Best Family Hotels with Pools in Asbury Park, NJ

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The best family hotels with pools in Asbury Park are The Asbury Hotel, the Asbury Ocean Club, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel and The Empress Hotel, and The Asbury is the easiest with kids. Its pool has a shallow lounge section where small kids can sit in the water while you watch, and the rooftop shows movies at night. The Ocean Club is the luxury pick with an infinity pool over the Atlantic, the Berkeley is the roomy historic hotel next to the boardwalk, and the Empress is the most affordable, with a quiet courtyard pool.

Hotel NameBest ForPool HighlightKey AmenityBooking Options
The Asbury HotelActive FamiliesShallow lounge areaRooftop CinemaCompare Rates →
Asbury Ocean ClubLuxury SeekersInfinity-edge viewsOcean View TerraceCompare Rates →
Berkeley OceanfrontHistoric CharmRefreshing outdoor poolBeach AccessCompare Rates →
The Empress HotelBudget EaseQuiet courtyard oasisSun DeckCompare Rates →
🦥 What’s the Sloth Relax Score?

Every hotel below gets our own 1-10 rating for how genuinely relaxing it is to bring kids poolside. Not a generic star rating, but four specific things that actually matter to tired parents:

  • Toddler Entry: How easy it is for small children to get in. Zero-entry pools, splash pads and shallow areas score highest.
  • Lazy River: Whether there’s a lazy river or float feature, and how good it is.
  • Shade Coverage: Cabanas, umbrellas, or covered areas so you’re not baking in direct sun all day.
  • Lounge Chairs: How much comfortable poolside seating there actually is to relax in.

The Asbury Hotel

Sloth Relax Score4.5/10
Toddler Entry3/10
Lazy River1/10
Shade Coverage3/10
Lounge Chairs6/10

The Asbury is a modern, lively hotel that mixes boardwalk fun with a relaxed feel.

  • What it’s like: Lively and modern.
  • The Pool: Features a shallow lounge section perfect for keeping eyes on the kids.
  • Tip: Go to the rooftop cinema in the evening and let the movie do the entertaining.

Good to know: The rooftop gets busy in the evening, so go up early for seats.

Asbury Ocean Club Hotel

Sloth Relax Score4.6/10
Toddler Entry3/10
Lazy River1/10
Shade Coverage3/10
Lounge Chairs7/10

The Ocean Club is the luxury choice, high-end comfort right by the sand.

  • What it’s like: Polished, quiet and upscale.
  • The Pool: A stunning infinity-edge pool that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Tip: Have the concierge book dinner so the evening takes no planning.

Good to know: It is a quiet, upscale hotel, so the loud play is best kept to the pool.

Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel

Sloth Relax Score4.1/10
Toddler Entry3/10
Lazy River1/10
Shade Coverage3/10
Lounge Chairs6/10

The Berkeley is a classic seaside hotel with room to spread out, close enough to the boardwalk to pop back for naps.

  • What it’s like: Historic and classic, with roomy suites.
  • The Pool: A crisp outdoor retreat with plenty of seating for tired parents.
  • Tip: Book a large suite so the kids have space to play.

Good to know: It is right by the boardwalk, so summer weekends are busy.

The Empress Hotel

Sloth Relax Score4.0/10
Toddler Entry3/10
Lazy River1/10
Shade Coverage4/10
Lounge Chairs5/10

The Empress is the most affordable pick, close to everything and simple.

  • What it’s like: Casual and central.
  • The Pool: A quiet courtyard pool, away from the boardwalk noise.
  • Tip: Bring your own snacks to the pool and skip the midday walk to the boardwalk.

Good to know: The rooms are basic, a place to sleep and swim rather than a resort.

The historic Asbury Park Convention Hall in New Jersey
Asbury Park’s iconic Convention Hall. Photo by Keith Luke on Unsplash.

FAQs About Family Trips to Asbury Park

When is the best time to visit Asbury Park?

Early June or September, when it is still warm and the biggest crowds are gone.

Are these hotels really kid-friendly?

Yes. Each one has a pool or is close to the boardwalk, which keeps kids busy so parents can sit down.

Do I need a car in Asbury Park?

Once you arrive at your hotel, you can easily walk to most major attractions. Staying at a hotel with a pool means you have everything you need on-site for a perfect lazy day.

Helpful Local Resources

Before you go, these official Asbury Park, NJ sites are worth a bookmark. They have current hours, beach conditions, and event calendars straight from the people who know the area best.


More Family Travel Guides for Asbury Park:

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