A standard "Aloha" room, which has a king bed, flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and fireplace.
Photo: The Bungalow

by Ondine Cohane

I have never been to the Jersey Shore. Well, actually that's not technically true: I went to see Velvet Revolver perform in Atlantic City. But I haven't ventured to the beaches there, even though plenty of my surfing pals have brought me back good reports. The opening of Bungalow, a 24-room boutique property in Long Branch could change that.

From the up-and-coming design group SIXX (this is its first hotel project) the Bungalow mixes a decidedly laid-back but stylish beach feel with contemporary accessories like lamps from Moss (one of my favorite stores in NYC), gorgeous surf photos by Jeff Devine, and light-filled rooms with huge bathtubs. If you like toys for grown-ups, don't miss the 1940s pool table and a vintage foosball table in the lobby. And I like the sound of the adjacent beach club, Avenue Nuit, designed by hot Brit architect David Collins. Sun-worshipper central by day, party spot after by night, it's got a rooftop pool and an outdoor fireplace.

Further reading:
* André Balazs's chic motel Sunset Beach, one of my favorite beachside spots, has also just reopened for the season in Shelter Island. Rates start at $175 during the week and $370 over the weekends, better prices than years past. And there are few better spots for a mojito with a view on the east end of Long Island.
* Word of Mouth: The buzz worldwide.