The Bungalow Hotel
50 Laird Street, Long Branch
732-229-3700, bungalowhotel.net
Number of rooms: 24; Summer price range: $199-$979
Walk across the patio, past the fireplace, through the garage-style glass doors, and you might think you’ve entered a hunting lodge belonging to an eccentric surfer-millionaire, or at least a big Rolling Stones fan—Mick Jagger’s photograph hangs on the wall. In addition to a vintage 1920s pool table, the lobby is full of art objects, wooden animal heads, photos of surfers, art books lining shelves.
The décor of the hotel, opened in 2009, is the work of Manhattan-based Sixx Design principals Robert and Cortney Novogratz, who recently signed on for the Bravo TV show 9 by Design, based on their redevelopment of abandoned Manhattan buildings. The hotel is owned by Anthony and Nick Diaco and David and Michael Barry, owners of the nearby Avenue restaurant.
Upstairs, the rooms flaunt white-on-white decor. The intention is to soothe and cool, but each room features a fireplace, should the night air nip. Situated at the edge of Long Branch’s Pier Village and just a few steps from the ocean, the Bungalow offers access to nearby Le Club, a private beach club with pool, cabanas, and other amenities, for $25 per day per person. The hotel is half a block from a day spa and next door to a bakery, Cake Bake & Roll, which also serves breakfast and lunch.