The summer season is great for many things, including a weekend trip. Beach lovers have plenty of picks in terms of driving distance from Philly, but The Asbury Hotel in Asbury Park makes your decision-making a little clearer with their offerings—and newly curated amenities.
Located less than two hours from the City of Brotherly Love, Asbury Park has positioned itself as a shore-side destination full of beachfront, lively boardwalk activities, global cuisine, a thriving art scene, and non-stop events, entertainment, and nightlife options. The town also offers visitors opportunities to step into history with the 1920s Paramount Theatre and The Silverball Museum stocked full of video games, arcade games and pinball machines on view, some dating back to the 1930s.
The eclectic seaside personality is also reflected in The Asbury Hotel, which is nestled just two blocks away from the ocean in the heart of the city.
The hotel centers its immediate design by blending modern influences, boho accents and a love of music. The lobby features a comfy seating area, a pool table and a pinball machine on one side, with a bar dubbed the “Soundbooth” and bleacher seats/tables there for your leisure, especially when they have live music (which is quite often) on the other end. When a live performer isn’t there, guests can also find an extensive record option in the lobby to choose from next to the Soundbooth—and sipping on an espresso martini in a chilled glass while rifling through some classic discographies is something you’ll likely enjoy doing.
Rooms-wise, guests here have a few options to choose from: There are the standard and superior king and queen bed options, but also deluxe versions of each room with a little more space to get acquainted. The hotel also offers suites complete with multiple beds and more leisure space, plus, rooms adorned with bunk beds that sleep anywhere from 4 to 8 people.
Being a guest also gets you access to the Asbury’s charming and private year-round pool area (it’s heated during the colder months), which features a poolside bar serving up treats like frozen cocktails and rum buckets, and a food truck every Friday through Sunday. Guests can also rent cabanas or, visitors can opt for a day pass if they’re in Asbury on their own.
Food and drinks can also be found daily while here at The Counter, located in the lobby of the locale. Offerings span some grab-and-go options (think sodas, beers, home-made charcuterie trays, fruit and more), plus some breakfast bites (like sandwiches, burritos and French toast), lunch options (such as a grilled peach panini, meatball sub and vegan chickpea wrap) and plenty of coffees and lattes on deck.
Those who are hungry but also looking to have some fun can also head around the corner to The Diner at Asbury Lanes. Located within a retro-themed bowling alley and event space, The Diner serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner with options spanning banana foster pancakes, a Greek salad, a mac & cheese skillet, St. Louis BBQ ribs, boozy milkshakes and much more.
Drinks and food can also be found seasonally at the hotel’s popular rooftop oasis, dubbed Salvation. The outdoor and spacious venue offers panoramic views of Asbury Park, from the ocean to the public park, and everything in between. Cocktails are the main focus here with inventive renditions of margaritas, whiskey sippers and even a treat made with Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Rum, wasabi, coconut cream, golden falernum, ginger and nori (this one is dubbed the “Nichibotsu.”)
Salvation also serves up small bites like tuna tartare, summer rolls, and yakitori plates, plus visitors can often find a DJ spinning tunes at night. The Asbury Hotel’s other rooftop, The Baronet, also offers its own enticement in the form of rooftop concerts, movies under the stars and views of the ocean. Sometimes, you’ll even see a bride and groom headed up there for a wedding (more info on how to book that option is online.)
What also sets this venue apart from most however is just how personal you can make each stay. Currently, prospective guests can book extras like The Asbury Adventure Camp and Zodiacations. With the former, each room comes with a set-up tent, a s’mores kit, a planetarium projector and in-room games. The latter, on the other hand, provides extra treats in the form of personalized music, candy, free cocktails and itinerary suggestions tailored to your astrological traits. You also get a daily horoscope, and all of it is in partnership with NYC-based celebrity psychic medium and tarot card reader, Sarah Potter.
All together, this seaside destination offers enough in its own corridors to keep you occupied—even with the backdrop of bustling Asbury Park. All you have to do is decide which adventure you want to curate for yourself, and the hotel will make it happen.
To learn more and book The Asbury Hotel (210 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, New Jersey), visit theasburyhotel.com
