Garden State Inn

When searching for accommodations on platforms like "Hotels Near Of Me," potential guests in Absecon, New Jersey, may encounter the Garden State Inn, located at 701 White Horse Pike, Absecon, NJ 08201, USA. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of this establishment, drawing from available information and contrasting customer reviews to present a balanced picture of its environment, services, features, and any relevant promotional aspects. The hotel can be contacted via phone at (609) 645-1200 or mobile phone +1 609-645-1200.

The Garden State Inn is strategically situated on White Horse Pike, a prominent thoroughfare in Absecon, New Jersey. This location is advantageous for travelers, offering convenient access to a variety of local amenities and being just a short drive from major attractions. Absecon serves as a gateway to the lively Atlantic City, with its renowned casinos, the iconic boardwalk, and diverse entertainment options, typically reachable within a 15-20 minute drive. Other nearby points of interest include Heritage Park (0.8 miles away), Stockton Seaview Golf Club (3.2 miles away), and the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (4.3 miles away), providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploring the natural beauty of Southern New Jersey. The town of Absecon itself is described as a blend of rich history and a welcoming community atmosphere, offering a more tranquil setting compared to the bustling energy of Atlantic City.

However, the internal and immediate external environment of the Garden State Inn elicits conflicting perceptions from guests. Some reviews are highly positive regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms, with one returning guest stating rooms are "always very clean and well-maintained" and expressing consistent enjoyment across multiple stays. Another reviewer noted, "Hotel was very clean - staff friendly." This suggests that for a segment of guests, the hotel successfully delivers a comfortable and tidy lodging experience. The property advertises "newly renovated rooms" and its own website claims to have "one of the cleanest rooms in our area" with "Brand-New furniture and beds," which, if consistently implemented, would contribute to a positive internal environment.

Conversely, a starkly negative review highlights significant environmental concerns. This review mentions "broken heaters/air conditioners in the rooms," which would severely compromise guest comfort regardless of other positive aspects. There are also reports of issues like unpleasant odors, suggesting a lack of consistent cleanliness or ventilation in some areas. This disparity in feedback indicates that the quality and upkeep of rooms or facilities might not be uniform throughout the property, leading to highly varied guest experiences. The hotel's position on a major pike implies a roadside motel setting, which typically includes accessible on-site parking. The overall atmosphere, according to some aggregate ratings, is rated lower than cleanliness or service, suggesting general comfort and ambiance might be inconsistent. Some reviews also state the property has "exterior hallways," which is characteristic of motels.

The quality of services at the Garden State Inn is a point of significant divergence among guests. Positive accounts frequently praise the staff, with specific commendations for a staff member named "John" who is described as "pleasant and very nice." Other positive reviews reinforce this, noting "helpful staff" and a "friendly staff" who make guests "feel welcome." Larry, a reviewer, mentioned "the staff here are exceptional and they went out there way several times for me and my family." This suggests that many visitors indeed encounter courteous and attentive service during their stay.

However, a critical and recurring issue that severely impacts the perception of the hotel's services is its handling of the $50 security deposit. Numerous negative reviews, including the one provided, explicitly detail a problematic process where the hotel takes a $50 deposit upon check-in, but guests report that this money is "DO NOT RELEASE IT BACK TO YOU when you check out." Despite being informed it's merely a "hold," guests recount instances where the money "disappears out of your bank and NEVER RETURNS." There are serious accusations of "stealing your deposit," with reports of staff, including "John," becoming "extremely RUDE," "getting ANGRY and hung up for no reason" when guests inquire about the unreturned deposit, even after several days. While hotel policies, as seen on various booking platforms, state that the $50 deposit is collected by credit card and "should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out" subject to inspection, the direct customer experiences vehemently contradict this, indicating a severe and unsettling discrepancy between the stated policy and actual practice for some guests. This issue of deposit retention represents a critical failure in service and customer trust, significantly overshadowing any positive aspects of staff demeanor for those affected.

