There was an article on a new hotel built up in Long Branch. It made me think of how newly developed hotels could add balconies and other architectural features to better fit in to their town. What would you like to see the new hotels have?
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I like the new long branch hotel a lot, great design and inviting. Would miss the balcony's though. Its kinda reminds me of the icona down in the crest
Anyone remember when Long Branch was a bit of a dump? Like Asbury Park, it has evolved to the point where expensive hotels are expected and embraced.
I've always maintained the opinion that a couple more upscale hotels would do well in the Wildwoods (try finding an available room and the Pan Am and Port Royal will likely be the first two to tell you they're booked solid). Hardly any rooms on the island are cheap in the summer months so there are surely quite a few people that will reason $400/night is acceptable when much more basic rooms are close to $300/night.
I understand why the new Waves Hotel doesn't have balconies (there's not much in that area that invites one to sit outside and take in the views) but pretty much anything in Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood should have areas for outdoor sitting/lounging/gathering. Who wants to enjoy a view of the beach from a small window above a buzzing air conditioner? Speaking of which, all new motels/hotels should have central air. Having a wall unit in the back room makes no sense because the cool air never reaches the front room (in an efficiency) and if the door is closed, the situation is even worse. Personally, I would love to see hot tubs and pool areas that are more than just plastic chairs on concrete. My now-aging body appreciates a hot tub after a day of walking around and doing stuff!
I really enjoy balconies- they create a sense of community, in a way. With each other, and with strangers. One of my favorite things to do is to watch people on the balconies across from my hotel, or as I drive around observe all the fun interactions on other balconies. It's magical.
This hotel does look very nice, I like that it isn't very large. At 6 stories this is about the size of the Bal Harbour. The amenities look nice, interesting that the rooms are done in a "minimalist retro-chic" but many in Wildwood still can't get their heads out of their butts and see that they have the original thing and can easily work with it. It fits in well with the Long Branch area, like most of the Monmouth County Beach towns urban feel mixes into the shore, it's not my cup of tea but that's just me.
The overload of pricey amenities might be a much for Wildwood but that's not to say there isn't a market for a few properties like this. They might do better in the Crest or North Wildwood. As far as new construction in Wildwood, it would just be nice to see properties that are unique and can play off Wildwood's history. You don't need to go as far as the Starlux and be totally over the top (though go for it if you want), much of mid-century modern architecture is very sleek and very clean. Balconies at the shore are a must for me. They encourage people to spend time outside. I also think large common areas are important. While on vacation last week I was observing the view from my balcony. Across the way is the Attache Motel, to the left the Carousel Condominiums and whatever condos were built behind those. The whole week at night the condos were all totally dark save for two or three units at the Carousel. Very dark and cold. At the other end of the spectrum even late in the evening at the Attache families are moving back and forth on the balconies, mingling with each other. Behind be at the Park Lane the same story. There is life, people are enjoying their precious limited time at the beach and being social. For new construction it would be nice to see designs that encourage that and not try to hide guests from each other.