Asbury Park is all set to host beach lovers headed to the Jersey Shore this summer, with the city’s first hotel opening in over 50 years. The Asbury hotel is part of a decade-long renovation project to restore the former South Jersey hot spot to its previous glory days.
Could iStar’s multimillion-dollar hotel give the city a way to bring families flocking to the historic beach town once again? Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso believes it can. “Asbury Park is becoming the destination it used to be decades ago,” DiMaso tells Best of NJ. “I think it’s a home run. The opening of The Asbury will allow people who couldn’t afford to rent a summer home at the Jersey Shore the opportunity to visit for a few days and enjoy delicious food. The economic development going on in Asbury Park right now is really a feather in our cap.”
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Designer Anda Andrei, creative lead for the entire redevelopment project, says the decision to transform the former abandoned 5th Avenue Salvation Army building into the soon-to-be-opened boutique hotel came from a desire to preserve a piece of the city’s architectural history. “The building had long been vacant and was a blank canvas for us to create a special place that adds to the unique spirit that already exists in Asbury Park,” says Andrei, who says she was first introduced to the area by iStar CEO Jay Sugarman. “I immediately fell under its spell,” she shares. “Asbury Park’s mix of natural beauty, incredible local character, amazing music history, and jewels of architecture are truly one-of-a-kind, especially for a beach town.”
Much of The Asbury’s appeal stems from recreating family getaways from an era that existed well before the digital age. A chic rec-room style lobby featuring a Ping-Pong table, pinball machines, board games, and an old fashion record player for visitors to spin classic tunes, serves as one of the many hangout spaces throughout the hotel. Entertainment also includes relaxing out on the Baronet, a rooftop garden and outdoor movie theater inspired by The Great Lawn in Central Park; by day guests can unwind with a book or play games, and at night enjoy screenings of classic and cult favorites.
The 110-room Asbury, which officially opens on May 26th, also features a sky-bar and a beer garden (complete with food and beer trucks) situated near the outdoor pool (which is open to the public on Sundays). “There is something for everyone,” adds Andrei. “Guests can throw down a blanket and do yoga in the morning, and watch films projected on the wall at night. We wanted to incorporate the local culture and expand on the soul of the town and in doing so, we created a place where behind every corner is some sort of ‘wow factor’ – a sublime mix of light-hearted comfort and fun.”
Colorful rooms decorated to look like beach bungalows feature posters that reflect Asbury’s rich musical history. The hotel has a variety of guest rooms ranging from suites with sitting and dining areas to unique bunk rooms that can sleep up to eight people. “It was a natural evolution to create a couple of bunk rooms,” says Andrei. “What better way to celebrate with your friends than to recreate the sleepover that we all remember from childhood?”
DiMaso says restoration throughout Asbury Park only adds to the appeal and enjoyable activities available for tourists. “Along the boardwalk, there are shops and some phenomenal new restaurants. There is also miniature golf and a waterpark; there is a mixture of things to do. Asbury Park has really turned itself around. The hotel opening is going to be one of the best things to happen to Asbury Park and the Monmouth County region, to remind people that you can live here, you can work here, and you can play here.”
“Asbury Park has a thriving restaurant culture that’s continuing to grow, and we want to draw travelers not only to the hotel but the destination as a whole,” adds Andrei. “We’re so proud to be a part of such a special community, and we feel the best way to showcase that is by offering guests an amazing place to stay and encouraging them to explore the town.”
The Asbury hotel is located at 210 5th Avenue in Asbury Park, just two blocks from the Asbury Park Boardwalk. To make a reservation, visit theasburyhotel.com.
Hero (Top) Feature Image (& Additional Images): © The Asbury Hotel