Beyond this contentious point, the Garden State Inn generally offers standard motel services. These include a 24-hour front desk, which allows for flexible check-in (from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM) and check-out (until 11:00 AM). Free Wi-Fi is advertised as available in both public areas and rooms. A complimentary continental breakfast is also provided each morning, typically from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Some guests appreciate this convenience, while others describe it as a "bagged breakfast" or "grab & go bags" featuring muffins, granola bars, apples, and bagels. Vending machines for snacks and drinks are available. While housekeeping services are offered, some sources indicate "limited housekeeping," which might mean less frequent room cleaning for longer stays. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in. It's important to note that the hotel has a strict no-pet policy.

The Garden State Inn is classified as a 2-star property, which generally implies a more basic range of features compared to full-service hotels. However, it aims to provide essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Room features typically include:

• Air conditioning and heating: While advertised, one review explicitly mentions "broken heaters/air conditioners," indicating potential inconsistencies in functionality. Other reviews suggest comfort with these systems.
• Private bathrooms: Equipped with free toiletries, towels, and hair dryers. The hotel's website proudly states, "Our rooms feature 100% premium cotton towels."
• Flat-screen TVs: With cable channels for in-room entertainment. Some guests report being able to hook up streaming devices like a Firestick without problems.
• Microwaves and Refrigerators: Convenient for storing and reheating food.
• Coffee makers: For in-room beverage preparation.
• Free Wi-Fi access: Provided in all rooms and public areas.

The hotel offers a variety of room configurations to accommodate different guest needs, such as Queen Rooms (available as smoking and non-smoking), Queen Rooms with Two Queen Beds, King Rooms, and Family Rooms designed to sleep up to six people with three queen beds. Some premium room types, including King Rooms with Spa Bath and Deluxe Queen Rooms with Two Queen Beds, are advertised with "jetted bathtubs" or "Spa Bath," offering a potential upgrade for relaxation. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers are also available, demonstrating an effort towards inclusivity. The property also features an outdoor swimming pool, which is seasonal (typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day).

The emphasis on "newly renovated rooms" and "Brand-New furniture and beds" suggests ongoing efforts to upgrade the property's features and maintain guest satisfaction. However, the critical review regarding faulty heating/AC systems underscores a potential inconsistency in the quality of these renovations or maintenance across all rooms. While amenities like free parking and a 24-hour front desk are standard for a motel, the overall guest experience with these features can be impacted by factors like noise levels or the condition of facilities, as hinted by varied ratings on "amenities" and "atmosphere" on various booking platforms.

For users searching "Hotels Near Of Me" in the Absecon and wider Atlantic City area, the Garden State Inn positions itself as an affordable and convenient lodging option. Its primary promotional appeal revolves around its strategic location, offering "convenient access" to Atlantic City's casinos, boardwalk, and other attractions, typically within a short drive (approximately 7 miles to the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Casinos). The hotel also highlights its "clean and well-maintained rooms" and "friendly staff" in its promotional materials and positive reviews, with one reviewer stating, "I wasn't scared to touch anything in the room." The provision of free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast are also key selling points aimed at budget-conscious travelers seeking value. Its official website further promotes it as "your home away from home."

However, it is imperative for potential guests to proceed with caution due to the significant and frequently reported issue of the $50 security deposit not being returned. This is a critical piece of information that heavily influences the hotel's reputation and should be a major consideration for anyone looking to book through "Hotels Near Of Me." While the hotel's prices can be very competitive (e.g., starting around $50-$60 per night on some booking sites), the financial risk and reported negative customer service experiences related to the deposit can easily outweigh any perceived savings. Therefore, prospective guests are strongly advised to meticulously review the most recent traveler feedback, specifically concerning the deposit policy and the functionality of in-room amenities like heating/AC. Direct communication with the hotel to clarify their deposit refund process and to confirm the working condition of specific room features before making a reservation is highly recommended. The Garden State Inn appears to cater to a demographic seeking basic, low-cost accommodation, but the potential pitfalls associated with its deposit policy make it a booking that warrants careful consideration and due diligence from the traveler.