the beach are very popular and book up quickly.
Spring Lake is lovely but the inns are all across the street from the beach.
Here's a previous thread on places to stay there.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34658126
Here's a thread with other beach options in NJ.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34438759
In the Hamptons, White Sands is on the beach in Amagansett, closer than Montauk.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34438759
If you don't want to worry about driving and are just looking for a weekend on the beach, go by train or jitney.
Spring Lake is lovely but the inns are all across the street from the beach.
Here's a previous thread on places to stay there.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34658126
Here's a thread with other beach options in NJ.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34438759
In the Hamptons, White Sands is on the beach in Amagansett, closer than Montauk.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34438759
If you don't want to worry about driving and are just looking for a weekend on the beach, go by train or jitney.
Jul 11th, 2006, 05:58 AM
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Ocean Grove, NJ is absolutely beautiful. I like it better than Spring Lake and you might be able to get something facing the beach. I think Montauk is the only place you are going to find something ON the beach.
Jul 11th, 2006, 06:55 AM
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There are few places in the Hamptons that are right on the beach - most is either private property of the VERY wealthy or public town beaches.
The only places I know that are right on the beach (but behind the dunes - you can't build in front of the dunes or the houses would simply wash away in the big storms) are the condo colonies between Amagansett and Montauk. (There are wooden walkways over the dunes and second floor apartments look over the top of the dunes - you can see the ocean from your balcony.)
If you have a car and go at off hours you can do this in 2 hours from Brooklyn. (You could take the Jitney - but to stay in these places you must have a car since they're not in a town.)
And don;t worry about "the scene" - these places are out past most of the scene - and you can be as relaxed and casuale as you want.
The other nice thing is that you can get 1 or 2 bedroom places and many have kitchens that allow you to cook as much as you want - just beverages and snacks, or breakfast too, or full meals. And many restaurants deliver.
The only places I know that are right on the beach (but behind the dunes - you can't build in front of the dunes or the houses would simply wash away in the big storms) are the condo colonies between Amagansett and Montauk. (There are wooden walkways over the dunes and second floor apartments look over the top of the dunes - you can see the ocean from your balcony.)
If you have a car and go at off hours you can do this in 2 hours from Brooklyn. (You could take the Jitney - but to stay in these places you must have a car since they're not in a town.)
And don;t worry about "the scene" - these places are out past most of the scene - and you can be as relaxed and casuale as you want.
The other nice thing is that you can get 1 or 2 bedroom places and many have kitchens that allow you to cook as much as you want - just beverages and snacks, or breakfast too, or full meals. And many restaurants deliver.
Jul 11th, 2006, 08:06 AM
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Appreciating all the responses, (this is the first time I've ever posted though I've checked this site for years)and have been pouring thru some of the past discussions I was pointed to. It seems there is a room available (Ocean Front!) at The Breakers in Spring Lake, but I've been reading some really crummy "stay away" kind of reviews which makes me a bit nervous. (Can anyone dispute that and tell me not to worry?) I've also been looking at Ocean Grove. I think my Mom would like something a little more posh (though Ocean Grove looks more my speed). I noticed The Majestic Ocean Grove Hotel. Has anyone been there? (My guess is that the lovely, luxurious on-the-ocean-with-great-food-so-we-don't-have-to-cook place may not actually exist within 2 hours drive.)
Jul 11th, 2006, 08:57 AM
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That hotel does look beautiful. When I've gone I stayed at a place on Ocean Pathway - the Ocean Plaza. Ocean Pathway is lined on both sides with gorgeous Victorians all painted in different color schemes. There is a huge lawn separating both sides of the street. The breeze is unbelievable! There are some very good restaurants and you can walk to everything. It is (or was) a "dry" town but you're welcome to bring wine with you. I can't describe how charming the place is. It's main street has wonderful little shops and a drugstore with ice cream window and soda counter. There is an auditorium - I can't even imagine how long it's been there - that has some nice concerts.
The hotel you mentioned looks beautiful, but I like Ocean Pathway. The place I stay is great, but I don't know if it would be fancy enough for your Mom. It is less than a block from the boardwalk. And the boardwalk goes on forever. It's the most relaxing place I've been.
The hotel you mentioned looks beautiful, but I like Ocean Pathway. The place I stay is great, but I don't know if it would be fancy enough for your Mom. It is less than a block from the boardwalk. And the boardwalk goes on forever. It's the most relaxing place I've been.
Jul 11th, 2006, 11:06 AM
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If you want to stay in Spring Lake I would NOT recommend The Breakers. I've never stayed there since I live in the area, but I've heard negatives. The nicest hotel in Spring Lake is the Hewitt Wellinton.
Ocean Grove is not in the same league as Spring Lake...I don't think you'll find the accomodations as up-to-date.
