my husband and i jussst drove around , this place was steps away fromthe beach . who can ask for more!!
I have no real complaint about this hotel. The desk clerk was pleasant, the property has it's own beach, a nice pool, and is minutes away from the insanity that is the Seaside Heights boardwalk.
The rooms are just rooms, nothing fancy about them at all, with two beds, a TV, and adequate bathroom facilities. We'd stay there again without hesitation. I didn't have to clean any tile or make a scene about bugs in my bathroom, nor did we have issues with the air conditioning. It was a hotel room. Period. It served it purpose very well.
I was savagely attacked by a lampshade in our room, however, and while it was terrifying, no blood was drawn, and the lampshade was eventually returned to it's position, hanging by the doorway.
Skip the Atlantic Grill unless you've brought a big wad of cash. Go across the road to Bum Rogers and eat some great seafood and have a couple cold beers while soaking up the local color. It's far less expensive, and way less stuffy!
Myself and several of my family members have stayed at the Island Beach Motor Lodge often over many years and although some of the facilites are outdated it is always clean and the staff is friendly and accomodating. Also the rates are very reasonable for the Jersey Shore/Ocean County area.
The outside pool is always clean and well maintained.
All guests are given a parking tag and are guaranteed a parking spot on the motel lot and we have never had a problem with this either.
Many of the rooms have been refurbished with new carpet and paint this year also.
I was told by the staff that many more upgrades, including new bathroom tile etc will be forthcoming.
I stayed in a large efficiency on the 2nd level which was immaculate.
The carpet, sofa bed, living room area furnishings ,microwave and refrigerator were brand new and the rooms were freshly painted. The bathroom although old and worn, was clean.
I am looking forward to returning next year.
The friendly atmosphere and quiet ocean front location certainly outweigh this motel's shortcomings.
We love it here and always have a good time rain or shine.
Also there are several good restaurants within walking distance, and you are right next to the entrance to Island Beach State Park which makes it a popular spot for anyone who loves to fish or hike on the beach.
The bayside marina is not faraway either if you prefer boating or other watersports.
It is homey and that seaside 60's type of motel you remember. Clean but simple rooms with only the basics. Very beach accessible and not in the thick of the boardwark crowds or noise. A very nice place for a quick getaway to the shore for the kids or a couple. Walking distance from an upscale restaurant and bar. All the way on the south end of Seaside Park right next to the State Park entrance.
My family stayed here the weekend of Sept. 9, 2005 to celebrate my sister's 50th birthday. We stayed in three types of rooms:
1. Ocean View 1 - a very large room with comfy king bed, fold-out couch, whirlpool in tub, refrigerator, and, most importantly, a fabulous view of the dunes and ocean. We could hear the ocean lulling us to sleep at night, and see the sunrise in the morning. Water stained ceiling tiles were yucky to look at. Although the room was very close to the restaurant, it was very quiet.
2. Room 225 - room with one double bed, and separate living/dining room with kitchen. Quite adequate. Do not plan to use fold-out couches for anyone other than children, who won't complain about the quality.
3. Room 108 - room with two doubles and fridge. Adequate.
Pros: The Lodge is as close as you can get to Island Beach State Park, which is truly a gem along the Jersey shore. For $5.00 a carload, you can enjoy wonderful vistas and uncrowded beaches in the State Park. Lifeguards and showers are available if you like, or you can drive further down the island for more privacy. Small pool at the Lodge.
The staff at the lodge are VERY friendly and kind.
The restaurant, The Atlantic Grille, is terrific. We had a delightful dinner for fifteen seated by a window with an ocean view. Although the restaurant was crowded, service was excellent. $$$$ We also enjoyed breakfast at the Pier House, which was very reasonable and delicious.
Cons: If you are picky about things like the yucky ceiling tiles, this might not be the place for you.
