7900 Dune Dr, Avalon, New Jersey, United States | (618) 248-8274
Three-minute walk to the beach and free tags for guests
Individually styled rooms, some with contemporary and homey decor
Kitchenettes in every room include a microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher
Standard amenities include sofa beds, flat-screen TV, and ironing facilities
Heated pool with a hot tub in a lovely, secluded spot
Pool patio includes barbecue grills and shaded tables for a cookout
Laundry facilities on-site
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Some rooms have older carpeting and dated decor
No on-site restaurant and few within walking distance
Free Wi-Fi has a weak connection
No elevators to reach second- and third-floor rooms
This 53-room, budget hotel offers guests a simple, quiet stay just a few minutes' walk from the beach. Individually styled rooms -- some contemporary and others dated but homey -- with kitchenettes, sleeper sofas, and TVs appeal to families, as does the heated outdoor pool with a hot tub. Wi-Fi is free (albeit spotty), and there are both laundry and barbecue facilities available. There are a couple of restaurants and a park nearby, plus a supermarket just a two-minute drive away. Those seeking a modern hotel with more in the way of on-site amenities should check out Icona Golden Inn. However, the contemporary decor, two restaurants, pool, and entertainment do come at a price.
Scene
Quiet condo property that appeals to families seeking an inexpensive beach vacation
This all-condo hotel appeals to families and some couples for the clean, comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. The surrounding town is sleepy, with no nightlife to speak of, and the hotel stays quiet most of the time. The hotel is a three-story building in a long row of rooms with front doors opening onto the outdoor hallways, and a couple of chairs outside each door. Most rooms look over the parking lot, but those around the pool have a nicer view, albeit noisy at peak times. A lack of elevators makes accessing upper rooms difficult for those with mobility issues or many bags. The lobby is small but pleasant with a light, beachy feel -- think light-wood flooring, wicker chairs with thick blue padding, and an accent wall of reclaimed wood planks.
Location
A few minutes from the beach on foot, a drive to busier sections of town
Beachcomber Resort is between Ocean and Dune Avenues, a three-minute walk from the beach. It is surrounded by residences and other hotels, with a two-minute walk to the local park where there’s a playground, skate park, basketball court, and tennis courts. It is a seven-minute walk to a well-rated pizza shop and a market with sandwiches and organic foods. The hotel offers one free parking spot for those with a car, or the nearest bus stop is a three-minute walk away. It is a 20-minute walk, or a four-minute drive, to a busier area with many shops, a grocery store, and restaurants. It is also a four-minute drive to a bike and beach rental shop. The nearest major airport is Philadelphia International, about a 90-minute drive away.
Rooms
Comfortable rooms vary in decor and datedness; all have kitchenettes and sofa beds
These individually owned rooms vary in decor and style, but most have a light, beachy look with neutral colors and blue accents. Guests find them to be clean and comfortable. Painted wood paneling and wall-to-wall carpet feels dated, but some rooms have added modern touches such as hardwood floors and tile backsplashes in kitchenettes. Furniture in some rooms shows its age with scuff marks and worn cushions. Bathrooms also vary in style from outdated to fresh. Room options include one-room efficiencies, one- or two-bedroom units, and two units that offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms. All rooms have living areas with sofa beds and stocked kitchenettes with small stovetops, full-size refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers. Also included are flat-screen TVs, some with DVD players, coffee pots, and ironing facilities. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free toiletries, which include soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Features
A heated pool, grills on the patio, and free Wi-Fi
The pool area is a lovely space, tucked between buildings and guarded by a solid wood fence and trees. It is a bit small but heated, and surrounded by an attractive stone-tiled patio with loungers, tables under umbrellas, and a few barbecue grills. A large hot tub has a waterfall flowing into the pool, and there’s a small wading pool for kids. The beach is a short walk away, and guests get free beach tags to access it. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though may guests find the signal too weak for much use. Laundry facilities are on-site, but there are no gym or restaurant.