Oceanic Hotel & Barefoot Tiki Bar

This hotel is a popular choice for its prime location directly across from the convention center, boardwalk, and beach, making it an excellent base for exploring the area. Its signature feature is the inviting outdoor pool with a swim-up tiki bar, which many guests find to be a fun and relaxing amenity. The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpful service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. While room conditions vary, the hotel is often chosen by families seeking convenient access to attractions and a lively pool area, and by couples looking for a vibrant atmosphere. Business travelers also find it suitable due to its proximity to the convention center. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to inquire about the availability of recently renovated rooms and to be prepared for the parking situation, as on-site spots are limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's outdoor pool is a major draw, featuring a popular swim-up tiki bar that creates a lively atmosphere. While many guests enjoy this amenity, some note that the pool can become crowded as it is also open to the public, and occasionally appears cloudy. The hot tub is available, though some guests reported it being cold or dirty. In addition to the poolside bar, there is also an indoor bar which guests find enjoyable. Wi-Fi is generally available, though some guests staying in separate cottages experienced connectivity issues. While the hotel offers an elevator, some areas, like the family side, are only accessible by stairs. Guests should be aware that ice machines can sometimes be out of order, and the hotel has removed its game room and wash room facilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Many guests commend the rooms for being clean, modern, and updated, often highlighting comfortable beds and refurbished bathrooms. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as dirty upon arrival, citing issues like stained carpets, hair, mold, and uncleaned surfaces. Rooms are frequently noted as small or cramped, with a general lack of dressers, tables, or chairs, forcing guests to live out of their luggage. Bathroom issues include peeling paint, water damage, clogged sinks, and inconsistent water pressure or hot water. While air conditioning is present, its effectiveness varies, with some units being noisy or insufficient. Noise from the hotel bar, hallways, and street can also impact sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer a traditional breakfast service or a full-service restaurant, but guests can find various breakfast options within a short walking distance. The tiki bar by the pool serves food, which is generally well-regarded by guests for its quality and convenience, offering a casual dining experience. The indoor bar also contributes to the hotel's social atmosphere, providing another option for drinks and relaxation. However, a recurring point of frustration for many guests is that the tiki bar operates on a cash-only basis, which can be inconvenient and limits purchasing options for those without cash on hand, leading to missed sales opportunities for the hotel. Some guests also noted that the bar selection at the tiki bar was limited, and a few experienced issues with the bartender's attitude or drink preparation, impacting their overall enjoyment of the poolside amenities.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is situated directly across from the convention center, providing immediate access for attendees, and is just a short walk to the boardwalk and beach. This prime position allows guests to easily reach numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions on foot, minimizing the need for driving. However, parking is a significant and frequently mentioned challenge. While some limited on-site parking is available, it often fills up quickly, requiring guests to use an overflow lot located one to two blocks away. This can be inconvenient, especially for families with luggage, though the overflow lot is typically free. Some guests also noted the availability of metered parking nearby.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, making a strong positive impression on guests. Many reviews highlight the staff's accommodating nature and their willingness to assist with various requests, from providing extra towels to addressing room issues. The check-in process is generally described as easy and smooth, with staff often allowing early check-ins or late check-outs when possible. While some guests reported inconsistencies with housekeeping services, such as rooms not being cleaned daily or only receiving partial service, the staff at the front desk and those responsible for maintenance are often commended for their responsiveness in trying to resolve problems promptly. Overall, the dedication of the staff to providing attentive service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel comprises both recently renovated rooms and older, dated sections, and the room received may not always match online photos. The pool and tiki bar are notably open to the public, which, while creating a lively atmosphere, can lead to crowding and may raise concerns about exclusivity for hotel guests. Some guests staying in the separate cottage accommodations reported issues with air conditioning only being available in the living area, and a general lack of storage or amenities like microwaves in all rooms. A common frustration is the cash-only policy at the poolside bar. Additionally, some older rooms may have less secure door locks, and there are reports of smoking on balconies and stairwells.