The Asbury, described as a “fantasy vacation psotcard come to life,” is scheduled to open in May of next year. It will be the city’s first new hotel to open in 50 years.
The long vacant Salvation Army building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Kingsley Street is being transformed into The Asbury, the youngest project in the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment by real-estate company iStar.
The Asbury, which will feature 110 guest rooms, will create spaces like a giant rec-room lobby where adults can feel like kids again, kids can unleash their imaginations, and the outside world gets left at the door.
The project is a collaboration between renowned hotel innovator David Bowd, known for creating the sought-after Salt Hotels brand, and Anda Andrei, iStar’s Creative Lead for the entire 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,” said Andrei, who hand-picked architects, designers, and hotel operator David Bowd to bring the project to life. “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. 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 110-guest rooms will come in an unusually wide range of sizes to suit all kinds of travelers, from queen rooms and king rooms to family rooms and suites to bunk rooms that can sleep up to eight.
Inspired by Central Park’s Great Lawn, The Baronet will be uique. A rooftop garden featuring stunning town and ocean views, guests will be able to throw down a blanket and lay with a book or enjoy the oversized games and paddling pools. By night, The Baronet will become a carless “drive-in” with classic and cult films projected on a 20-foot wall.
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The Pool will be a sanctuary for guests. With plentiful seating and a large pool deck, guests can take a dip, soak in the sun, or grab a drink at the bar. On Sundays, the pool will be open to the public for a pool party featuring local DJs and specialty cocktails.
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Food and beer trucks in the Beergarden – adjacent to the Asbury’s outdoor pool – will serve authentic street food, craft and local beers, and signature drinks. The Beergarden will be a fun and relaxed meeting place for locals and guests to grab a bite.
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Salvation, designed solely in black and white and located on the hotel’s upper roof, will become the East Coast’s most dramatic outdoor social space. The monochrome décor, lit only by candles and lanterns, will also make it the most romantic with cozy corners to hide away or relax.
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At Soundbooth, a casual lobby bar, hotel guests can hang with local creatives over cocktails, games and nighttime music sets.
Asbury Hall & Lawn is a 4,800-square-foot, flexible indoor/outdoor event space with the most advanced AV equipment and divisible into two or three smaller spaces, The Hall will serve social and corporate gatherings of all sizes.
