JON S. CORZINE
Governor

Nina Mitchell Wells
Secretary of State

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2008

Contact: Jennifer Szczepanski
609.292.7138

Luxurious Boutique Hotels Along the Jersey Shore

TRENTON, N.J.—There’s no need to “rough it” at the Jersey Shore this summer, with a collection of sleek boutique hotels along the coast that are attracting the luxe crowd back to the beach. Memories of the Jersey Shore may elicit images of the summer sun, bustling boardwalks, fresh seafood, and beach house rentals, but there is much more at the shore for the upscale crowd. This coastal mecca has officially reintroduced seaside luxury with premier accommodations that are sure to impress even the most discerning travelers. With the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, rooftop pools, 5-star dining and so much more, all you’ll need to complete your stay is the warm sand between your toes.

Experience a taste of Atlantic City’s return to glamour, with a stay at The Chelsea Hotel (www.thechelsea-ac.com ) – the city’s first luxury boutique hotel and the first non-gaming hotel to grace the world-famous boardwalk since the 1960’s. Designed for the savvy modern traveler, the property blends intimacy and excitement in this seaside resort town. The Chelsea is a magical retreat for visitors seeking the extravagance of a posh vacation getaway, just a stone’s throw away from the hip AC nightlife.

Ushering in a new era of sophistication, the 20-story property boasts a rooftop pool with private cabanas, cozy fireplace lounges, two signature restaurants, a state-of-the-art, saltwater-inspired spa and fitness center, and the only full beach service in Atlantic City. The service provides luxurious towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food and beverages exclusively for guests of The Chelsea.

A grand property that echoes with the memories from a bygone era is once again poised to be among New Jersey’s foremost seashore resorts, in the form of Asbury Park’s newest hot spot, The Berkeley Hotel (www.berkeleyhotelnj.com) – formerly the Berkeley Carteret Hotel. Craftsmen have worked feverishly to refurbish the elaborate property that was designed in the early 1920’s by New York architect Whitney Warren, best known for his work at the landmark Grand Central Station. The property has been restored to its original grandeur with a unique eclectic flair.

To honor the historical dignity of the hotel, the revamped ballrooms, lobby and guest rooms are once again cozy and serene, yet chic and dignified. And, guests are invited to spend their summers taking in the breathtaking ocean views or relaxing in their private poolside cabanas, imagining the likes of former regulars, including Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and acts like Abbott & Costello.

The staff at The Blue Bay Inn (www.newjerseyshorehotel.com) in the Atlantic Highlands says they’re ready to “Relax, Recharge, and Renew” any traveler. Rooms range from king-size beds with balconies and enchanting ocean views, to executive suites with full kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, and master bedrooms that will make you feel as if you’ve purchased your own luxury shore house. Stylish rooms were designed with soft leather couches accented with hardwood details, and plush beds overlooking picture windows that are surrounded by soft yellow and lavender walls to sooth your spirit.

No need to leave your lavish suite; in-room massages are offered to plunge you into deeper relaxation. And, since you may never want to depart the property, enjoy a unique dining experience at the Blue Bay Inn’s Copper Canyon Restaurant, where the Southwestern cuisine is unlike any other offerings at the Jersey Shore. To make your vacation last longer, the Seastreak ferry is only a block away, offering a 40-minute cruise to Manhattan for those who need to attend corporate meetings, but still want to retreat to their beachfront getaway.

Elegant simplicity and warm hospitality come to Long Beach Island at the Rat Pack-inspired Daddy O Hotel (www.daddyohotel.com). The wraparound porch and cedar shingles lend old-world charm, while the stylish retro décor and a restaurant with outdoor dining, serving contemporary American cuisine, distinguishes it from the ordinary. Connecting the restaurant to the hotel lobby is the eye-catching, glass-enclosed wine cellar, available to choose the perfect pairing to complement your award-winning meal.

Shake off your stress as you walk on the unspoiled beach while staying connected with wireless Internet and flat-screen televisions in every room. Amenities in the 22-room boutique hotel are contemporary, yet still induce relaxation. Crystal lights dangle over oval booth tables in the restaurant. Marble baths and natural wood add elegance to the accommodations. And, with details including a rooftop sundeck with ocean and bay views and ivory leather furniture scattered throughout the hotel lobby, the Daddy O is prepared to pamper its guests at this seaside oasis, in the lavish style reminiscent of the days of Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

Lavish and luxurious is the Virginia Hotel (www.virginiahotel.com) in Cape May. Tucked away in an historic district, the hotel offers 24 private rooms, each tastefully decorated with vibrant colors and the beds accompanied by Italian duvets and Belgian sheets. The Ebbit, the hotel’s critically acclaimed dining room, is located directly off the lobby for convenience. Listen to live jazz music and watch the sun set while dining in their beachfront eating area with a menu of seafood, steak and salads, to name a few.

So when planning your summer vacation or long weekend getaways, consider experiencing the Jersey Shore from a whole new perspective, with a stay at one of the state’s premier boutique hotels.