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2-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

Dunes by the Ocean

Relax at Dunes by the Ocean motel, just a minute from the beach in Point Pleasant Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and close access to Jenkinson's Boardwalk.

1601 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States View on map
7.6/10
Good Based on 239 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Outdoor pool Air-conditioned Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay close to the beach with friendly staff

Recent guests appreciate the motel's relaxed atmosphere, convenient location near the beach and boardwalk, and attentive service. The property offers clean, spacious rooms and a well-maintained outdoor pool, making it a practical and pleasant choice for families and casual travelers.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, accommodating, and helpful staff who enhance the stay experience
  • Cleanliness and maintenance of both rooms and public areas, including the pool
  • Convenient location within a short walk to the beach and local attractions
  • Family-friendly environment with kid-appropriate amenities like pool floats and safe spaces
  • Easy parking and relaxed atmosphere with a well-kept patio and seating areas

Worth knowing

  • Beach access is nearby but not directly across the street; public beach fees apply
  • Beds may vary in comfort and the rooms are simple rather than luxurious
  • No fitness center, airport shuttle, or pet-friendly options available
  • Some guests note the motel is not the newest building but improvements have been made over the years
  • Location offers a quieter experience compared to the busy boardwalk area while still being walkable

Best for

  • Families seeking a budget-friendly stay near the beach and boardwalk activities
  • Guests looking for a clean, casual motel with helpful and friendly staff
  • Travelers who appreciate a laid-back, safe environment away from crowded tourist spots
  • Visitors wanting easy access to local parks, aquarium, and family-friendly attractions
  • Those who prefer parking convenience and kid-friendly amenities during their stay
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About this property

Welcome to Dunes by the Ocean

Dunes by the Ocean is a casual motel located just a minute's walk from the beach in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. The property offers a mix of straightforward rooms and two-bedroom apartments, all equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool with loungers and a relaxed patio area, making it suitable for families and visitors looking for a comfortable stay close to the shore.

Facilities include free parking and smoke-free accommodations, though the motel does not offer pet-friendly rooms or airport shuttle services. With a check-in time of 14:00 and check-out at 11:00, the motel supports a laid-back schedule ideal for beachgoers. Reviewers often mention the clean, cozy rooms and friendly, accommodating staff, highlighting a family-oriented atmosphere and a sense of safety on-site.

The location suits travelers seeking convenient access to local attractions such as Jenkinson's Boardwalk—known for its family-friendly rides and casual eateries—Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and the expansive Allaire State Park. While the beach access is nearby but not directly opposite the motel, it offers a quieter alternative to busier spots. The property balances proximity to lively areas with a more peaceful setting, appealing to those who enjoy easy walks to restaurants and entertainment yet prefer a less crowded environment for relaxation.

Guest feedback is generally positive, with many praising the attentive staff, well-maintained pool, and easy parking. Some notes about bedding comfort and pricing for beach access provide a realistic perspective, reflecting the motel’s mid-range rating of 3.8 from over 230 reviews. Overall, Dunes by the Ocean appears to be a practical choice for families and casual visitors looking for simple accommodations with good access to Point Pleasant's attractions.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Accessible
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JC
Jessica Collins Apr 18, 2026
10

I stayed at Dunes by the ocean with my children for three nights and would definitely stay there again. The staff was great and cleaned our rooms daily. The location is great only a short walk to the beach and close to all the restaurants and jenkinsons boardwalk. The pool was very nice and even included pool floats for younger children.

HA
Howard Abraham Apr 15, 2026
10

Had a wonderful experience with my family. Air conditioners work amazing, room was very clean, pool was also very clean. Very nice person in the front of the hotel. Beach by this hotel was private with not a lot of people. Booked last minute and happy I did!

