The Hotel Albatross opens in Ocean Grove, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beautiful Victorian-style architecture and—wait for it—a dry town. Ocean Grove’s newly renovated Hotel Albatross and the charming town aren’t what one would expect.

This town is unique. It was founded as a retreat for religious people, and all of the houses and businesses are leased from historical land. Camp Meeting AssociationDominick Perrier Strand, director of hotels at RC Management, explains. RC Management operates the nearby Majestic Hotel, The Hideaway Long Beach Island and Point Pleasant Casa del Mar.

Hotel Albatross’ team faced a difficult challenge. In addition to renovating, reimagining and redesigning the historic property in accordance with the strict guidelines set by Ocean Grove’s historical preservation committee and the Camp Meeting Association. The town forbids the sale and consumption of alcohol, beer, and wine. Ocean Grove’s gates were locked on Sundays 40 years earlier, and cars weren’t allowed to enter.

“Guests are invited to bring their favorite beverages to enjoy on the property. Perrier-Strand says that, because the hotel is located on Ocean Pathway and guests can bring their own bottle of wine to the porches. Each Saturday during the summer, the team provides a free Albatross aperitif. They also offer a weekly rotating wine selection. If you are celebrating a special event, the concierge will arrange for a bottle of your favorite wine to be delivered by the team from their preferred wine shop located in Asbury Park.

“It’ll chill in your bedroom before you unpack,” says he. Our six-seater Golf Cart is available to guests to take them to nearby shops.

What other unexpected problems have arisen during renovations? Accessibility. The Victorian style of the building created a difficult environment for those with disabilities or who have difficulty climbing stairs. Perrier-Strand is proud of having built Ocean Grove’s first all-stop lift, which includes a stop on the outside. We hope this will allow a wider variety of tourists to visit our little piece of Jersey Shore.

Mapa Mueller, who previously worked on concepts such as The Equinox Hotel It also incorporates vintage items such as an heirloom 1950s mirror, and press clippings from Hotel Albatross’ early days. The lobby boasts a rotating merchandise nook styled with personal pieces from the home of Julian C. Hamer, an artist, collector of antiquities, avid gardener, and curator & docent of the local Centennial Cottage Museum on Ocean Grove’s Central Avenue; the overall vibe is eclectic yet cozy, with a healthy dose of quirk.

The 27 rooms, including two sprawling suites named after famous Ocean Grove residents like Hamer and local architect Mark Pavliv, feature special touches including Serta mattresses, Salt & Stone bath products, and pour-over stations with coffee from Maiden Coffee Roasters Neptune Township is nearby. Beach passes are complimentary as well Priority Coast Bicycles are available.

Perrier Strand says that while the property does not have a permanent restaurant on site, his team is excited about pop-up opportunities such as hosting an evening prix fixe menu with New Jersey favourites like Buoy’s Manasquan is a city in New Jersey. Dock & Claw Long Beach Island. Also, they’ve hosted a New Zealand ice-cream pop-up. Golden BoyNew Jersey Wine Producer Featured Ripe Life WinesThe plan is to host curated Fondue and Wine Pairing Nights during the winter with C’est Cheese Asbury Park is located in New Jersey.

Perrier-Strand says, “The challenge was to create a new hotel standard and service in Ocean Grove that had never existed before.” We had to be certain that introducing new accommodations and price points would work in Ocean Grove, which was historically a Victorian Bed-and-Breakfast coastal town.

Bookable at a starting rate of $249 per night. hotelalbatross.com.