Best Things Nearby:
The boardwalk is fantastic. If you can't find something of interest here, you're not trying! Atlantic Avenue is full of shops and restaurants.
Best Things About the Resort:
Location, location, location! The best was watching fireworks over the ocean from the balcony.
Resort Experience:
The Clarion is part of Gold Key Resorts, and they use it as a place to house those taking the timeshare tour. Without the timeshare-tour deal, we could not have afforded to stay.
The one-bedroom unit is comfortable, but it's no Gold Crown resort! The lobby is small but inviting, and the staff was friendly and helpful. There are three elevators serving the 12 floors, and they sounded old and rickety. Sometimes I shuddered (along with the elevator) between floors. We always arrived safely, however. The hotel was very clean and the service personnel were busy at work throughout the day.
Upon entering the unit, you are in the bedroom area. The Captain's Suite is a one-bedroom with two beds. Another layout features one king-size bed. There is no walking around room in the bedroom. It resembles a typical hotel room. Immediately adjacent to the bedroom is a small hallway with a full bath. The hallway opens into the living area, which features a sofa bed (which was surprisingly comfortable), small dining area (a round table with two chairs), dresser, TV, and mini kitchen. The kitchen had a full refrigerator, microwave, and oven.
The best part of the unit was the balcony. The back wall was glass, with a door to the balcony. Two small chairs were placed here. The hotel is on the beach overlooking the boardwalk. As we were there during the marathon, family members were able to watch me cross the finish line via the balcony. We also had great seats for the music-festival concerts because the stage was only about 100 yards away.
The amenities were also pretty good. There is a kid's wading pool, 5-foot-deep pool, and a hot tub on the ground floor, all indoors. The seventh floor has an outdoor pool with depths from 3.5 to 6 feet. It also features a sandwich bar. There is a fitness center on the fifth floor, but payment is required to use it. I paid for the massage (which can be charged to the room), and it was worth the $60.
The only downside was the parking, and this is typical of hotels on the beach. Only one car is allowed per unit, and the parking garage features large columns and very tight turns. It was no fun in my minivan.
I was very satisfied with the accommodations, although I wouldn't have purchased the unit. If you stay as a "guest" of Gold Key Resorts, just be prepared for the typical hard sell.
- Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
- Activities: Not Available
- Amenities: Very Good
- Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
- Family Friendliness: Excellent
- Service: Excellent