Shawmont Hotel

I recently stayed at The Shawmont in Ocean Grove, drawn by its charming location and proximity to the beach. Unfortunately, the experience did not meet expectations, especially considering the premium price point of nearly $1,000 for two nights.

While the oceanfront setting is undeniably appealing, the accommodations leave much to be desired. The room felt dated with a noticeable musty, mold-like odor throughout. There were visible signs of structural wear, including unexplained holes in the floor, which raised concerns about overall upkeep and safety.

Basic amenities were lacking—there was no toilet paper holder, so the roll was left sitting on the bathroom floor. Similarly, there was no counter space in the bathroom, forcing me to place all toiletries and personal items, including makeup bags, on the floor as well. The room itself was extremely small, and the layout felt cramped and impractical.

Given the price, I expected a much higher standard of cleanliness, comfort, and attention to detail. While I understand the appeal of a historic seaside B&B, this felt less like quaint charm and more like neglect. In its current condition, it simply doesn’t justify the cost.

I hope the management considers investing in much-needed upgrades and modernizations. Until then, I would not recommend this property to travelers seeking value or comfort.

This was our first stay and we loved it. Will be back over and over again. Location is perfect, right across from the ocean, you can walk to everything. Eileen, the manager was amazing! She went over and above. Loved her!

Absolutely breathtaking hotel! A true hidden gem. It's rare to find an updated ocean front hotel in the Jersey Shore. The energy is radiating and illuminating throughout and their general manager Anna has a heart of gold. Feels good! I did a sound bath in the main lobby and you can see and feel the ocean from inside. It's a nice open space that fits 15 yoga mats comfortably. The rooms are bright, light, updated, and clean. It's definitely worth it to stay here!

I have now stayed at this gem of a hotel twice in the last couple of months. It fits beautifully into Ocean Grove in it's appearance and stands out from all the hotels in Asbury Park in terms of charm and friendliness of staff. There is a beautiful porch overlooking the boardwalk and the ocean which gives way to a recently remodeled lobby area, perfect for recapping the day or meeting for a drink before heading out to dinner.
The rooms are great. Clean, comfortable and well appointed. The cleaning staff is amazing. Each time we left the room in the morning, everything was freshened up when we got back. The staff is so friendly, never walking by without a smile and a greeting.
The location is the best. It is right on Ocean Ave with unobstructed views of the Ocean!
This has quickly become our favorite place to stay when seeing a show in Asbury or just taking in Ocean Grove.