Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Toms River — Hotel in Toms River

It was a pleasant surprise to find the young woman with whom I spoke on the phone to also be at the check-in desk. Remembering our conversations and her warm, enthusiastic personality made a great first impression. The rooms were clean, comfortable and having a fridge and microwave made it an easy, efficient stay with young children. The cost of the rooms was very reasonable. A memorial service and luncheon for a large number of out of town friends and family members was held at this hotel and an outnumbered luncheon was seamlessly accommodated with additional seating and more than ample very delicious food. The reasonably priced Sunday buffet was amazing, with a huge assortment of well beyond deliciously prepared foods and fresh fruit and beverages that were consistently replenished. This was the best hotel in all aspects that I have ever stayed in.

My only complaint was the hostess at the breakfast buffet adamantly refusing to accept payment due to a "no refund policy" for the rest of my family (2 adults & 2 small children - one with sensory and underwear issues) that were frantically attempting to extricate themselves from the hotel room. Even pleading with the promise that they were coming shortly and that even if they didn't, I would not request a refund; that I only wanted one charge on my credit card and strongly didn't want them to pay for themselves; and that I am diabetic and really needed to eat fell on relentless, deaf ears. It wasn't until 10-20 minutes following our arrival that my very annoyed mother-in-law, growing tired of waiting for us, loudly and angrily yelled at us from across the room wanting to know what we were doing, that another staff member (who had heard most of my pleas but did not assist, but in her defense was very busy doing other things) finally stepped up and assisted us in the other woman's absence. Just one small, but extremely annoying and disappointing blemish on an otherwise...

I have been a Choice Hotels member for several years and I found their staff rude. After paying $150 per room per night was shocked to find out that their continental breakfast was $8 per person and NOT included in the hotel rate. I purchased two rooms for two nights and my guest went to get a cup of coffee and was told that it would still be $8. What happened to complimentary coffee? The breakfast room was empty .... wonder why?? The only other couple in the room was discussing the charge for breakfast as well and seemed just as shocked as me. The staff tried to tell me that their breakfast was a "hot" breakfast and not continental yet every Choice hotel I have stayed at has had waffles, eggs, sausage or bacon on top of a cold selection at NO CHARGE. When I asked for a refund on the $8 they charged my guest the manager, who refused to admit she was the manager, actually argued with me about the refund. Really? I spend $600 and you're going to quibble over $8 with me? The room was clean and decent as to be expected with this brand however the shower only ran barely luke warm water at the highest setting and one of the shower doors would not slide at all. That was another issue that I had to bring up after the first night. They did fix the water but that is an issue that I don't think I should have had to tell them about. Makes me wonder if the bathrooms are getting fully cleaned if this is not something that housekeeping noticed. Do they use hot water to clean? I do not think this hotel deserves the Clarion rating. It was more of a Quality Inn...

When booking for 2 rooms in the area was a bit distressed that rooms were hard to find. Nothing area-wide specific going on, just a busy time of season (end of summer). Pleased to find last 2 rooms here, where there were 2 wedding parties. Was initially a little put-off by what appeared to be a bit run down hotel but was glad to find Theresa at the desk working quickly and professionally to get everyone where they needed to be. Several guests were getting checked in and we were quickly moved through and keys issued. Although it was busy, Theresa was smiling a friendly the entire time. She was thorough and gave us all the info we needed for our stay, she's a definite plus for the hotel. The wallpaper in the rooms was peeling a bit and the place could use a remodel/renovation. But was surprised that even with 2 wedding parties in the place the rooms were quieter than any other hotel I can remember! The breakfast (requiring a 'coupon' that I've not had to have at a Choice hotel) was better than any other Choice property I've stayed. The good breakfast, very quiet rooms, and great staff make this an excellent choice. One thing I'd ask of the management, I believe the entrance is placarded "No Smoking Within 25 Feet.' This isn't enforced, there are ashtrays very near the doors. Please remove the ashtrays to the parking lot and enforce the 'no smoking within 25 feet of the entrance'... thanks. By the way, I didn't have drinks in the bar but it looked like a great 'after 5'...