The Deauville Inn has roots dating back to 1881, when it was first built as the Whelan Hotel. Then, it rebranded in the 1920s and became the Deauville Inn. One hundred years later, the inn just finished a major renovation and is now a multi-purpose facility. Though once a well-kept Jersey Shore secret, the inn now aims to be the crown jewel of Strathmere.
Now under new ownership, the renovated inn boasts six unique environments. “The best way I can explain the experience is by comparing it to a boutique hotel,” says Michael Sullivan; who is the vice president of marketing & events. “The Deauville Inn has numerous facets that provide different experiences,” he goes on to say. For example, guests can enjoy drinks on the beach at sunset, or date night in the dining room. Likewise, the sunset deck is open for casual breakfast or lunch.
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Despite the upgrades, the new Deauville Inn restores much of the feeling from its 1920s debut. You’ll find vintage designs such as subway tile in the bathroom, old-style faucets, and historic copper ceiling tiles. “Our goal was to recapture the mystique from the Deauville’s heyday during the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition era,” Michael says.
So Much to Offer
The property itself is massive, spanning from Bay Ave/Commonwealth Ave to Ludlam Bay and then Willard Ave. The main white “Deauville” building houses the Pub, Dining Room, Sunset Patio, and Package Goods store. First off, the Dining Room offers amazing views of Ludlam Bay and is ideal for date night. Then, the Pub features a stone fireplace and marble bar top, and is an ideal spot to watch sports. Meanwhile, the Package Goods shop offers Deauville Inn branded clothing, plus local beers, popular wines, and flavored seltzers.
The Sunset Deck offers the ultimate waterfront dining experience. In particular, the outer deck provides an unobstructed view of the bay. In addition, the Sunset deck canopy is heated and allows for year-round outdoor dining. “The canopy has roll-down sides to block wind and cooler temperatures,” Michael describes.
Next, to the north of the main building, is the Sand Bar. This elevated deck has a full kitchen, in addition to a five-station, full-service bar. (Which, of course, offers views of the beach and bay.) Next to the Sand Bar are the Beach and Lawn. This beach area allows kids to play in the sand while parents relax at a shaded picnic table. Similarly, the Lawn section is an elevated grassy area where guests can watch sunsets from Adirondack deck chairs. Beginning summer 2021, the Deauville inn will offer an “EZ docks” system. This will allow boaters to order and receive lunch without ever leaving their boat.
The Menu
The Deauville Inn serves American cuisine, with a special focus on seafood and meats. Menu favorites so far include gazpacho, the crab pretzel, and their signature clam bake; lobster, clam, and shrimp baked with lemon, butter, herbs, corn, and potato. Meanwhile, meat eaters can enjoy the 48-ounce Tomahawk ribeye. The inn also hosts brunch throughout the winter. Click here to see the full menu.
Drink options feature wine by the glass or bottle as well as various bourbon, whiskey, and scotches. Draft and bottle beers hail from local Cape May, Somers Point, and Ludlam Island Breweries. Finally, one popular cocktail is the Orange & Grapefruit Crush.
You’ll find the Deauville Inn at 201 Willard Road in Strathmere. (Click here to see it on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
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The Deauville Inn FAQs
Yes, they do accept reservations.
They do offer Gluten-free options, yes.
The Deauville Inn offers vegetarian options, yes.
Yes, but only during the off season.
They do not offer delivery, no.
Yes, they serve a variety of alcohol.
There is a kids’ menu, yes.
All Photos: © The Deauville Inn
