With the Atlantic City skyline over his shoulder, our editor’s son, Steven Schlager, lines up a putt at the Seaview Bay Course. Photo by Ken Schlager
Of all the resorts at the Jersey Shore, Seaview, a Dolce Hotel, stands alone as the only true golf destination, a luxury stay-and-play resort in Galloway within a quick drive of the ocean beaches. And it’s been that way for years.
The Seaview dates to 1914, when it opened as a private club. Over the years, it has played host to major golf tournaments and golfing celebrities (from Dwight Eisenhower to Alice Cooper), high society (Grace Kelly celebrated her 16th birthday in the hotel’s Oval Room), film stars (the likes of Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington), and rock stars (the Rolling Stones stayed for nine days in 1989 during their Steel Wheels tour).
The 296-room resort had grown a little tired, but an $18 million renovation in 2019 put it back on the map as an attractive alternative for a golf getaway, romantic escape or family vacation.
Let’s start with the two 18-hole golf courses. Both rank among the best daily-fee courses in the state. The Bay Course, which hosts the annual ShopRite LPGA Classic, is a Donald Ross–designed, links-style layout that demands accuracy and a strong short game. But don’t let that stop you. It’s enjoyable at any skill level—and the sweeping view of Atlantic City across Reed’s Bay is worth whatever struggles you encounter. (Trust me on that.) The longer Pines Course weaves through the woodlands behind the hotel, with ample doglegs and some 72 bunkers. On the 16th hole, a marker commemorates the 60-foot chip-in that earned Sam Snead the PGA Championship in 1942.
The golf theme follows guests inside the hotel. Black-and-white photos of golfing greats line the hallways, and vintage scorecards and blueprints of the original hole layouts adorn the guest-room walls. All of the rooms—including 19 suites—have been redone with a modern, soothing palette of gray, blue and beige. In-room amenities include smart TVs and free Wi-Fi.
Seaview’s revamped lobby bar. Courtesy of Seaview
All of the public spaces around the hotel have been renovated. The lobby was gutted and redone; thankfully, all of the original architectural features were preserved. The bar area off the lobby was completely rebuilt with a more contemporary look and modern amenities like phone-charging ports. There’s also a family-friendly outdoor pool, a century-old indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
Seaview’s spacious main dining room—with its dramatic, curved wall of windows and panoramic view of the Bay Course and the Atlantic City skyline—offers daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a “reimagined” Sunday brunch. Lunch and dinner are also served at the lobby bar and in season on the golf patio.
The beautifully manicured grounds feature an 18-hole putting course for family fun; a putting green, driving range and golf-practice area; three tennis courts; and a walking trail.
For a diversion, guests can go four miles north to Historic Smithville, a cluster of 60 shops, plus eateries and kids’ attractions. Atlantic City, with its casinos, nightlife, restaurants, beaches and Boardwalk, is about a 10-mile drive. Or Seaview visitors can head 18 miles south to the beaches and boardwalk amusements of family-friendly Ocean City.
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