The Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast — Hotel in Barnegat Light

We had visited the Sand Castle once before, years ago in April, when the weather was chilly and the hospitality warm. I remember being comfortable, and that some of the rooms have fireplaces. This stay was in early June, while many types of business were still closed or restricted. Our first impression was of the proprietors' concern for safety. Our suite was accessible to us without in-person check-in; wastebaskets and linens were collected and reissued outside the door; and breakfast was delivered to us instead of served in the dining room (for this late riser, a feature and not a bug). This time we stayed in one of the larger suites, a duplex with a patio, a convertible bed, an extra TV, and the jacuzzi upstairs from the main bed/living/kitchenette level. It was very spacious and comfortable; we were provided with coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, refrigerator, microwave. I believe the appliances are now standard in all the rooms. The suite also had a nice dining table and some extra folding chairs and TV trays, which I also think are in all the rooms to accommodate the need to eat take-out. Finally, we had the option to use real tableware if we didn't mind washing it. The suite was full of supplies: toiletries, linens, paper goods, dish and bath towels. Whenever we needed something, we called and it appeared outside the door before we could ring off. The pool was open, with the seating properly spaced. On the safety note, the suite had many opening windows and ceiling fans; as of this writing, fresh air circulation and ventilation are considered most helpful in reducing virus transmission through contaminated droplets and aerosols. A word or two about the location. The room service breakfast was so generous that it was also lunch. We ordered our evening meal from two local restaurants, one right next door, the other very close. Not only was the food excellent, but the ease and proximity of pick-up, plus the nice-sized table, made the meals more enjoyable than sometimes happens when dining out, when service can be slow and tables too small. ( We are unable to replicate the experience at home due to the distance the food must travel.) The village in which the inn is located, Barnegat Light, is at the north end of LBI. It is a distance from the more commercially lively areas south of the causeway. We have always liked it because: (1) it is a working fishing village; (2) the extensive oceanfront dune and wildlife zones denote to us at least a wave in the direction of responsible coastal management; (3) it is quiet; (4) there is a large park; and (5) some of the fisherfolk seem to have been Norwegian (well, it matters to me). The nearby village of Harveys Cedars has a few more businesses,...

The Sand Castle in the Time of Pandemic My stay at The Sand Castle was wonderful. They are a bed and breakfast in the town of Barnegat Light at the north end of Long Beach Island.

They only have 8 rooms, which in the age of COVID is not a bad thing. Those rooms are modern, neat and wonderfully appointed. Each room has a table and chairs so that you can eat breakfast in and bring back dinner to eat without worrying about social distancing at a public place.

You can take breakfast in your room and it will be delivered. Or you can reserve a space in the dining area. Two large rooms have only 4 places because of COVID. Those rooms can serve more than a dozen in normal times. So if you choose to eat breakfast in the dining room, there is plenty of space for social distancing.

Each room has a private parking space, so you can go out, and know you have a place to park upon your return.

The place is marvelously clean. They sanitize and clean your room before you get there. They do not come into your room during your stay. If you want towels, you leave the used ones outside your door, and they will be replaced. Masks must be worn on the premises.

They even clean the bikes after every use. You can use bicycles at no extra charge, and they will be cleaned upon return before they are put away.

In the summer when the pool is open, the tables and chairs are spaced 40 to 50 feet apart, so that there is plenty of social distancing.

Soda is provided in each room, and snacks (covered with Saran wrap for cleanliness) are put out every afternoon. Nancy is a wonderful cook and her baked goods are tasty and plentiful.

Though not available now, because of COVID, they have library and also a DVD library. And each room comes equipped with a TV and a DVD player.

Nancy Gallimore is extremely friendly and a font of information. Need a recommendation for a place to eat, ask her. Want to know the history of someplace on LBI just ask.

The Sand Castle is a truly wonderful place to stay, both in season and out. I heartily...

We stayed at the Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast for our honeymoon and had an absolutely wonderful time. It's hard to choose the best part—the breakfast each morning was out of this world, our Beachcomber room was incredibly comfortable, and even with a week of rain and fog, there was no shortage of things to do.||Since we took our honeymoon a year and a half into our marriage, we decided to renew our vows, and thanks to the incredible kindness of the innkeepers, it became a truly special moment. Brian and Audrey went above and beyond to make our renewal ceremony unforgettable—Audrey provided us with a beautiful bouquet and sparkling cider, while Brian officiated on the rooftop. They even provided us with beautiful pamphlets that included our renewal vows. Their warmth and hospitality made our trip feel magical, despite the weather.||We're already looking forward to returning in the summer to fully enjoy the pool and rooftop under sunnier skies. In the meantime, the cozy lounge, endless games, books, puzzles, and thoughtful amenities ensured that every moment was enjoyable. The plush robes, 24/7 tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, delicious food, bikes, and even the beach towels and chairs made us feel like we had everything we could want and were completely taken care of.||Sand Castle truly offers everything you could want in a getaway, and we can't wait to come back! This was hands-down the best experience we've ever had at a place we've stayed, and we wouldn’t change a thing.||On a side note as a former hospice and skilled nursing care worker, I was very impressed with the handicap accessibility of the inn. Both inside the room, the bathroom, and in areas of the inn, such as a lift onto the porch and an elevator. Very well thought out...