We've stayed in the Crest many times over the last decade, and people need to get a grip on what you get there for the money you pay. This area is NOT a bastion of luxury resorts. After staying in an overpriced "dump" the first time down there (if people think the Apollo is a dump, they should see this place), we subsequently stayed at another place way down the beach in the Crest several times. Loved the location, but after some room and service issues the last couple times we were there, we decided to look for another place next time. We went down the third week of August, generally a time when the rates are still "high season." The Apollo was having a special deal (I think it was around $145/night), so we booked there. The location is fantastic--not as far down the beach as our other place, which was fine. You're still far enough from the Boardwalk to avoid that bustle and noise, but very convenient to restaurants. And the beach is super close to the hotel. The deluxe-sized 2-room efficiency was roomy and well appointed--for a place in this area. We'd toured another place last time we were there--a very high-ranking one--and the efficiency at the Apollo was MUCH, MUCH larger and nicer. The staff was typical for what we've found down there--not going out of their way to be friendly, but not surly--better than where we stayed before, and very responsive to any issues that arose. Yes, the pool is small, but very clean, fun to just splash around in.The patio and grill area is very nice. We, too, were disappointed in the bare-bones cable in the bedroom and the poorly located air conditioning unit. It's hard to cool the whole place down. On the plus side, our room was clean--not immaculate, but clean. We had a problem one day with it not being cleaned (not sure it was the staff's fault--too long a story for here), but the management duly apologized and very willingly sent someone up to vacuum and provide fresh towels.
When booking, I spoke to a very helpful gentleman on the phone, who answered all my questions about room size and locations, etc. Anyone who gets a room and is dismayed at the size of it has nobody but themselves to blame--the layouts online and photo tours are accurate' if you have questions, all you have to do is call and ask.
The bathroom was totally modernized and was a decent size--the only thing is they need a medicine cabinet or small stand in it to hold toiletries, instead of having to balance them on the sink. There were plenty of towels and washcloths provided daily. The parking is indeed God-awful--but I'd rather put up with that than have great parking and major problems with the room or the service.
All in all, this was a very good value for the money, for this area. If you want to spend well over $200/night to get a more "upscale" place, you can. But for a family on a budget, this was a great stay. We will definitely return, and next time will spend the extra $10/night to get the beach-front efficiency--we would have this time had we realized just how close to the ocean the hotel is and what a great view you get from those end rooms. Never having been there, it was difficult to envision.
People who want a 5-star hotel experience do not want to stay in the Wildwoods. You need to understand where you are going and what you get for the money.
- Apollo Hotel Wildwood Crest
- Apollo Motel Wildwood Crest
