Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel

For local users searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the vibrant coastal city of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel stands as an iconic and historic landmark. Located at 1401 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA, with a phone number of (732) 776-6700 (and mobile phone: +1 732-776-6700), this majestic hotel offers a prime beachfront location, directly adjacent to the famous Asbury Park Boardwalk and just steps from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Its imposing architecture and storied past make it a distinctive choice for those seeking a memorable stay on the Jersey Shore.

The environment of the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is defined by its rich history and grand Beaux-Arts design. Originally known as the Hotel Berkeley-Carteret and built in 1925 by the celebrated firm Warren & Wetmore (the same visionary minds behind New York City's Grand Central Terminal), the hotel exudes an old-world charm that transports guests back to a more opulent era of beach vacations. Its red-brick facade and light-flooded public spaces, particularly the large and breathtaking ballrooms, showcase stunning architectural details. These grand spaces are often highlighted by guests for their immense size and amazing aesthetic, making them a popular choice for weddings and large events. While the hotel is over 100 years old, it has undergone significant renovations, including a multi-million dollar restoration of its 250 sleeping rooms, ballrooms, lobby, and public areas, ensuring it blends historic elegance with modern amenities. Guests often describe the property as "stunning" and "iconic," appreciating its historical significance and prime location. Reviews often mention the "amazing views up and down the shore" from the rooms, particularly emphasizing the hotel's direct oceanfront position. The hotel has a storied past, having hosted world leaders, dignitaries, Hollywood royalty like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Marilyn Monroe, and even the Miss America Pageant in 1934 and 1935. During World War II, it served as a receiving station for the British Royal Navy and later a hospital for naval officers, showcasing its adaptability throughout history.

The hotel offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient stay. Guest rooms are individually furnished and feature amenities such as premium bedding, down duvets, in-room safes, climate control, flat-screen TVs (often 50-inch HDTVs with premium channels), and iPod docking stations. Private bathrooms typically include a combined shower/bathtub with a rainfall showerhead and designer toiletries. Complimentary coffee and tea are offered in the lobby each morning, and daily housekeeping services are available, though some recent customer reviews indicate occasional inconsistencies in housekeeping. The front desk operates 24/7, providing concierge services, luggage storage, and assistance with other requests. The hotel also offers a porter/bellhop service for convenience.

For dining, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel presents several on-site options. The hotel features three on-site restaurants, serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner with American cuisine. Additionally, there are two bars/lounges. The Shoreline Social Club & Grille is a sports bar known for its lively atmosphere, perfect for catching a game or playing billiards. Lilly & Lu's Café is a bright and inviting coffee shop/cafe, serving artisan coffees, homemade pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and fresh salads, ideal for relaxed bites. The Berkeley Pool & Cabana Club offers poolside dining and a bar during the warmer months, providing refreshing cocktails and al fresco dining. The Berkeley Backyard is a newer dining concept, blending indoor comfort with open-air charm, designed for leisurely brunches, casual dinners, and lively pop-up events, highlighting fresh seafood, crisp salads, and crafted sandwiches. Beyond the hotel, guests have easy access to a multitude of dining options on the Asbury Park boardwalk and in the surrounding neighborhood, including acclaimed spots like AP Chophouse.

Key features of the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel include its impressive recreational facilities and extensive event spaces. The seasonal outdoor swimming pool is a major draw, typically open from Memorial Day weekend (late May) to September, with daily hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The pool area is equipped with private cabanas (available for a surcharge), sun loungers, and pool umbrellas, creating a relaxed oasis with live music and DJ spin sessions on weekends during the summer. A 24-hour fitness center is available for guests who wish to maintain their workout routine, featuring a variety of cardio machines and strength training equipment. For entertainment, the hotel offers billiards and ping-pong tables. There's also a gift shop, "Big Dreams Boutique," located in the lobby, and Matte Black Hair Studio for beauty services. The hotel's expansive meeting and event facilities are a significant feature, with 8 meeting rooms and a total event space of 25,000 sq ft. This includes the Crystal Ballroom (4,400 sq ft, with cathedral ceilings and crystal chandeliers), Oval Ballroom (2,500 sq ft, with French doors leading to a private terrace), Kingsley Ballrooms (over 6,000 sq ft, flexible and divisible into five venues), Versailles Ballroom (2,785 sq ft, with bold black-and-ivory interiors and ocean views), and Continental Ballroom (2,000 sq ft, for smaller elegant gatherings). The Berkeley Rooftop Lookout offers panoramic ocean views for outdoor events and ceremonies. A 24-hour business center is also available. The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing two pets per room, with food and water bowls provided (charges may apply, typically a one-time non-refundable fee of $100 plus $25 per pet per night). Service animals are exempt from these fees. Valet parking is available on-site for a surcharge, with rates typically starting from $60 per night Monday to Wednesday and $75 from Thursday to Sunday, with a $15 premium for oversized vehicles. Parking spots are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis; street parking is also available nearby. Wheelchair-accessible parking and access to common areas are also provided. Free in-room WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel also applies a nightly resort fee of $25 per room plus taxes, which covers unlimited use of the fitness center, high-speed internet, pool access and towels, complimentary daily coffee and tea, two complimentary bottles of water daily, local phone calls, and luggage/package storage services. The hotel's excellent location places guests just a short walk from Asbury Park Beach and Boardwalk, Asbury Park Convention Hall, and the renowned Stone Pony music venue.

Regarding promotional information, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel regularly offers various packages and discounts to enhance stays. These promotions are designed to provide value for guests and are often available directly through the hotel's official website. Some typical promotions include:

• Suite Ocean Savings: Guests can save up to 15% off Studio Suites and Deluxe Ocean View Rooms when booking a stay of two nights or more.

• Stay Longer: For extended getaways, guests can save up to 15% off their reservation when booking 5 nights or more, often coupled with a late checkout benefit.

• Swim and Sip Package: This package often includes a $25 pool bar credit, perfect for enjoying refreshing drinks while lounging by the seasonal outdoor pool.

• Breakfast on the Go: Some packages include breakfast from Lilly & Lu's Café, offering a coffee and pastry to start the day.

• Book Direct and Save: The hotel encourages direct bookings by offering a 10% discount and flexible, free cancellation up to one week before arrival, along with a best value guarantee.

• Advance Purchase Offer: Occasionally, non-refundable offers are available for early bookings, providing savings, sometimes up to 25% off the standard daily rate.

It is important to note that specific offers and their terms and conditions can change, so checking the official Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel website (berkeleyhotelnj.com) is always recommended for the most up-to-date and comprehensive promotional details.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the hotel's iconic location and architecture as major strengths, with many praising the "amazing views up and down the shore" from their rooms. The grand ballrooms are also frequently mentioned as stunning features, making the hotel a popular wedding venue. Guests appreciate the helpfulness of the staff, though some reviews indicate that the hotel can feel "understaffed and overwhelmed by constant weddings" at times, which might impact service, especially during peak seasons. While some guests describe the rooms as "bare bones and old," their spaciousness, particularly compared to New York City hotels, is often seen as a positive. Issues such as occasional inconsistencies in housekeeping and outdated elements in some bathrooms have been mentioned, alongside relatively high parking fees. However, the overall sentiment often points to the hotel's prime location, historic charm, and the beauty of its public spaces and pool area as key reasons for choosing to stay at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel when searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in Asbury Park.