White Lilac Inn

I booked a room at the White Lilac Inn because my friend was getting married along the shore and the location was close to the venue. The inn is a short bike ride away from the shore (which the inn lets you take for free!) and is at a quiet neighborhood. So the location was great!
The only major complaints that I have of the inn is the room and the breakfast. I stayed at the Bonnie Brae room and it was quite small with a low, angular ceiling. You have to be careful when you get up or else you could hit your head! Additionally, even though there was a thermostat that is supposed to control the room temperature, it didn’t work. The first night I was there, my room was a chilly 63 degrees. I was going to say something the next night but the temperature was back to normal.
As for breakfast, it was a bit disappointing. I had french toast but it was soaked with batter it was like bread pudding. Also, the fruit that they gave us was old and wrinkled. They were not fresh at all! The portions were also small so I was hungry soon thereafter! For the price that I paid, I was hoping for better.

Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway not far from the city? The White Lilac Inn is a small bed and breakfast in Spring Lake, NJ that we have been to many times with the family and just as a couple. The owner Mari is so gracious and in addition to her great home cooked breakfasts she will give you info about the local restaurants and sites. You can walk or borrow one of their bikes to get to the nearby beach. The inn provides you with beach passes and towels. Take a drive or bike ride into town and shop at one of their quaint shops or have lunch at an Irish pub. All the rooms are beautifully decorated. As a librarian I appreciate the books on hand in the sitting rooms of this beautiful old home. Stay in the Gatsby room decorated in art deco black, white and silver on the top floor of the Inn or one of the other romantic smaller rooms below.

Mari was wonderful. The Inn was charming. Spent an enchanting weekend in Spring Lake with my husband and couldn’t ask for a more relaxing trip.

I’ve been coming here for years. It’s a great old Victorian house. Wreathed in porches and hydrangeas. About 6 blocks from the beach. Short bike ride to town. The staff is gracious and zealously helpful. It’s got a labyrinth of beautiful parlors and sitting rooms loaded with antiques. Bikes. Beach towels. Beach passes. Easy to get to. A quick 90 minute drive from the city. Can’t say enough nice things about this place.