Motels, crowded beaches, and loud bars — much of the Jersey Shore isn’t the escape we’re looking for. But let’s face it, we’re not always going to endure the hassle of flying just for a weekend in Palm Beach; the Jersey Shore is, after all, in our backyard, and getting there is no more difficult than the morning commute. Fortunately, there’s a caché of warm, quiet luxury down the shore, and we know where to find it.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a 37-room boutique hotel tucked along the bay in downtown Stone Harbor, NJ. Just north of Wildwood, and isolated from it by two miles of inlet, Stone Harbor is a quaint coastal refuge adored for its small-town etiquette and pristine beaches. Located in Stone Harbor’s quaint town center, The Reeds’ long facade of cedar shake and stacked stone is a natural fit; Stone Harbor’s clean streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining.
From personable staff who greet guests by name, to the eclectic Beach Butler service which chauffeurs guests in electric GEM carts, guests at The Reeds find a hotel tailored for quiet relaxation. The rooftop sundeck includes a plunge pool and two hot tubs, with complimentary yoga each morning. Guests can take full advantage of The Reeds’ bayside location with complimentary rentals of kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards. Or, for those in need of a pleasant afternoon on the links, The Reeds has partnered with The Stone Harbor Golf Club so guests can enjoy the private course without a membership.
The suites at The Reeds aren’t just for private stays. With full chef’s kitchens and large dining spaces, guests often hold dinner parties; and whether the event is an anniversary party or a company getaway, The Reeds will arrange to have one of its own chefs cater a meal right there in the suite. The chefs here don’t just craft exquisite courses, they’re affable hosts in their own right.
Hosting group outings is a large part of The Reeds’ business, especially in the off-season. Whether a bachelorette party or a corporate retreat, The Reeds makes available its elegant Rooftop Garden, an indoor space for 70 guests which opens onto the sundeck and offers spectacular views of the bayside sunset. Groups can also reserve The Sweet Grass Ballroom, with retractable glass walls for access to the veranda overlooking the bay. While The Reeds hosts about 70 weddings each year, these larger — and often louder — events are only held in the off-season.
In the summer months, it isn’t unordinary for people to sail in just for The Reeds’ dining options. The Reeds’ offers a Dock n’ Dine service, keeping a dock master on-hand to help patrons tie-off and safely unboard, escorting them up the dock to the popular Water Star Grille. Entrées at this outdoor restaurant are prepared to be shared and brought out sequentially, allowing diners to take their time enjoying everything from gourmet sliders to the popular Water Star Shellfish Tower.
These community-based dining experiences are a part of The Reeds’ mission to ensure it isn’t a standalone attraction; Stone Harbor is one of its biggest assets. To that end, The Reeds has placed a focus on hiring and working with local residents. Staff members live in town, and live entertainment at SAX features prominent area musicians. Staying at The Reeds doesn’t just provide you with onsite amenities, you’re a guest of the whole community.
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