Asbury Park, New Jersey was established in the 1870s by real estate developer James Bradley. Although Bradley originally envisioned the town as a seaside retreat for Christians, by the early years of the 20th century, it had become one of the premier summer resorts in New Jersey, attracting wealthy tourists to its expanse of boardwalk and landmark hotels. Most of the landmark hotels are gone and the town is now known mainly as the place that gave musician Bruce Springsteen his start. Today, only four hotels operate in Asbury Park, and only one, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, is an original landmark hotel from the resort’s celebrated past.
Established in 1960 on the site of the original Asbury Inn, this family hotel is known mainly for its bargain rates (rooms start at around $45 a night as of January 2011). The hotel is located on Seventh Avenue, not far from the Asbury Park Boardwalk and The Adriatic Restaurant. The Asbury Inn is within walking distance of the Stephen Crane House, a museum dedicated to the author of "The Red Badge of Courage."
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel has been in operation for more than 100 years. This historic landmark comprises 250 luxury rooms and suites. It is known for being a prime example of the Victorian architecture of its era, with grand ballrooms with wrought iron and genuine crystal chandeliers. The in-house Dauphin Grille offers exquisite indoor and poolside bistro dining. The hotel is located on Ocean Avenue, not far from the Grand Arcade, a collection of shops, restaurants and galleries. As of January 2011, room rates start at $109 a night.
The Empress Hotel is a 101-room deluxe accommodation located near the neighboring community of Ocean Grove, NJ. This hotel offers spectacular views of Wesley Lake and the Atlantic Ocean, and is within walking distance of the The Stone Pony, a legendary nightclub. The hotel is also notable for its lively Paradise dance club, oversize swimming pool with spacious sun deck and poolside Tiki huts. As of January 2011, room rates for a standard room start at $129 per night.
The Oceanic Inn is a small, no-frills hotel built in the 1950s. It has a pool and Internet service, and service is friendly. The hotel is less than a mile from area destinations including Asbury Lanes Bowling Alley, Paranormal Books and Curiosities, Belmonte's Restaurant and Dorian's On the Beach. Rooms start at $75 per night as of January 2011 ($5 of which is a refundable security deposit).
