The Inn at Ocean Grove

This has become my go-to place on the Jersey shore. Coming from a small town, I felt right at home, and the beach is only minutes away. The staff are world class, always friendly and happy to help with any problems. The rooms are clean and inviting, and the complimentary breakfast is fabulous, better than the local restaurants in my opinion. It's a real gem. I kept putting off writing this because I secretly didn't want anyone else to find out about my best kept secret, but I think it's time to share.

The beach is just steps away, and the place is clean and cozy. Ashley, the inn keeper, baked fresh muffins every day, and they were to die for. Breakfast was the best, and the staff were very friendly. We came for a girls weekend getaway and will stay here again.

The staff were kind, supportive, and hardworking, and the bed was comfortable. The rooftop terrace is modern and a nice place to relax and hear the ocean. The ocean itself is a little over a block away. But I can't see how this place got a 3-star rating. Maybe it's because it's a B&B, but that doesn't help much. We were warned several times, by email and face-to-face, that running two appliances at once could blow a fuse. We were also told that doing it after 6 pm would mean a $100 service fee. It reminded me of an old shore house my brother and his wife once owned in Seaside Heights, where I rented for a week and had to make coffee in the living room to avoid blowing a fuse. A B&B needs a comfortable bed and an out-of-this-world breakfast. The bed was full size and comfortable, but the rest of the room was average at best. For privacy, all the shades had to stay down. From the bathroom window I counted at least TEN windows and doors in the neighboring house that could look into our bathroom. Breakfast was the worst part: watery scrambled eggs, two minute-sized pieces of bacon, and a soggy muffin. I've had better just about anywhere. The coffee was awful too. I also understand this building belongs to a large corporation buying properties in the area and trying to turn a quick profit. You could eat breakfast outside while hearing loud construction across the street at another property they own. I won't recommend it.

The complimentary breakfast was delicious, and Armani on staff was warm, welcoming, and helpful. I think she'd be better suited as the innkeeper because her manner was much more welcoming. Ashley, the innkeeper, was rude when I asked how to lock the door after it didn't lock behind me on my way downstairs for breakfast the first morning. Instead of explaining calmly, she seemed frustrated, as if I should already know. When I said I hadn't seen that information in the late check-in instructions, she snapped, “Because it wasn't in the check-in instructions. It's in the guest book located in your room.” She sounded very annoyed, like she expected me to read the whole guest book before asking. Her manner felt hostile and unwelcoming. The room also had a very dirty faucet and sink counter, and some mold on the shower's plastic lip where the door meets the tile. Worse, there was a lot of mold inside the AC unit. It was gross to see and a health hazard. I have mild rosacea and had an intense flare-up during my weekend there. I can only imagine the effect on someone with respiratory problems. I wouldn't recommend staying here.