The Grenville Hotel and Restaurant

If I could rate it a zero I would have. Walk in the front door to dirty floors and makeshift front desk, with kids checking you in that look like they were homeless. Bathroom in the hallway was filthy and one of the urinals didn't work. The room was a shoebox, with one small air conditioner not even big enough to cool a minuscule bathroom. The linens and towels were about as cheap as you can get. To top it off the TV was mounted on the side wall, so the only way you could watch it is if you wanted to sit up on the side of your bed. And last but not least, we had to wait for beach passes, because they ran out. I don't think a dollar has been put into this place in 20 years.

It was the perfect choice for us to get married at the Grenville. I spent most childhood summers at the Jersey Shore, and my husband even proposed to me on this beach at sunrise. Our 50-guest wedding was scheduled over three days: rehearsal dinner Friday night, wedding Saturday, and farewell brunch Sunday morning. Everything except the rehearsal dinner took place at the Grenville. Every hotel room was occupied with our guests, so the whole weekend felt like one big sleepover! Maureen, Harry, and Patti from the Grenville really came to feel like family throughout this process. Maureen and I were in regular communication about plans and details, and she was incredibly lovely and easy to work with. For food, We loved their h’or d'oeuvres during cocktail hour. During the reception dinner, the banquet tables were set up horseshoe-style, so it was like one big family dinner. The Grenville provides an amazing menu as part of their wedding package. We had two tastings in the months leading up the wedding, to finalize our menu. We had a fabulous time working with the owner and head chef Harry, to finalize our menu that included one meat option (Chicken Francaise with Whipped Potatoes & Mixed Vegetables), one vegetarian option (Fusilli alla Vodka with Spinach, Asparagus, & Zucchini), and one vegan option (Impossible Beef Wellington with Roast Potatoes & Mixed Vegetables). For much of our reception, our guests were so happy sitting on the veranda enjoying the rain. People were cozied up in blankets around the fire pit, and having long relaxed conversations with each other. My husband and I found ourselves thinking how lucky we were to be married in such a lovely place.

A small alumni group of us (8) with our significant others met at the Grenville Hotel. We planned a mid week two night stay that included a gala dinner with a "BYOB cocktail hour." The staff at the hotel were very accommodating and made our stay very enjoyable and memorable. The hotel is circa 1890's, has an elevator and large rooms. We found the beds were comfortable, the food very good and the location perfect for our stay on the Jersey Shore.