Hotel Snapshot
Although the Jersey Shore has long been a summer mainstay, Asbury Park has seen a serious glow-up over the past decade. With its pristine beaches, surf culture, indie restaurants, and legendary music scene (this is where Bruce Springsteen launched his career), it’s becoming a cooler, more relaxed alternative to the Hamptons.
At the heart of its luxury resurgence is the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel: a five-star boutique stay with panoramic ocean views, chic beach-house interiors, and floor-to-ceiling glass framing its iconic pool. In 2024, it earned a MICHELIN Key—further cementing its status. Fun fact: the upcoming Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White was filmed here.
Design + Character
Beach chic reaches a whole new level at this seaside sanctuary. Designed by Anda Andrei and Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture, the hotel welcomes guests via a minimalist elevator lobby that opens to the Drawing Room—a light-filled space serving as a dining area, lounge, and music parlor with glass walls overlooking the pool deck. No matter the season, the view stuns—even on a rainy October day, the space feels cozy, especially by the olive-tiled fireplace. In summer, post-pool lounging takes place on Jasper Morrison chairs or Paola Navone wicker love seats.
The Rooms
The 54 guest rooms continue the glam beach house aesthetic with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies. Layouts vary—from standard rooms to suites and a penthouse, perfect for families or groups. All rooms feature beachy-chic decor and thoughtful touches like curated books, Grown Alchemist toiletries, a beach bag, towels, flip-flops, and ocean views.
The Food & Drink Situation
The culinary program is a standout, perfect for those wanting a refined alternative to boardwalk fare. In The Drawing Room, Chef Kate Gagliardi leads a seasonal menu featuring standout dishes, as well as optional seven-course dinners paired with wine. For casual bites and classic American fare, The Gallery Bar fits the bill. Guests can enjoy food poolside or via room service. At the moment, dining is exclusive to hotel guests, though special events like last year’s Valentine’s Day activation occasionally open it to the public, with another planned for August.
The Amenities
Thanks to its glass walls and reflecting pool, the hotel appears to float above the shoreline. Local musicians often play in the Drawing Room, keeping the town’s musical roots alive—especially during Porchfest in late September. Outside, a lush garden pavilion leads to the 65-by-30-foot pool with ocean views, a full-service bar, and grill. Even on a non-swimming day, lounging in a deck chair with the ocean waves crashing nearby is enough to melt stress away.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
Though the hotel exudes serenity overall, its boutique spa takes things further. With three treatment rooms (including one for couples), guests can book facials, massages, and more. The third-floor fitness center includes Peloton bikes, treadmills, free weights, and a bright studio space for yoga and HIIT classes—all with sweeping ocean views.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
For beach and rock lovers, Asbury Ocean Club offers the perfect escape in the form of a nostalgic NJ town with all the right modern updates and incredibly cool music roots. For New Yorkers, looking for a Hamptons alternative, this is less than a 2-hour train ride or a quick hour-and-a-half car ride.
Step outside and you're moments from the boardwalk, where you might grab salt water taffy and gaze at the ocean as the sounds of the Stone Pony drift in the background. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a surprise Springsteen appearance—he’s known to drop by from time to time.
Fast Facts
Location: City of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, NJ
Vibe: Beach glam
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 54
Pricing: From $813 per night
Our Favorite thing about the hotel: Besides the expansive pool deck on the ocean, the influx of local musicians performing regularly in the drawing room and the scene at the nearby boardwalk
Dining: The Drawing Room, Gallery Bar, and Pool Deck
Amenities: Oceanfront pool, spa, gym, two restaurants, bar, live music performances, bespoke Pedal and Picnic package (just for summer 2025)
Nearby Attractions: Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park Beach, Stone Pony, SS Morro Castle Monument, Transparent Clinch Gallery
Airport: A little less than an hour from Newark Airport (EWR)