SB
sarah baker Mar 18, 2026
10

We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 night stay. We were able to check in at noon. The owners were just wonderful. They fell in love with and were so great with my 1 year old son. We felt safe. Everything was clean, and cozy. The environment was very laid back and everyone (other guests and staff) were all friendly. The patio and pool/pool deck were relaxing, never crowded. Parking was easy, and close. I loved the overhead/sliding glass door shower. Beach access isn't directly across the street but still a quick easy walk. We didn't have to drive more than 5 minutes to get anywhere. The boardwalk right down the beach was better than any other boardwalk i'v visited in Jersey! Will definitely be returning!!! Even if not to stay, I would love and I know they would love it if we just stopped in to say hello :)

AP
Angela Phillips Feb 09, 2026
10

Place is a gem! Staff was amazing!! Extremely friendly and very accomodating! The place is very clean and well maintained. You can tell they take care of the property. The shower and bathroom where perfect no carpet in our room which was great. Floors are really nice and clean. Fridge, microwave and cabinets all in top condition. The sitting comon area outside was a hit with a nice ice machine right there. They also sell cold drinks in the lobby office area in case you need. Cameras in place which is a plus makes you feel safe. Not sure why some bad reviews, we where quite confused about them since we normally stay at the Hyatt when traveling and did not see any issues with the place. Beach is right there, parking available, nice clean pool and room, friendly staff and boardwalk near by. Glad we found this place!

KA
Kim Ambers Jan 29, 2026
10

We booked last second, the staff was very courteous and family friendly. Rooms are very clean, the pool was amazing and well maintained. They allowed us to park both before and after our reservation which was greatly appreciated and very kind. Would def stay again.

SR
Samantha Ruiz Jan 27, 2026
10

We found this place through booking.com. When we got there, they upgraded our room for free to a two bedroom apartment. It was a much better space for our family. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We definitely recommend staying here.

AN
Ariana Novo Jan 20, 2026
10

Very spacious room for the price (beds were not especially comfortable but not unreasonable for the price). The pool looked clean and big although we didn’t get in it during our stay. They also have a nice patio area outside the pool. Two minute walk from a not-crowded area of the public beach although the fee is $20, a little higher than Jenkinson’s. 20 minute walk from Jenkinson’s boardwalk.

AA
Arbresha Ahmeti Dec 23, 2025
10

Not sure what some if these folks are talking about. But these reviews don't sound accurate. Our visits here are always pleasant, calm, clean, safe and accommodating. This isn't a party motel, it's more chill and has a variety of guests, young & old, couples, friends and families. Everyone is friendly, including staff. If there is any issue, the first thing you should do is speak to the owners, inform the front desk. They WILL rectify it. If you need extra pillows, towels or anything, ask the front desk. No there isn't a flimsy coffee maker in your room but there's literally fresh coffee brewed right in the office, for guests. Now let's talk location. It's perfect IMO. You aren't right there in the craziness of Jersey shore summer visitors but you aren't far from the action if that's what you want to do. Boardwalk is easily walkable. And the beach is literally across the street, at a discounted price. This beach is not crowded, not loud, just relaxing and beautiful. My little one and I, who aren't morning people make sure to cross the street and go watch the sunrise every morning of our stays. It also helps that when you need a bathroom, you can just use the one in room as it's closer & cleaner than if you were at the boardwalk. This may not be one of the newest buildings in the area but its not how some folks are describing. I've been coming here for the last 4 years and I do believe that's right around the time the owners purchased the place. I've seen how they've made improvements and renovations throughout these years. I hope this helps any potential guests get an idea of what it's like. Lastly, thank you to Paula and the Dunes family. Can't wait to see you this year.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Dunes by the Ocean

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, USA

This relaxed motel is a minute's walk from the beach and 2 blocks from Route 35, as well as a 12-minute walk from the restaurants and carnival rides of the Point Pleasant Boardwalk.

  • Bay Head 10 min Walk
  • Point Pleasant Beach 24 min Walk
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport 1 hr 29 Car · 3 hr 40 Transit
  • Newark Liberty International Airport 1 hr 1 Car · 2 hr 23 Transit
  • LaGuardia Airport 1 hr 32 Car · 3 hr 24 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in New Jersey. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk 15,389 reviews

Jenkinson's Boardwalk

300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States

4.5 · Amusement Park
Jenkinson's Aquarium 5,306 reviews

Jenkinson's Aquarium

300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States

4.6 · Aquarium
Allaire State Park 3,552 reviews

Allaire State Park

4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727, United States

4.7 · State Park
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