Walk to the Beach at Daddy O’s Boutique Hotel in Long Beach Island, NJ

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler

At the Jersey Shore, everyone knows the best sand-like-flour beaches are in LBI, N.J. Better known as Long Beach Island, the scene is serene and you are literally on an island, far away from real life. For those who don’t want another kitschy Jersey motel and don’t have access to a beach house, Daddy O Hotel in Long Beach Island offers a unique, chic escape with amenities all in one place.

It all began in 2006 when the first Daddy O hotel opened its doors in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Two respected arbiters of taste, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, recognized daddy O as an “intimate and stylish beach destination”. Knowing a good thing when they saw it, the owners went south to Miami, Florida in January 2010 where Daddy O number two is enjoying similar success thanks to its beautiful Bay Harbor Islands setting and onsite Palm Restaurant. With classic, vintage seashore exteriors and contemporary interior decor plus an unparalleled attention to detail, comfort, and convenience, Daddy O did not disappoint.

With an intimate vibe, 22 guest rooms have everything from ultra-plush mattresses and flat-screen televisions to marble rain showers and complimentary high-speed wireless internet access. Appealing amenities include a sun deck as well as an onsite restaurant and bar with an outdoor dining option. Four houses away, sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean await you right outside the lobby. We spent a lovely overnight right before the packed Fourth of July weekend and got a taste of what it’s like to stay. Ironically, six years prior while staying at a beach house nearby, this was our go-to bar and lounge. A full circle brings us back to our beloved LBI!

Daddy O Hotel looking down to the beach path four houses away. The hotel offers beach chairs, towels and beach tags as you have to pay to be on LBI beaches.

The beach path looking back toward Daddy O Hotel.

It was a little windy first thing in the season but we loved laying on the beach and soaking up the sun.

Perfect weather for our visit during this rainy summer.

Views to the left on Long Beach Island, NJ.

Views to the right of Long Beach Island. I came back with a bit of a burn and lo and behold, they had some aloe vera for me to use. This is what makes a boutique hotel so fantastic, those small touches of major gratitude including complimentary bottled water – and wine in the room with two glasses for a fee if you needed to unwind.

Back to the room to get ready for dinner at the nearby Plantation restaurant, also owned by the Fearless restaurant group.

Signs on throwback ocean times were all over the walls and artwork throughout the hotel, thus the name Daddy O Hotel.

A view outside our window was the shipyard. We recommend asking for a room toward the ocean as the traffic can wake you if you are a light sleeper.

This is pretty much how we felt about being at the beach at Daddy O Hotel.

The marble rain shower and separate toilet was ideal and enjoyable at Daddy O Hotel.

We will never say no to gourmet chocolate on the pillows at Daddy O Hotel.

Poking around the lounge area at Daddy O Hotel, nearby was a continental breakfast with Keurig coffee, bagels with cream cheese, oranges and orange juice.

Fire pits came out during night time at this cozy, private lounge area at Daddy O Hotel.

Another view of the outdoor lounge and bar.

Little did we know six years ago, there is an upstairs rooftop bar and lounge at Daddy O Hotel bathed in red light.

Up on the rooftop at Daddy O Hotel, it is a red glow with blankets for windy, cool nights available.

We just caught the end of a rum tasting event with Shipwreck Rum but we thought a Moscow Mule was in order at Daddy O Hotel.

The dining room in the morning before it opened at Daddy O Hotel’s restaurant. We will have to return and try it out!

The indoor square bar area and hostess station at Daddy O Hotel.

Loving this octopus plant holder that greets you at Daddy O Hotel in the restaurant.

The cafe section of the Daddy O Hotel and Restaurant.

We were sad to leave at our 11 a.m. checkout and LBI in general. It’s such a chill vibe there, we look forward to returning and spending some more time soaking up all the rays and vibes. Contemporary accommodations with luxury amenities and personalized service are the hallmarks for the Daddy O boutique hotel plus the many food and drink options attached to the hotel. What really makes it shine is the convenient beach location, a most desirable destination for weekend getaways and extended stays.

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