Albatross

Terrible place with no compassion for a family in medical crisis. We had to unexpectedly cancel our booking due to our baby being hospitalized. We gave them a heads up that we may have to cancel, and let them know we were totally ok with their policy of being charged for the first night of our week long stay. They then charged us for the entire stay and the first night on top of that, and then told us we would have to wait several days for the refund (minus the first night) to go through. Now we're stuck 3,000 miles from home with a sick child until that refund is processed-- they repeatedly said there's nothing they can do/refunds aren't instantaneous on the credit card end, but as someone who has had to do this with many hotels using the same card, I've NEVER had my money held in limbo like this by any other hotel. Now I understand why they have such poor online reviews!

Location. Location. Location. Hotel has been rescued from former owners and set to undergo a major renovation which it could use. Rooms and facilities adequate. Delightful staff. A block and a half from the beach, right along the main promenade in Ocean Grove.

Built in 1881, the Albatross is located 1 1/2 blocks from the beach in beautiful Ocean Grove, NJ. New owners recently took over a historic property that suffered from decades of deferred maintenance. In just a few short months, substantial changes have been made. The wide first and second floor porches have comfortable new furniture (as well as sweeping views of the beach). The lobby renovation combines inviting modern comforts with old world elegance. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The new owners have taken great care to create a wonderful guest experience. All of the rooms have new mattresses and pillows, comfortable white bed linens, delightfully soft towels and new window blinds. While many of the rooms have a shared communal bathroom or private half bath, I stayed in a deluxe queen room with private bath. The room was clean and very comfortable, had a window air conditioner and quiet Hunter ceiling fan. While the shower in my room was small, it was spotless, had brand new double shower heads and great water pressure. Coffee, tea and pastries are served at the breakfast bar every morning. But let's be clear - the carpet, the walls, the doors, the windows, the plumbing and electric are old. More upgrades are in store. This type of charming old property is not for everyone. But if you are looking to stay in a fabulous location at a reasonable price, the Albatross is definitely worth checking out.