The Asbury Hotel

The Asbury used to be a destination for rock shows and an authentic escape, but it now feels like it's pulling away from those roots and trying to "Manhattanize" the experience. We come to get away from the city, not relive it. Even the staff seemed out of touch with the programming, giving vague, uninformed answers when we asked about that evening's entertainment. For a premium-priced stay, details need to be right, and some are slipping. The in-room record player didn't work, the pool table badly needs repair, and the lobby bar feels dated. The giant glassware fridge and service mats make it seem more like storage than a high-end lounge, and with only two chairs at each end, it no longer feels like the welcoming social spot it used to be. Still, I had an okay stay, and as a longtime fan I appreciated the clean, comfortable, well-designed room, plus the professional, welcoming service at the concierge desk and lobby bar. I'd love to see The Asbury bring back the grit, soul, and polished execution that made it famous. If it charges these prices, the training and maintenance need to be top-tier.

The noise around the hotel was incredibly disruptive. Construction went on all day, with continuous banging and beeping, and I could barely think straight. I know the hotel can't choose when or where construction happens, but the stay was still hard to endure. I wish I could develop amnesia and forget it. The front desk staff member with blonde hair was rude and seemed offended when asked a basic question. He needs a reality check if he works in the service industry.

We've been coming to The Asbury for eight years, staying with friends one or two weekends each year. It's a tradition now, and we're loyal to the hotel because we love it. The staff are phenomenally friendly, kind, and cheerful, and we enjoy the pool, cocktails, local craft beer, and loungy lobby. The pool area itself is beautiful and clean, though we wish we'd been able to enjoy it more. It's supposed to be heated to 90 degrees, but with colder weather arriving it didn't feel comfortably warm. Our quad room had a few issues: the AC was too noisy to use, neither outlet by the sink and mirror worked, one comforter's zipper was broken, and some pillows had no life left. The hotel has added new carpets and other small touches since spring, but it still needs more TLC. I hear more simple upgrades are on the way, and we're looking forward to our next stay.

We complained and got moved to an upgraded room for the second night, which was much better. Even there, though, heavy music bass went on until late, and we won't be back. The first room's AC panel didn't work, so it was warm and we had to open the windows. Rooftop bar noise kept us up for hours, there was wind noise in the seventh-floor hallway, and the beds were extremely hard. The rooms are dorm-room sized and finished, and the hotel was noisy. They also charge a $35-a-day resort fee. What for? This place needs serious work.