Hotel Albatross Review | Hotels Above Par

"Newly renovated this summer, I found the Hotel Albatross in Ocean Grove to be the perfect weekender for those not committing to the Hamptons or Catskills, balancing original Victorian charm with modern accessibility and a stylish presence by the boardwalk. Built in 1881 and restored by designer Mapa Mueller, the renovation honors the grand structure while adding playful surprises like hidden doors, cheeky wallpaper, and custom paneling; the hotel even features Ocean Grove’s first full-service elevator so you don’t have to lug luggage up stairs. Across four floors, sunlit rooms and suites with beach views are thoughtfully curated with custom moody lighting, vintage nods, pops of wallpaper, and a few rooms that keep nostalgia alive with built-in desks framed by original architecture. Standout amenities include beach chairs and umbrellas, guest beach passes (a hot commodity), Priority Coast bikes for cruising town, and a lobby café serving specialty coffee and Balthazar pastries; while there’s no full restaurant yet, the hotel hosts kitchen takeovers and pop-ups in partnership with local businesses. With 27 rooms (including 2 suites), a porch that’s perfect for people-watching over coffee and pastries, a coastal-grandmother vibe, and a $249 price point, it’s steps from Ocean Grove Beach and a short walk or shuttle ride to Downtown Asbury Park."