Flagship Oceanfront Hotel

Okay, I was scared to death that my husband booked this hotel before I could read the reviews. Then I read the reviews and I thought we were about to check into a dumpster. I can't say it's really deserving of 4 stars but I almost fell bad giving it less. I'll try to explain...

Yes, when you first check-in the halls have a certain smell. Everyone is walking around wet from the pools and ocean. It's one of the oldest hotels we were told and it's carpet. It's kind of a wet/ocean smell. It definitely didn't get stuck in our noses or when we got home was it on our belongings.

Goodness does the place need updating! But guess what? The staff told us the property has been bought and they are demolishing and rebuilding. When? I don't know, wasn't told! But this is the kind of place that I can bring my wild as heck toddler and not be scared he will breath wrong, if you know... you know. You get what you pay for. You can tell things are older. Like showers or carpets or furniture. But it was packed with families and all the children were having fun and running around. Making vacation buddies to play with at the indoor or outdoor pool and the courtyard with a pirate ship sandbox.

It served its purpose. The sheets and shower were clean. We could sleep in the bed without waking up feeling like we had broken backs. The hotel and the staff were extremely welcoming of families and children. It's a amazing location. You are literally steps from the ocean. It is a 25-30 minute walk from the actual "boardwalk" with all the shops, rides, etc but there is a shuttle that runs basically all the time. Which was wonderful so we didn't have to worry about parking.

Overall was it the greatest hotel? Not really. Was it extremely "clean"? Yes and no. You can tell it's been around a long time and carpets may have little spots or the hall does have a wet smell (from guests being wet and walking around like that at all hours). But the sheets, shower, windows, etc. were all very clean in our room. Staff was so friendly and we had great conversations with many of them. And the hotel has two pools, a courtyard and an arcade for the kids. Our experience truly wasn't as bad as others! Maybe we got lucky? Maybe some people have too high expectations? All I can tell you was our experience and for the price and what we received, it was well worth it and the hotel was fine.

I'll start with the positive. This hotel is right on the boardwalk. Our room had a beautiful view of the pool and the ocean. Very convenient to walk to beach. The staff was friendly and appeared to be doing the best they could with a bad situation. Now the negative. The hotel is extremely run down. Our room's drapes were stained and ripped. There was no shampoo and conditioner. The cleaning staff was asked if we could have shampoo and we were told to use the body wash. The shower did not drain properly. Some of the rooms had broken air conditioners. Wallpaper was peeling off of the walls. Handprints on the windows showing they hadn't been cleaned. Planters by the pool had weeds. Furnishings were just old. Carpeting with holes. Courtyard was poorly kept. Gym had a couple pieces of equipment left. The rest was stolen according to staff. Parking was all over the place. The staff recommended grabbing a spot on the street if you can find it. No breakfast. We never found any coffee in common areas. Definitely would not stay again.

SUPER DISAPPOINTED! Only pros were it was by the boardwalk and had easy access to the beach. There was also a pool and a sand pit for kids. However, the hotel itself was super disgusting. There was one plug, stains everywhere, no shampoo or conditioner provided, bugs in the room, broken ac, hard to work tv, holes in the mattress, super small fridge, etc.. The price is not worth it at all and even if it was cheap, I would not stay here again at all! Do better!