After being priced out of our regular spot, we gave the Ala Kai a try. It is an absolute gem. There are two buildings directly across from one another so it offers a few different types of rooms, two pools, a games area that the kids love and plenty of outdoor seating areas to relax and enjoy. Our room was spotlessly clean and comfortable. While not located directly on the beach, the Ala Kai is only steps away. We can’t wait to go back again next year.

We stay at the Ala Kai North (the former Blue Marlin) and it’s a great little motel. The management staff is so very welcoming and friendly. Being beach block is great if you have little ones, as you don’t have to cross any streets. Pool is wonderful. Two gas grills are there for your use as well. The only thing missing is an ice machine. This is a definite place to stay!!

The rooms are very clean and the service is exceptional. Room service seems like they wait until you are out for the day instead of knocking during their rounds, which is nice if you have a day of sleeping in. Rooms are a little dated, but that is part of the charm. Plus they are well maintained and upkept. The ocean block location is great and makes for a short walk to the beach. Being in Crest, it is just a short 17 minute drive for a day trip to Cape May, and an even shorter 5 or so minute drive to the boardwalk.

I did a long weekend with my girlfriend here, it was our first time at any of the New Jersey beaches and because of some of the things we’d heard about some of the other spots like Atlantic City our priority was a clean and quiet beach and a clean and quiet hotel. I can say this place definitely fulfilled that, it’s an old motel renovated into a pretty nice hotel. There’s two buildings that each have a pool, the pool at our building was quite nice, the staff up front was also quite nice. The rooms were very nicely done with daily cleanings. Even if you prefer a typical hotel I think you’ll like this place as the rooms are pretty nice, have comfy beds, are well renovated, and there’s a bunch of communal entertaining spaces. The location is also great, it’s at the end of beach front block so the walk to the beach access is less than 5 minutes and you can get back to grab things from your room pretty quickly. The only complaint I saw was about the AC units but I found if you just mess with the settings you can get the room to a cool temperature, coming from a guy who likes to sleep cold. I can say I definitely think we’ll be back in the future!

Stayed for a long weekend and enjoyed our first stay here! We checked in before 3pm and the owner, Jay, was kind enough to let us see two rooms to see what would fit our family best. The rooms were definitely "beach like" and no frill. The grounds were extremely clean and the staff was very kind and helpful. The pool was clean and at nighttime hours, it was quiet and peaceful, with many families staying on premises. We will absolutely be back to another long weekend next season!

Great Motel, staff was able to book us a suite few days before our arrival, (only because we weren't sure on the dates). Quiet area, close to the beach. Easy check in and check out. Able to find parking. Rooms well cleaned and in the morning you can see the staff maintaining the cleanliness of the pool/pool area. Highly recommend!

We have stayed here several times over last few years. We are currently here & love it. The staff is very nice. Great location & great pool - Joanne at front desk goes above & beyond to accommodate us! Our go to place ?

Wow! Icant believe the great stay we just had,it was super clean and very convenient to the beach,I was not expecting the room to be this clean ,They were very accommodating and the front office was great!We stayed 5 days and it was awesome! Thanks again!Dean

You’re steps from the beach! I admit, being a bit of a hotel snob, I was hesitant to book a motel instead of an inn or hotel. But the proximity to the ocean and the positive reviews convinced me to take the chance and I’m so glad I did. When I called and spoke with Jo-Ann, her warm, straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor immediately put me at ease. She reminded me of my Italian grandmother no sugar-coating, just genuine care, humor, and a confident promise that they’d make me comfortable. And she delivered. But it didn’t stop there. The owner, Jay, has that something kinda special truly, hard to describe, but undeniable. When he speaks to you, you feel seen. It’s like something wakes up inside of you. He brings a presence and energy that’s rare. The rest of the staff, Lucas and Laurie included are just as welcoming and attentive. Together, they create a vibe that’s more than just hospitality. Whether you’re on the north or south side of the resort, it feels like a family reunion. That kind of warmth and connection is hard to come by and the perfect setting to escape from the every hustle of life. We even ended up staying an extra day, and they went out of their way to rearrange things to make it possible. Even with that extra time, I could’ve happily stayed longer. I’ve traveled a lot and stayed in many places, but none have ever felt quite like this, like slipping into a favorite pair of slippers. Comfortable. Familiar. Like home. The rooms may vary and updates are ongoing, but what might be lacking in luxury is far exceeded by the spotless cleanliness, genuine care, and unmatched customer service. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we all really want? To know that we’re coming back to a place that’s been cleaned, cared for, and offered with pride—as if we were guests in their home. I’d absolutely recommend this place.

Very nice place! So clean and close to all fun things to do and great places to eat! Right on the beach which is amazing and 8 mins driving to the board walk. Would definitely come again