Pros

  • Beach access and views
  • Outdoor swimming pool (open in the summer only) with a hot tub
  • All rooms have balconies (some with ocean views)
  • Coffeemakers and mini-fridges in all rooms
  • Beachfront Sandbar & Grille for cocktails and snacks -- plus live music in the summer
  • Seaglass serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an airy, light-filled setting
  • Luigi's Pasta & Vino features Italian cuisine served Thursday through Sunday nights
  • Gift shop sells souvenirs and snacks
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Cons

  • No gym or business center
  • Breakfast not included
  • Fee for Wi-Fi
  • Some guests have complained of maintenance and cleanliness issues in the guest rooms
  • Location is a bit isolated without a car
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Bottom Line

The Golden Inn Hotel is a three-pearl property adjacent to the beach. It's popular with families and couples looking for a seaside vacation. The hotel has two restaurants, a swimming pool, and beach access, along with a bar and grill on the sand that presents live music in the summer. The neighborhood is residential and quiet without any restaurants or shops within walking distance of the hotel. All rooms have balconies, though only some face the ocean. It may be worth comparing rates at hotels in Cape May (which is about 30 miles south of Avalon) for more tourist attractions on the beach.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

ICONA Avalon

Scene

A contemporary hotel with lodge decor on the beach

The lobby inside the Golden Inn Hotel looks more like a ski chalet than a beach hotel. There's a stone fireplace decorated with a pile of logs and a painting of a bird in nature. Armchairs are cozily arranged around a glass coffee table. Stone facade walls are found throughout the public spaces, including behind the wood reception desk.

Outside, the swimming pool is irregularly shaped and flanked with blue lounge chairs. There isn't much in the way of landscaping or decor. The well-maintained beach is accessible via a short sandy path.

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Location

A residential neighborhood in Avalon

The Golden Inn Hotel isn't built directly on the beach, though there is convenient access to the sand via a pedestrian path and some rooms have views of the water. The neighborhood is on the quiet side, with mostly residential homes and no restaurants or shops within walking distance (other than what's offered at the hotel). Those who want to explore the area will definitely need a car (the property does have a large parking lot). There are three golf courses about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Those travelers who are looking for more tourist activities besides the beach may want to consider looking at hotels in Cape May.

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Rooms

Rooms have fairly plain furnishings, no-frills bathrooms, and semi-private balconies (some offer ocean views)

All rooms at the Golden Inn Hotel come standard with small, semi-private balconies, though you'll need a room in the back of the hotel to see the ocean. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. The Efficiency Room type is particularly popular, as it comes with a dining room table for four and a microwave. Decor in all rooms is fairly plain, with a neutral color palette and wooden headboards, and some guests may find the look a bit dated. Bathrooms are small, with single sinks, toilets directly next to the bathtubs, and hairdryers mounted to the walls. Some guests have complained of cleanliness issues.

See More Rooms

Features

Two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and a seasonal bar on the beach

The Golden Inn Hotel has a number of features for guests to enjoy, though many are only offered in the summer. The Seaglass restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an airy dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of light. Entertainment is also offered here on certain nights during the summer season. The Italian-style Luigi's Pasta & Vino serves relaxed dinners Thursdays through Sundays. In the summer, a grill is set up on the beach and guests can listen to live music from tables with umbrellas. The seasonal swimming pool is nice for kids, but a little too boring to inspire a full afternoon of lounging for adults. The property also offers meeting space, but lacks a gym and a business center.

See More Features

Things You Should Know About ICONA Avalon

Also Known As

  • Golden Inn Hotel
  • Icona Golden Inn

Address

7849 Dune Dr, Avalon, New Jersey 08202-1071, United States

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

ICONA Avalon

Scene

A contemporary hotel with lodge decor on the beach

The lobby inside the Golden Inn Hotel looks more like a ski chalet than a beach hotel. There's a stone fireplace decorated with a pile of logs and a painting of a bird in nature. Armchairs are cozily arranged around a glass coffee table. Stone facade walls are found throughout the public spaces, including behind the wood reception desk.

Outside, the swimming pool is irregularly shaped and flanked with blue lounge chairs. There isn't much in the way of landscaping or decor. The well-maintained beach is accessible via a short sandy path.

See More Scene

Location

A residential neighborhood in Avalon

The Golden Inn Hotel isn't built directly on the beach, though there is convenient access to the sand via a pedestrian path and some rooms have views of the water. The neighborhood is on the quiet side, with mostly residential homes and no restaurants or shops within walking distance (other than what's offered at the hotel). Those who want to explore the area will definitely need a car (the property does have a large parking lot). There are three golf courses about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Those travelers who are looking for more tourist activities besides the beach may want to consider looking at hotels in Cape May.

See More Location

Rooms

Rooms have fairly plain furnishings, no-frills bathrooms, and semi-private balconies (some offer ocean views)

All rooms at the Golden Inn Hotel come standard with small, semi-private balconies, though you'll need a room in the back of the hotel to see the ocean. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. The Efficiency Room type is particularly popular, as it comes with a dining room table for four and a microwave. Decor in all rooms is fairly plain, with a neutral color palette and wooden headboards, and some guests may find the look a bit dated. Bathrooms are small, with single sinks, toilets directly next to the bathtubs, and hairdryers mounted to the walls. Some guests have complained of cleanliness issues.

See More Rooms

Features

Two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and a seasonal bar on the beach

The Golden Inn Hotel has a number of features for guests to enjoy, though many are only offered in the summer. The Seaglass restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an airy dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of light. Entertainment is also offered here on certain nights during the summer season. The Italian-style Luigi's Pasta & Vino serves relaxed dinners Thursdays through Sundays. In the summer, a grill is set up on the beach and guests can listen to live music from tables with umbrellas. The seasonal swimming pool is nice for kids, but a little too boring to inspire a full afternoon of lounging for adults. The property also offers meeting space, but lacks a gym and a business center.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Beach

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.