Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Historic Beaux-Arts grandeur meets laid-back Jersey Shore energy. Grand lobby with marble floors and soaring ceilings downstairs; modern coastal rooms upstairs. The vibe swings between weekend pool parties with DJs and quiet off-season ocean views.
Always book an ocean view room — the Atlantic Ocean views from upper floors are the main event. City-view rooms face away from the water and are notably less impressive.
Why It Matters
Designed by Whitney Warren (Grand Central Terminal architect), opened 1925. Once partially owned by Johnny Cash — his former penthouse is still bookable. The hotel hosted the Miss America Pageant in the 1930s, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and served as a WWII British Royal Navy receiving station where Alec Guinness was reportedly stationed. It is the architectural anchor of the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Built in 1925 and designed by Whitney Warren — the same architect behind Grand Central Terminal — the Berkeley is Asbury Park's oldest and most storied hotel. The red-brick Beaux-Arts façade dominates Ocean Avenue, and inside, checkered marble floors, original chandeliers, and the grand Palm Court still echo the era when Babe Ruth dined here. The hotel underwent a significant renovation in 2007 and more recently refreshed its food-and-beverage program, though parts of the building still show their age. It's got 257 rooms, a seasonal pool with private cabanas and a tiki bar, and over 25,000 square feet of event space across five ballrooms and a rooftop terrace.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
ADA Accessible Room – 1 King Bed
Fully accessible room with ADA-compliant features throughout.
1 King
ADA Accessible Room – 2 Queen Beds
Two-queen accessible room with full ADA compliance.
2 QueensDeluxe Room – 1 King Bed (City/Lake View)
Larger footprint than the standard rooms, with a separate sitting area and a pull-out sofa bed — useful for families or anyone who wants extra spread-out space. City or lake views.
1 KingDeluxe Room – 2 Queen Beds (City/Lake View)
Two queens in a larger deluxe configuration, with a sitting area and pull-out sofa. City or lake-facing.
2 QueensOcean View Standard Room – 1 King Bed
A straight-on Atlantic Ocean view through expansive windows. This is the sweet spot for value — standard room features with the views that justify staying here. Book this if the Deluxe ocean views are outside your budget.
1 KingPartial Ocean View Deluxe Room – 1 King Bed
Angled or partial ocean glimpse from a larger deluxe room. A middle-ground option — some water views, more space, less than full ocean-facing pricing. Note: some past guests have felt partial views were disappointing; confirm the specific floor at booking.
1 KingPartial Ocean View Deluxe Room – 2 Queen Beds
Two-queen version of the partial ocean view deluxe, with a sitting area and sofa bed.
2 QueensPenthouse Suite
The most storied room in the building — this is where Johnny Cash lived during his ownership of the hotel in the 1980s, and historic memorabilia remains. Corner ocean views from the highest vantage point, a full kitchen with dining table, a spacious living room, a sofa bed, and plush armchairs. It can also connect to create a two-bedroom configuration. Guests must sign a Penthouse Waiver to reserve it — contact the sales team.
1 KingStandard Room – 1 King Bed (City/Lake View)
Entry-level room with city or lake-facing views. Comes with all the core amenities: 50-inch HDTV, premium WiFi, down duvets, and C.O. Bigelow bath products. Views face away from the ocean — these are the most affordable option but miss the main draw.
1 KingStandard Room – 2 Queen Beds (City/Lake View)
Two-queen configuration with city or lake-facing views. Good for families or pairs traveling together who want separate beds without ocean pricing.
2 QueensStudio Suite – 1 King Bed
At 720 square feet, this is the entry point into suite territory. A separate living room with entertaining space is the big draw. Ocean views included. Solid upgrade over standard rooms for a special occasion without going full penthouse.
1 KingThree Bedroom Connecting Suite
Three private rooms connected into one coastal retreat, sleeping up to 10 guests. Ideal for families, wedding parties, or groups wanting to stay together without booking separate rooms.
MultipleThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The beach is a short walk from the hotel. Day passes are $6, purchased at boardwalk kiosks or online. Not included in the resort fee.
The Asbury Park boardwalk is steps from the hotel's front door — art galleries, restaurants, surf shops, and live music venues line the promenade.
Heated outdoor pool with private cabanas, tiki bar, and poolside dining. DJ and live music on summer weekends. VIP bottle service at cabanas available. Seasonal, open May through September.
Pool tables available inside Shoreline Social Club & Grille for guests and the public.
Ping pong table available in the hotel lobby for informal play.
The hotel's grand lobby serves as a rotating exhibition space. Currently hosting 'More Than a Beach Town: The Commercial Rise of Asbury Park' by the Asbury Park Historical Society.
The Berkeley Backyard regularly hosts pop-up musical performances and DJ nights on-property. Check the hotel's events calendar for current schedule.
Live DJ spins at the pool deck on summer weekends, with a full bar and pool bar running concurrently. The signature event of the hotel's social calendar.
The legendary Stone Pony — Bruce Springsteen's home venue — is directly across the street. Summer Stage runs from late May through September with major touring acts.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
ADA-compliant rooms and common areas. Wheelchair-accessible parking available.
On-site hair salon on the lobby level, by appointment only.
On-site business center available around the clock.
Complimentary throughout the hotel — in rooms and public areas. Covered by the $25/night resort fee.
$25/night + tax per room covers: unlimited high-speed WiFi for all devices, pool access and towels, 24/7 fitness center, daily coffee and tea, 2 complimentary water bottles per day, local phone calls, and luggage/package storage.
Open around the clock, 7 days a week. Includes cardio machines, strength training equipment, and free weights. Covered by the resort fee.
Free coffee and tea served in the lobby each morning — covered by the resort fee.
Five ballrooms (Oval, Versailles, Crystal, Continental, Kingsley), a Rooftop Lookout terrace, the Palm Court, and the Berkeley Backyard restaurant for private functions. Can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. 8 meeting rooms total.
Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Asbury Park skyline. Used for outdoor ceremonies and private events.
On-site valet parking, first come first served. Rates start at $60/day for sedans and $75/day for oversized vehicles. Limited availability — fills quickly on summer weekends.
Pets welcome with amenities including doggy beds and custom bowls. Dog-friendly rooms available. Daily pet fees apply (waived with the Dog-Day Getaway package). Adjacent to Bradley Park for walks.
Resort-style outdoor pool open May through September, 9AM–9PM daily. Poolside dining available 12PM–5PM weather permitting.
Rentable private cabanas at the pool, with plush seating and direct pool access. Reservable via email at cabanas@berkeleyhotelnj.com or at the pool. Subject to fees.
On-site concierge services available for guests.
Complimentary luggage storage on arrival and departure days via the bell team.
Round-the-clock front desk staffing.
On-site gift shop on the lobby level carrying sundries, souvenirs, and essentials.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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