July 15 Opening Planned For Hotel
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Sounds of construction echoed throughout the first floor of the famed oceanfront Berkeley Carteret Hotel in Asbury Park this week as the general manager readies it for a soft opening July 15.
The hotel operators had been planning a mid-June opening, but Ken Lisi, General Manager, explained the delay, Permits, permits and permits.
Lisi, who will speak at the next Chamber of Commerce open house, said the eighth and second floors will not be completed before the opening, but most likely will be done in the off season.
We dont want to disturb any guests.
On Tuesday construction crews, sanded, spackled and painted, as the lobby floor was covered in dust and smeared with paint.
New bamboo wallpaper covered some of the lobbys walls.
The color scheme, said Lisi, will be beige, brown and black.
New carpeting will be put down before the July 15 opening.
This is going to be a luxury, boutique hotel, said Lisi.
Amsterdam Hospitality, which owns several New York City hotels, purchased the Berkeley Carteret in April.
Lisi said reservations will begin being accepted on July 15.
He has been in contact with Ken Roth, president of the Chamber of Commerce who told him the organization would like to have its annual dinner in the upstairs ballroom.
The Mayors Ball in October will also be held at the hotel, Lisi said.
Lisi said the restaurant will be leased, but will not be ready in time for next months opening.
Although they are still being renovated Lisi said 200 rooms will be ready for the opening, only three weeks away.
But Lisi is confident that the hotel will be restored to its past glory.
This is going to blow Long Branch away, he said.
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