Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site, but it is limited.

Does the property allow pets?

Yes, pets are allowed in specific rooms with a pet fee of USD 79.69 per pet, per stay, and a pet deposit of USD 100. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 16:00 to 23:30, and check-out is at 11:00. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request.

What accessibility features does the property offer?

The property features elevators and step-free entrances, making it accessible for guests with disabilities.

Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is located in Beach Haven (Ship Bottom), within a 5-minute drive of Sandbar Golf and Brant Beach, and is 6.4 miles from Bay Village and 6.5 miles from Fantasy Island Amusement Park.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, but specific age policies for free stays are not mentioned.

Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel - Ship Bottom

Average nightly price at Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$99
March	$116
April	$117
May	$157
June	$248
July	$387
August	$331
September	$205
October	$123
November	$108
December	$147

What guests think

At Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel, guests often praise the right‑on‑the‑sand location and balcony views, while feedback on rooms and upkeep is mixed, citing dated decor, occasional maintenance issues, and variable housekeeping standards across different buildings.

Staff are frequently described as friendly and accommodating, though some guests reported slow responses, reservation or billing problems, and occasional rudeness. Amenities are simple—beach badges, chairs and towels, on‑site parking, and pet‑friendly options—but there is no elevator in the oceanfront building and first‑floor “oceanfront” views may be blocked by dunes. Expect a basic, beach‑first stay where location outweighs polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Amenities are simple: beach badges, chairs and towels are provided, on‑site parking is available, and the property is pet‑friendly. There is no elevator in the oceanfront building, and some outdoor amenities can be limited or need maintenance.

Related guest reviews

8

Ami

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is what makes up for the little not so great things such as the property itself is a bit old and while they did clean the bathroom it was still a bit moldy. It was good to get beach chairs from the hotel though they can’t provide umbrellas. They had free fresh coffee in the lobby.

6

George

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Old, no elevator

10

Amy

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy access to the beach

8

Margaret

Aug 29, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Located directly on the beach. Updated beach towels and chair service.

6

Sarah

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Convenient walk to the beach and plenty of restaurants and activities. Rarely had the good beach chairs available. We always got stuck with folding chairs you’d be more likely to see on a camping trip. Would be nice if beach umbrellas would be offered, even if for an extra fee.

8

Constance

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There is no elevator to the 2nd and 3rd oceanfront rooms. First floor rooms have no ocean view, even in the oceanfront rooms. Other than that, peaceful and relaxing most of the time.

6

Antonia

Aug 13, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I liked it and I understand I stayed in the height of the season but I do think it was a tad over priced . Pros : View is amazing (we had ocean view king ) Bed was comfy Free parking Free daily beach access Complimentary use of beach chairs and towels (while they have them ) Dog friendly 5 mins drive to Bonnet island estates (my cousin got married there that’s why we did this trip ) Shuttle on Main Street infront of hotel , takes you up and down the island for 5 dollars a person Cons : The house keeping isn’t great . Last two days they did not change our sheets for some reason ( we know because we had little bits of sand here and there ) I also had to ask for them to sweep my room , felt like I had to beg and work my plans around house keeping . Also didn’t get the room cleaned one day by choice ( we were out all day and left our dog in the room ) it was like pulling teeth to get towels . They never brought them when we had asked earlier in the day and by the time we realized it front desk people were gone for the day . Not a 24 hour lobby (front desk ) . Not sure when they leave and go home but it’s early. Staff is a little passive aggressive . We stayed on the third floor , I didn’t realize there was no elevator so that was a little rough 😂 ( with my big luggage) Last point of con you have to return both hotel card keys , paper parking pass and beach passes (that one I get ) . I just like to save a room key every place we stay so I was sad I couldn’t .

10

Chris

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A pet friendly hotel staffed at the front desk by people who love dogs. A wonderful place! Will return next year.

