The James Bradley

It’s not the first thing you might think of when you hear the words “Jersey Shore,” but this stretch of coastline contains a few moments of tasteful stylishness. The town of Bradley Beach, just to the south of Asbury Park, is home to The James Bradley, an improbably fine piece of boutique hospitality, a chic enclave just a block from Ocean Avenue, the boardwalk, and the beach.

The hotel is a labor of love for an owner who grew up vacationing on the Jersey Shore, and who found this old Victorian house too tempting to ignore. After a very thorough renovation it’s been decorated in a style that’s unlike anything else around, its minimalist, neutral-toned interiors serving as a calm backdrop for an eclectic array of modern design furniture as well as vintage and custom-made pieces, and an art collection that’s remarkably serious. Like many of the finest boutique hotels it’s hard to quantify its appeal, but easy to feel the care with which every detail has been chosen.

The James Bradley serves a thoughtfully chosen continental breakfast on weekdays, and a more substantial cooked breakfast on weekends. Given the location, within walking distance of no end of dining and drinking venues, there’s no need for much more on site; all the better for preserving the hotel’s laid-back, residential vibe.