Stayed at this motel on July 12, 2008. This lovely motel was one of the few that was flexible in its 2 to 3 day minimum stay rule and allowed us to stay just one night. We found others that would not allow it with large vacancy signs in front of their places, so the Colonial's flexibility was greatly appreciated. And what a lovely surprise! The owner, Lara, was extremely friendly and helpful. The room was a nice size, with 2 queen size beds. The room was decorated tastefully, with lots of attention to small details, such as chair and crown molding. It looked freshly painted. There were plenty of towels in the bathroom, and the owner loaned us a hairdryer, saying that all rooms would soon have them. The motel is located only a block from the beach and right near the center of Stone Harbor, so no need to move the car to go to Uncle Bill's Pancake House or Springer's Ice Cream. We were allowed an early check-in, and loaned beach tags before we checked in and after check-out. I would stay at this place again in a heartbeat. The rate we paid was $198 + tax a night. For the Jersey shore in prime location...in Stone Harbor and on the edge of Avalon, it was great. Much nicer than the last place we stayed in Ocean City.

What a wonderful surprise! We are so accustomed to staying at beach hotels that smell musty and are generally falling to pieces -- even the high end resorts tend to leave something to be desired. So although we read all the reviews of the Colonial Lodge, we weren't really expecting much. But it was just delightful! It turns out we had the smallest room on the property, but it was perfectly adequate for us. Maybe not extra spacious, but certainly roomy enough. Everything was beautifully decorated and spotless -- definitely not your normal hotel quality furnishings. And you couldn't ask for a better location.... 2 easy blocks off the beach, and about 3 blocks from the quaint little shopping district.

OK, If I had to pick something to complain about, there are 3 things: the shower head (miserable spray!!), the freebie soap (too small) and no iron anywhere on the property (fortunately, another guest brought an iron and allowed us to borrow it if we helped them unload -- wait a second, who got the better deal here??!!) but heck, for all the pluses of this property (especially in relation to its price), aren't these silly things to complain about?!!?. The lady at the front desk couldn't have been more helpful and friendly, as were all the other visitors we met as we enjoyed sitting out on the verandah.

It took us a while to get our schedule to match the off-season restaurant hours ... but the two restaurants that we did find we were wonderful. Donna's Restaurant offers an early bird lobster tail and filet special for $13.95, and it was worth every penny. Smallish servings, but quite tasty. And the Italian Garden has a pizza crust / stromboli that is out of this world.

It's hard to imagine that we'd ever again want to drive 10 hours to go to the Jersey shore when we can be at the North Carolina coast in 2 hours -- but that's how much we liked this place. Very highly recommend it!

Stayed in the Colonial for one night, Aug 3, while visiting some friends in Avalon. Amazed by how nice it was. Usually Jersey Shore motels are ok, if not a little seedy. This one was super clean, had new bedding and furnishings and was really tastefully decorated. The Colonial theme carries over to the beautiful molding in the rooms, the wallpaper and the pretty, old fashioned black hardware on the doors to the rooms. The outside has a really nice slate patio where I sat and enjoyed the flowers with my coffee in the morning. Other guests are really quiet, so its definately not a place to party, but you wont hear people all night either. The rooms/barthrooms are pretty tight, not a lot of space at all really, but its so clean and nice you wont care. Pricey on the weekends but during the week it was pretty reasonable and I'll definately be staying there again.