Dune’s Motel

Let me start off by saying I really love it here. The family who owns the Dunes also owns The Harbor Inn, The Seward (where you check-​in, regardless of which motel you are staying at), and The Colonial Lodge, which are all within a few blocks of each other. My husband and I stayed at the Harbor Inn last year, so we chose to switch it up and stay at the Dunes this year.
We opted for the King bed room, sans kitchenette (they do offer a King room with a small kitchenette, which looks nice on their site), which includes a fridge (no freezer), a small-​ish flat screen TV (awesome), a microwave, coffee maker, and (obviously) a smaller-​ish bathroom. Everything is spotless, and cleanliness plays a HUGE roll for me when I review a motel/​hotel. The woman who cleans the rooms, Shirley, is friendly and personable and does an amazing job of keeping this nice and tidy here. It’s amazing when you’re staying a block from the beach, and don’t find sand in your room from previous guests, way to go Shirley!
The bed is a little on the super firm side, and I have a pretty bad back, so no complaints there from my. My husband would’ve preferred a bit more cushion, but he’s a little too picky sometimes ;)
We stayed (staying? I’m typing this from the King bed in our room, hehe) on the second floor, room 201 to be exact, which had a nice patio-​like balcony seating area. Each room has two chairs outside on the balcony, a small table, and an ash tray, which works for me because both my husband and I do smoke. Next to our balcony, there is a larger balcony, equipped with an awning over part of it, chairs and tables, and also lounge-​like outdoor chairs, which are closer to the balcony railing and in the sun, nice for laying out on and getting some sun.
Parking is scarce here, as far as the actual parking lot goes, and it is difficult to find a spot and keep it, as other guests who weren’t able to get a spot are like vultures; as soon as you pull out of you’re spot, they’re right behind ya pulling in. The smaller rooms do not include parking. There is ample street parking, which is free from 9pm to 10am.
There is no pool here, but you’re a block away from the beach. Beach over the pool any day, in my opinion. And why else would you be staying down the shore, other than for awesome beach time.
They also have an outdoor shower and clotheslines around the side of the building, next to where the ice machine is. Great for rinsing off after the beach and hanging your towels up to dry. This is a HUGE plus for me. I HATE tracking sand into my room; I like leaving the beach AT the beach.
I frequent the shore every year, as I am a south Jersey native, and am only about an hour away from Stone Harbor (35 mins from AC). Sometimes, I like to stay down here for a few days, rather than just come for a day and go home. The Dunes, and it’s «sister» motels, is definitely a place I will be returning to in summers to come. Clean rooms, a block away from the beach, that are reasonably priced (considering it’s the shore) is all I need for a happy vacation.

Stayed at the Dunes Motel for the first time over Labor Day weekend and had no complaints. Obviously, it’s not a five star resort, so if you’re expecting that kind of service, look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a cheap and clean hotel room for a vacation at the shore, this place is perfect.
Our room had a king sized bed, window A/​C unit, flat screen TV, kitchenette (mini-​range, mini-​fridge and microwave) which was equipped with pots, pans, silverware and a coffeemaker. The maid, Shirley, was very friendly and kept our towels stocked and our bed made. Each room has two chairs and a table for a nice little sitting area outside the door. The second floor has a row of beach chairs, picnic tables and umbrellas to host larger groups or lay out without walking down to the beach. There’s no pool, but I never use hotel pools when there’s a beach two blocks away!
It’s located two blocks from the beach and two blocks from town. All check-​ins are done across the street at the Seaward Motel. They require a cash deposit on room keys and beach tags which you get back upon returning them. Everyone in the office was very friendly.
All in all, if you’re a normal person who will keep your reservation, leave at the right time and are just looking for a simple motel room in a great location, you’ll be fine. It’s a little on the pricier side, but so is Stone Harbor! Will definitely be returning to the Dunes next year.