10

Gale

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

We love Drifting Sands because of it’s central location on LBI and ocean front rooms. One downside, no elevators, however, it literally takes two minutes to walk to the beach.

10

Patrick

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed in the Oceanfront building on the third floor. Each room in this building has an ocean front balcony from which you could throw a stone and reach the beach. The view from our room was stunning. We awoke to a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean every morning. What more could you want from a Jersey shore vacation. They also supply beach chairs, towels and beach passes. We will definitely be back.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: many guests found rooms spotless, while others reported sand in beds, stains, musty or moldy odors, and missed housekeeping.

Related guest reviews

10

Liz

Oct 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were in the ocean spray building and were thrilled that the balconies all angle towards the beach so we were able to see the beach from our room. On the unfortunate side, it was during a tropical storm the weekend of kite fest 2025 so we ended up leaving Sunday morning instead of staying till Monday. The staff was wonderful, the rooms were very clean and large. I will definitely be staying there again

6

Giuseppe

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was pretty standard. Everything was clean for the most part, but I did not like how the housekeepers did not make the beds. The floors were not swept daily either. Pretty great spot to stay for a quick weekend getaway.

8

Mariann

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We throughly enjoyed our stay at the Drifting Sands! Check in staff and housekeeping were great. The only complaint was that it smelled very musty but hey we’re at the beach and that’s to be expected. Only suggestion would be to remove the old carpeting… was the source of mildew odor I think. Otherwise we will definitely be back next summer! Love LBI and staying at the Drifting Sands is awesome right on the beach!

6

Victoria

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to the beach so that was nice. Room was dirty though

6

DANA

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I was disappointed to find my hotel room dirty upon arrival, which was not what I expected. However, I appreciate that customer service responded quickly and addressed the issue right away. While the initial experience was frustrating, the staff’s professionalism and quick resolution made a difference. I would recommend the hotel ensure rooms are properly cleaned before check-in to avoid similar issues for future guests.

2

John

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bed sheets had sand on them which appears to indicate that the sheets were not changed from the prior hotel guests. Bathroom was also dirty.

6

Leah

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Bathroom was not clean. Whole room could use a good, deep clean. Beds not comfortable. Sheets appeared to have blood stains. Drawers all fell all the way out when opening to put clothing in. Good location and view.

8

Ester

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was easy to check in and out. Plenty of towels. The carpet could use more cleaning.

10

Renee

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spotless room and beautiful view.

2

Nicole

Jun 17, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Our room was very dirty. We complained several times to the front desk and absolutely nothing was done. We actually keft a day early because if it.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are basic and dated, with the best ocean views from higher floors; first‑floor “oceanfront” is often blocked by dunes. Expect occasional noisy AC, firm or uneven beds, and spotty Wi‑Fi in some buildings.

Related guest reviews

8

Cynthia

Sep 13, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Management was responsive to our complaint of our room being noisy because it was next to a mechanical room. They moved us as soon as we complained (after staying one night) and our new room was great (we stayed another two days). The first room had a broken patio lock, shower doors that were broken, and a refrigerator that had shelves missing and a freezer that was iced over and needed defrosing.

6

Rachel

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, rooms were noisy and outdated.

10

A.

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a gem of a property. Large, clean rooms and right next to the beach. The front desk staff was friendly and helpful.

6

Janet

Aug 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our building had no WiFi service & no effort was made to fix this problem. We had no one come to our room to empty garbage or provide clean towels.

6

Nancy

Sep 8, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beds were comfortable. Room was cute. A/C was noisy. Bathroom sink was small and the bathroom needs to be spruced up

8

Deborah Ann

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great view of the ocean from our room. The doors to the balcony both glass and screen door need WD-40, hard to open. The room was very plain but served its purpose. We had an enjoyable stay. Thank you!

6

LILY

Aug 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms are old and need updating. No elevator on beachfront units.

