We've been coming here for a while, and I agree with most of the positive reviews. Those who are shocked by un-included services and supplies may have a point about cost and expectations, but it's not like Seapointe keeps it a secret.
That said, for the money, I think we can do better elsewhere. The area seemed affected by the economy this year. The market was on a roller coaster the week we stayed and I began to wonder if we'd missed the headline. Much of the area seemed dead, although Crest Tavern was obnoxiously crowded (and much over-rated), and the boardwalk seemed busy.
Morey's Pier kept their prices the same, but gave you less for your money. I guess that's not too hard to understand, and they may need a little extra cash for lawyers these days, although I don't fault them for the recent tragic incident. I fault the parents who are suing them, to be quite honest.
Back to Seapointe proper - the Ibis pool seems to have maintenance issues and we chose not to swim there after a few minutes. It's the only one that is covered, and stays open later. Last year there were flotillas of dead flies in that pool, despite life guards occasionally skimming the pool with nets. This year, the water just seemed unclean.
One peeve is the Seapointe Warm Tubs. Other places have hot tubs, but not Seapointe. The temps vary, and there is no thermometer so I guess that means they don't need to monitor it. Despite the fact the jacuzzis are kept only as warm as a child's bath, no children are permitted in. Maybe it's the "adult swim" policy, but they do it in the name of safety, which is absurd. They simply are not close to the definition of "hot," and at least one of them (maybe Ibis or Centre Court) should be open to kids so families can enjoy them together. Either that or fix the damn things so they function properly.
Someone mentioned keys. The keys and locks are a universal and eternal frustration at Seapointe. It's a typical experience to have to hold the key just right, then turn it just so far, but no further, and then hope you get lucky. If it's not you, it's someone you're waiting for. It gets worse every year, and they do nothing about it. The owners have keypad codes, so they don't need keys at the garage and front doors. As for security, it's good but if someone walks onto the property, they can easily pretend to have a problem with their key and any number of guests or residents will open the door for them because they've had the same trouble. So much for security.
Beach was nice. We had great weather. But so did everyone else in South Jersey that week. We think the money can be spent better, so next year that's the plan.
The grills should stay on until 9pm, not 8pm. People are up later in the summer.
The landscaping is beautiful, but the gas powered trimmers and blowers will remind you at all times that it is a never-ending effort.
The vent fans in bathrooms are all noisy and getting noisier. When will one become a fire hazard? Those not replaced for some reason are probably all 20 years old now.
There are some slippery places around the pools and their serving bathrooms, in places where there should be textured paint or surfaces to prevent slips. Don't count on it.
People will steal (temporarily) the luggage carts from the garage storage area the night before they leave and hide them in their rooms until the next morning, so there are never enough to go around on certain days, even when nobody is using them. Seapointe should find a way to manage the carts better. The "honor system" is a joke if a few of the guests are not honorable, and it only takes a few to exhaust the cart supply. Consider bringing your own.
Much to recommend there, overall, but much to persuade us to look for better, mostly because they are so extravagantly expensive.
- Seapointe Village Hotel
- Seapointe Village Wildwood Crest
