Blue Bay Inn
51 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands
732-708-9600, bluebayinn.com
Number of rooms: 27; Summer price range: $189–$550
More cosmopolitan chic than classic Jersey Shore, the Blue Bay offers guests an elegant getaway just two blocks from the Seastreak Ferry, a 40-minute ride to Manhattan, and a mere two miles from the beaches of Sandy Hook. Locals Dido and Stark Krikorian, on the brink of retirement, purchased what had been a dilapidated tavern and, nearly seven years ago, turned it into the classy hotel it is now.
Working with interior designer Thomas Hauser, the trio created the stylish look. There’s an ever-changing gallery of art in the lobby and on the hotel’s two guest-room floors. Each room is slightly different, done up individually in a welcoming palette ranging from plums to golds. All rooms have fluffy bedding and comfortable seating; most have balconies overlooking the Raritan Bay or the bustle of downtown Atlantic Highlands.
Continental breakfast is included. Adjacent is the Copper Canyon, a Southwest-cuisine restaurant run by the Krikorians’ son Mike. A lounge within the Blue Bay offers tapas, cocktails, and occasional live music; doors open onto a patio. Another dozen or so restaurants are within walking distance, as are upscale boutiques and artisan shops. The scenic, 1.8-mile Bayshore Trail opened last year, making it even easier to walk or bike to the beach. In summer the Inn offers discounts for multiple-night stays. Executive suites, with a living room, full kitchen, and bedroom ($499 to $550 a night), are ideal for extended stays.