Sea Breeze Inn

The location was just one block from the boardwalk, and the woman at the desk was kind about our situation. But the place was so run down it seemed like it should have been remodeled before opening, and I wouldn't choose it again. We had to switch rooms three times. The first smelled of cigarettes and mold. I checked beneath the sheets in the second and found dirt and blood spots on the comforter. Since we couldn't get a refund after checking in, the front desk clerk offered us another room. I agreed because it smelled clean and I could smell bleach. On the way to the second floor, we also saw a lifted floorboard that could cause someone to trip and sue. The furniture needs replacing, the wallpaper needs painting, and the beds need new mattresses, among other things. I wouldn't stay again.

The price and location were right, and you get close to the boardwalk and beach for what you pay. The beds were comfortable, the shower had hot water, and the AC worked well once I cleaned its filter. The rest was a bit of a mixed bag. The bedside lamp bulb had burned out, and they handed us a replacement bulb. For two adults in a double queen, we were initially given just one set of towels, and they weren't even adult-sized. We had to take our own trash to the dumpster and go to the desk for extra bags. We got one key, and additional ones cost $25 each, refundable when returned. The bathroom floor was made of wall tiles and got very slippery getting out of the shower. The outdoor steps were slick from the rain, so we had to be careful going down.

The AC was the one thing that worked well. We had two rooms with the kids for three nights, and one smelled sour. The rooms felt neglected, and could have used some bleach. We never got washcloths; the next day there were two towels, but nothing for the kids. We were itchy the whole stay and left at 6 a.m. on the last morning just to get home and shower. We even wore pool shoes in the showers. The Wi-Fi was awful, and even when it connected we couldn't do anything. At least the place is right by the boardwalk. Keep hold of your key, though, or they'll charge $25 to come up the ragged steps and let you in.

The room was clean, with tidy floors and bedding, and the AC worked. Staff were friendly, too. The pool is about the size of a California king bed. My friend mistook it for the hot tub at first, but it was fine for a quick cool dip. There aren't any chairs or other seating around it. The flies were my main problem. Bring a swatter, and be prepared to block the quarter-inch gap around the AC unit.