The Surf Club

The Surf Club is just a block from the beach and boardwalk, and it was a perfect location. Our room was beautiful, clean, and looked newly refurbished. The rain shower felt luxurious, and the place was really affordable. We only stayed one night with my fiancé, and I wish we’d booked longer. I tried contacting them through the app to extend, but never heard back. Parking was the one hassle: there wasn’t a spot for us, though we found one right outside and paid about $30 at the meter for 24 hours. We’ll come back, and I’ve already told friends and family about it. Thanks to the staff!

The modern room looked nice, the bed was comfortable, and the shower was great, but there were some real problems. The room smelled musty, and the walls were so thin we could hear every conversation next door. Customer service was hard to reach. I saw two different people shouting on the phone after they hadn’t received the code to enter their rooms. Parking was another major headache. The website says street or lot parking is available, but street spaces within four or five blocks are metered and need paying again every four hours, while most lots don’t allow overnight parking. It might be okay for one or two nights, but I wouldn’t stay longer, and I wouldn’t return.

The rooms were clean and quiet, with a comfortable bed, plenty of pillows, a huge flat-screen TV, and a pleasant outdoor seating area. There’s also a shared outdoor shower to rinse off after the beach. My wife and I had enough room, and the beach is only about a two-minute walk away. There are lots of places to eat nearby, too, and communication from the hotel was outstanding. Parking gets complaints, but there’s a lot behind the hotel that charges $25 for all-day parking, which is a real plus in an area where many hotels have parking trouble. Late checkout fees are normal, and the checkout time is given when you book so staff can get the room ready for the next guest. Some people seem to expect more space than a hotel room; this is a hotel, not an Airbnb apartment or house. The bathrooms were great, too.

My favorite hotel on the New Jersey coast. The rooms are spacious, clean, and beautiful, and the water pressure is great. The boardwalk and beach are very close, lots of places are walkable, and bike rentals are nearby. Really good stay.