Who needs service with a smile when you can have… invisible service? Yup, that’s not something out of a movie. It’s what you get at Lokal Hotel, a new beach mini-resort in Cape May. Invisible service means there is no front desk or full-time onsite staff, but more on that in a bit.
This apartment-style, bespoke hotel is a cross between a boutique hotel and a home/condo rental. It boasts eight contemporary apartment-style suites – that sleep a total of 28 guests – a private saltwater pool, and more. Plus, Lokal Hotel is steps from the beach and a few blocks from the town’s central shopping and dining area.
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Service So Good, You Can’t Even See It
But back to that invisible service. At Lokal Hotel, you’ll find automatic check-in and room iPads with multiple service driven apps; basically making staff and services a screen touch away. Of course, you can still be old school if you prefer; just let them know in advance, and a human can check you in and answer any questions about your stay.
“People love their privacy,” says co-founder Chad Ludeman. “They know how to check in themselves; and like that there is no full-time staff in their way or making them feel awkward at times. They like the tech in that they have the same comforts and conveniences as they do at home.”
The site also features a 45-foot long saltwater pool with a built-in “drinking bench” along the pool’s length. “The saltwater is a replacement for harsh chemicals that irritate the skin and eyes,” says Chad. “It makes a world of difference. It has much less salt content than the ocean, but it’s the most comfortable pool of water you’ve ever felt.”
In addition, the pool area has lounge chairs and umbrellas, plus overflow seating so every guest can go at once. “We really wanted the pool to be special for our guests,” says co-founder Courtney Ludeman.
However, there’s more to the exterior of Lokal than just the pool. They’ve got two outdoor showers and a fire pit with communal seating, as well as a lawn game area. Meanwhile, a small outdoor kitchen is in the works that will include an ice maker and charcoal grill.
Pack Light, You’ll Be Fine
The hotel fills rooms with mobile beach kits including Yeti coolers, ice packs, and tumblers. They pack custom canvas and leather beach totes with towels. You don’t even need to bring beach chairs; just head to the beach and you’ll find custom lounge chairs and umbrellas waiting for you. In fact, custom bikes and even a custom Ford Bronco are in the works.
“We want our guests to be able to pack light, whether they’re coming for two days or 10, without feeling like they’re missing anything,” says Chad. “We want to provide the best beach experience possible; without people feeling like they need to do extensive packing or planning on their own. Just show up with some small bags and let us take care of the rest.”
The interior is modern beach house meets mid-century modern style. The Ludemans want spaces to be bright, open and airy; so ceiling heights are 10-feet plus, windows are large and nearly everything is painted white with walnut, matte black and olive accents throughout.
All rooms have full kitchens, islands, dining areas and living rooms plus outdoor decks. Not to mention, coffee and tea come from local makers and vendors. Bar stations provide complimentary soda, tonic, and bitters. Finally, all guests share two complimentary washers/dryers in the hallway (the hotel provides detergents).
Visit Lokal Hotel at 5 Stockton Place in Cape May. For more info, click here to call or visit their website.
Images: © Lokal Hotel / Facebook