The Best NYC-Area Beach Town Is in New Jersey - AFAR

"A towering all-glass beachfront mixed-use luxury development that houses the Jersey Shore's first five-star hotel on an upper floor. Fifty-four spacious rooms (starting around $400/night in season) feature 11-foot ceilings, glass-enclosed showers, and private terraces with ocean or sand-dune-garden views. The pool deck—lined with daybeds, live trees, and a pergola-covered bar—visually blends into the ocean, while a central social space surrounded by a reflecting pool offers a fireplace, an open kitchen that doubles as a bar, live piano music, and evening cocktails. Guests benefit from 24-hour concierge service and a dedicated beach attendant to set up towels, chairs, and umbrellas; staff even attend to small comforts like sunglass cleaning and cool-water mists. Yoga on the pool deck and a planned fine-dining restaurant complete the upscale seaside experience." - Natalie Beauregard