The dynamic city of Asbury Park, N. J., is set to open a new hotel in spring 2016—the first opening in the area in more than 50 years.
The Asbury, a product of the real-estate company iStar, combines the Victorian-era history of the era with its vibrant social culture.
The project is a collaboration between David Bowd, known for creating the Salt Hotels brand, and Anda Andrei, iStar’s creative lead for the Asbury Park redevelopment project and the former design director for the Ian Schrager Company.
“This historic building is a beautiful blank canvas for us to create a special place that adds to the unique spirit of Asbury Park,” says Andrei, who herself selected the new hotel’s architects, designers and David Bowd to help flesh out its beauty. “I love collaborating with immense talent, and knew instinctively David had to be involved. He has a wonderful gift for connecting the hospitality experience with one-of-a-kind communities, and we bring out the very best in one another.”
Bowd, who will program and manage The Asbury, agreed. “We have spent a great deal of time in Asbury Park and have completely fallen under its spell. The Asbury is our labor of love,” says Bowd, who will program and manage The Asbury. “The end result will be a collection of rooms, amenities and experiences that show the world that The Asbury is for all kinds of people, just like Asbury Park itself—the mix is what creates a sense of fun and adventure.”
The hotel features a lobby sure to be filled with guests at all times. The front desk and check-in area will also serve as a grab-and-go kitchen where people can pick up their keys, order coffee or purchases something from the retail store. A ground-floor lounge will become Asbury Park’s rec room, with ping-pong, pinball machines, board games and a communal table for travelers who want to work in the highly energetic environment.
The 110 guest rooms are set to be a wide range of sizes with a number of different beds—everything from king and family rooms and suites to bunk rooms with capacity for eight. The design is simple, clean and functional with special touches throughout.
Black-and-white beach and music scenes will adorn the walls, along with music posters that reflect Asbury Park’s rock-and-roll history.
The hotel will feature five exciting features:
Inspired by Central Park’s Great Lawn, The Baronet, inspired by the Great Lawn in Central Park, will feature a rooftop garden with gorgeous ocean views. Guests can relax during the day and then view movies in a ‘drive-in’-theater at night. Food and beer trucks in the Beergarden will serve authentic street food, craft and local beers, and signature drinks.
Salvation, Located on the hotel’s upper roof, Salvation is designed in all black and white with candles and lanterns throughout. It boasts nearly 4,000 square feet, making it perfect for any event. A lobby bar, Soundbooth, also is available to guests.
The 4,800-square-foot hotel has flexible indoor and outdoor event space with advanced A/V equipment.