8

Jennifer

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location was great- near many things, even walking distance . Beach front was great-especially having a balcony facing the ocean- highly reccommend. Room was a nice size, roomy with a little mini kitchen (sink, micro. and mini fridge) . Hotel gives beach towels & nice beach chairs, and beach badges! very nice. Wall AC was a bit noisy however, and beds are very firm. not the most comfortable unfortunately. But overall a good place for a couple days at the beach!

8

Constance

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There is no elevator to the 2nd and 3rd oceanfront rooms. First floor rooms have no ocean view, even in the oceanfront rooms. Other than that, peaceful and relaxing most of the time.

10

Patrick

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed in the Oceanfront building on the third floor. Each room in this building has an ocean front balcony from which you could throw a stone and reach the beach. The view from our room was stunning. We awoke to a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean every morning. What more could you want from a Jersey shore vacation. They also supply beach chairs, towels and beach passes. We will definitely be back.

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Service

Many guests praise friendly, helpful front‑desk staff and occasional early check‑ins. Others describe slow or unprofessional interactions, mistaken charges or cancellations, and uneven responsiveness.

Related guest reviews

4

Maria Elena

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The person at the front desk was unprepared, slow and unprofessional. I prepaid the room through Hotels.com but she charged me again for the entire amount. The room are in very poor condition, the mattress, pillows and sheets are old. pretty bad experience overall

2

DANIEL

Jul 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

When my family arrived, they nonchalantly told me there was no room and our reservation had been cancelled by Expedia. Expedia told us Drifting Sands had cancelled the reservation.

4

Carla

Aug 8, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed here for 2 nights. They never came to clean our rooms. When I called the front desk they told me they don’t do that and that they only refresh the towels and I said not even the garbages? We have a baby and the diapers I had to bring out myself. When I told her she questioned if they brought towels and I said no. So she asked what my room number was to send them and again we never got them. The room was dated but other than that fine. Upon check out I explained my frustration to the young lady at the desk and all I got was an Im sorry. The location is great the beach is right there and plenty of places walkable to eat. Other than the lack of any room service it was fine.

10

Laurie

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was my second stay at Drifting Sands. This time we were facing the beach and it was awesome! The lady at the reception desk who checked us in was absolutely delightful!!! Whenever I get the opportunity to visit LBI, I will always stay at Drifting Sands!

10

Ricardo

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I'm pretty sure the young lady that checked me in was by the name of Eve. She was kind, very professional, and most accommodating.

10

Dorothy

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great friendly staff!

10

Eugene

Jul 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a great vacation and a great place with great staff and had an answer for every question I had thank you thank you thank you

6

Diego

Aug 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is clean but very run down. Tried to reach the front desk with a question and they did not answer the phone after over 20 attempts.

2

Steven

Jul 16, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This property is a disgrace and I would not recommend it to my worst enemy. The staff is rude, dishonest, unorganized and incompetent. Upon booking the stay, check in time is listed as 3pm. Upon arrival, we were told the room wouldn't be ready until 4pm. When I went to my room to check in, the room had not been turned over and cleaned from the prior patron. It was filthy and disgusting. The following day, the staff did not clean the hotel room and failed to change the garbages inside the rooms. The only accommodations made were new towels and soap. When addressing this matter with the staff, they will say it is in the contract that is signed. The staff uses their own verbiage to persuade a service that they simply fail to provide calling it "refreshment services". When addressing the garbages not being changed, the staffed informed us that it was because we did not leave our dirty trash can outside of the hotel room for the staff to know that it needed to be changed. The staff offered a discount due to the debacle of the check in process that was caused by their doing. The following day when this was mentioned to the staff, they simply did not acknowledge their promise. If I could rate this hotel and its service a zero, I would. I would never stay here again.