As noted, most towns along the northern Jersey Shore have a street between the beach and the hotels and houses. Ocean Place in Long Branch appears to be on the Ocean with only a boardwalk between.
http://oceanplaceresort.com/ Again, I've never stayed there, but have been in it for meetings when it was a Hilton. Seemed to be quite nice.
Ocean Grove is not in the same league as Spring Lake...I don't think you'll find the accomodations as up-to-date.
As noted, most towns along the northern Jersey Shore have a street between the beach and the hotels and houses. Ocean Place in Long Branch appears to be on the Ocean with only a boardwalk between.
http://oceanplaceresort.com/ Again, I've never stayed there, but have been in it for meetings when it was a Hilton. Seemed to be quite nice.
Jul 14th, 2006, 08:45 AM
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Again, thanks for all the feedback. this has been really helpful. I checked out a lot of nice b&b's (the direction I decided to go in) and found a place in Bay Head called Conover's that I decided to book due to lovely traveler reviews, nice sounding area, and proximity to beach (1/2 block). I'll post a review when I return. But for future folk that may be checking out this posting, I came across an area called Barnegat Light which looks really lovely and quiet(Lighthouse, dunes, looks a little like Cape Cod from the photos). Don't know much about that area either but I'll check it out.
Jul 20th, 2006, 11:56 PM
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I believe the only place that is right ON the beach is in Point Pleasant
White Sands Ocean Front Resort Hotel
1106 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach
732-899-3370
http://www.thewhitesands.com
I have not been inside, this is more of a motel-looking type place, albeit kind of a nice one, i.e. it is not a charming B&B like Conover's. I agree on getting an off- Main Ave room at Conover's. Bay Head is also a much nicer town than Point Pleasant. There is another very nice B&B in Bay Head, see below, I would also ask for a room not facing Main Ave:
Bay Head Gables Inn
200 Main Avenue
Bay Head NJ
732-892-9844
http://www.bayheadgables.com/
Barnegat Light is beautiful, a much more undeveloped part of Long Beach Island than other parts like Beach Haven, etc. However, this will take you more than 2 hours, and if you hit traffic, a good deal more. Bay Head is probably 1.5 hours with no traffic. I am curious as to what you are finding down there in hotels, as it is mostly private homes and I don't think there are many hotels or B&Bs, and none that are beach front.
Another suggestion would be Greenwich CT and staying at the absolutely wonderful and luxurious Delmar. This is not on any beach, but is on the waterfront in town and has very nice water views. You could drive out to the beaches of Greenwich (check with the hotel, some require a town badge they may be able to arrange this), rent bikes, or rent a boat and tool around the sound. You can shop and eat in Greenwich. You may not miss the beach. The hotel is lovely and you could drive there pretty easily from Brooklyn, you could even take Metro North and leave the car behind. Go to http://www.thedelamar.com or slh.com. I have stayed several times for family occasions (sister lives in town) and really like this hotel.
There may be other hotel or B&B options along CT shores, none are apt to be beach front, but many could be on inlets or harbors.
White Sands Ocean Front Resort Hotel
1106 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach
732-899-3370
http://www.thewhitesands.com
I have not been inside, this is more of a motel-looking type place, albeit kind of a nice one, i.e. it is not a charming B&B like Conover's. I agree on getting an off- Main Ave room at Conover's. Bay Head is also a much nicer town than Point Pleasant. There is another very nice B&B in Bay Head, see below, I would also ask for a room not facing Main Ave:
Bay Head Gables Inn
200 Main Avenue
Bay Head NJ
732-892-9844
http://www.bayheadgables.com/
Barnegat Light is beautiful, a much more undeveloped part of Long Beach Island than other parts like Beach Haven, etc. However, this will take you more than 2 hours, and if you hit traffic, a good deal more. Bay Head is probably 1.5 hours with no traffic. I am curious as to what you are finding down there in hotels, as it is mostly private homes and I don't think there are many hotels or B&Bs, and none that are beach front.
Another suggestion would be Greenwich CT and staying at the absolutely wonderful and luxurious Delmar. This is not on any beach, but is on the waterfront in town and has very nice water views. You could drive out to the beaches of Greenwich (check with the hotel, some require a town badge they may be able to arrange this), rent bikes, or rent a boat and tool around the sound. You can shop and eat in Greenwich. You may not miss the beach. The hotel is lovely and you could drive there pretty easily from Brooklyn, you could even take Metro North and leave the car behind. Go to http://www.thedelamar.com or slh.com. I have stayed several times for family occasions (sister lives in town) and really like this hotel.
There may be other hotel or B&B options along CT shores, none are apt to be beach front, but many could be on inlets or harbors.
