Wave Resort

Wave Resort Overview

So I’ve stayed at Wave Resort a handful of times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that just gets the Jersey Shore thing right without trying too hard. The location on Ocean Avenue is pretty sweet – you’re literally across from the street from the beach, but not so close that you’re dealing with the crazy boardwalk crowds that hit Asbury Park or Seaside Heights. Long Branch has this more laid-back vibe, you know what I mean?

The hotel itself feels solidly four-star without being pretentious about it. When you walk into the lobby, there’s this coastal-modern thing going on that actually works – lots of whites and blues, some driftwood accents, but they didn’t go overboard with the nautical theme (thank god, because anchor decorations can get old fast). The front desk staff has always been pretty solid in my experience, though I’d recommend avoiding check-in on summer Friday afternoons when half of North Jersey is rolling into town. The rooms are what you’d expect – clean, comfortable beds, decent water pressure in the shower. I mean, it’s not going to blow your mind, but the ocean-view rooms are worth the upgrade if you can swing it. There’s something about waking up to that view that just hits different, especially if you time it right for sunrise.

What I really appreciate about this place is the location specifics that make a difference. You’re walking distance to Pier Village, which is honestly one of the better shopping and dining spots along this stretch of coast – way less touristy than some of the other shore destinations. Plus, if you want to venture out, you’re like ten minutes from Asbury Park’s music scene or twenty minutes south to deal with the craziness of Belmar if that’s your thing. Parking can be a bit of a pain during peak summer weekends (street parking fills up fast and the hotel lot isn’t huge), but off-season or weekdays it’s totally manageable. The pool area is decent – nothing fancy, but it gets good afternoon sun and there’s usually space to actually relax. One thing that surprised me the first time I stayed was how quiet it gets at night, even in summer. I guess being just far enough from the main party areas helps, but you still get those ocean sounds if you crack a window. The 8.2 rating feels about right to me – it’s not perfect, but it delivers on what you’d want from a solid shore hotel without breaking the bank or dealing with sketchy accommodations.