Spring Lake, New Jersey
With gayly striped awnings shading its wide porches, Sea Crest by the Sea fits right into this pretty Victorian seaside town.
Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces await in each of the eight rooms, where period furnishings include brass beds, tall walnut four-posters, fainting couches, and walnut dressers with carved mirrors. Frette linens, TVs, VCRs, CD players, and a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks are among the modern amenities in every room.
A breakfast buffet is served by candlelight. When you come back at night, cordials and chocolates await.
Bottom line: A great spot for beach-loving couples, just a half block from the beach and New Jersey's longest noncommercial boardwalk.
Sea Crest by the Sea, 800-803-9031; seacrestbythesea.com. Rates for two–room$300 to $350, suite $350 to $475–include use of bicycles, beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and nearby gym passes.