2

carolyn m

Aug 15, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

False advertising of the room we were supposed to get and the room we got was no where near the ocean it was facing a parking lot and was so dirty , floor was dirty mold was on lamp shade it was so bad and our key kept not working we had to go back everyday for new keys . We tried changing rooms but no others were available we were not happy and it was for my daughters 16th bday :(

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Beachfront in Ship Bottom with easy access to the sand and walking distance to restaurants, shops and services; parking is convenient. The area can be busy, and roadwork or traffic may affect the feel during some stays.

Related guest reviews

8

DONALD

May 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

LOCATION IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING AND WE LOVE THE DIRECT OCEAN VIEWS.

10

Jeanette

Jun 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff. Great location. Walking distance to places to eat. Amazing views. Close to beach. It’s a must visit property!

10

Greg

Jun 10, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

I really enjoyed my stay at the Drifting Sands Hotel over the Memorial Day Weekend. The room had plenty of room to relax and work. The Oceanfront view was perfect for enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I always enjoy staying at this hotel. It is conveniently located and I don’t have to go far to get everything I need to have and enjoy on my trip.

8

Joie

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location and right on the beach. Nice view from the room to the ocean. Friendly staff. Would visit again!

10

Theresa

Jun 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Located by the ocean, only steps to the beach!

10

maureen

Sep 11, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had a second-floor oceanfront king room. The beach location was perfect! Gorgeous sunrises from our balcony each morning, easy beach access (beach passes came with the room for the duration of our stay) and walking distance to many restaurants, a liquor store, shops etc. Not a fancy hotel, no pool (or elevator in our building) but we were there for the location. Staff was friendly and helpful. My only suggestion would be to add a couple of amenities for the in-unit kitchenette like maybe some dish soap, sponge, somethings like that to make it more convenient. Very pet friendly! We would definitely stay here again!

10

elizabeth

Apr 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Classic beach hotel with 2-3 separate buildings including one large oceanfront building. Nice staff and easy check in/out. Very convenient location for someone wanting to be centrally located on the island.

8

Scott

Jul 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great property right on the beach. Amazing views!

10

Joel

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent ocean front hotel close to everything. Perfect location.

8

Joe

Jul 31, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property was convenient to shopping, food, and of course the beach.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No on‑site restaurant or bar, but there are many dining options within easy walking distance; some mention lobby coffee.

Related guest reviews

8

Ami

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is what makes up for the little not so great things such as the property itself is a bit old and while they did clean the bathroom it was still a bit moldy. It was good to get beach chairs from the hotel though they can’t provide umbrellas. They had free fresh coffee in the lobby.

8

MARYLU

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was your basic, Jersey-shore hotel. The owner and staff were very friendly and helpful. It's located right by the beach and walking distance to lots of stores and restaurants. My one complaint was that there was some sort of mix up and the cleaning staff didn't come through. My husband had to go down to the reception desk to get clean towels.

8

Keith

Jul 7, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location, right next to the beach. Pleasantly surprised with the condition of our building and unit. Staff were all super nice and welcoming. Bonus was the beach chairs and towels daily you can get. Nothing glamorous here it's typical beach motel lodging in an ideal location in the middle of the island. Easy to get to and lots of restaurants, mini golf and ice cream shops in walking distance. Would definitely stay here again. Beds are a bit small and some of the property is showing age but expected for being that close to the ocean.

8

VINCENT

Aug 5, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Nice place to stay. Rooms are a little dated and there is no restaurant or bar in the hotel but overall a great location right on the beach and close to the bridge.

8

Joanne

Aug 6, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice place. Would stay there again for a short weekend stay in LBI. Friendly staff with an easy check-in and check-out procedures. It was nice to be able to have close access to the beach with provided chairs and towels. The room was larger than expected and the balcony was nice to sit on in the morning or evening. Easy walking distance to Wawa, breakfast/lunch spots and ice cream

10

Jessica

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable, spacious, and clean room. It’s on the beach. Surrounding area is walkable with lots of dining options.

8

Jennifer

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location was great- near many things, even walking distance . Beach front was great-especially having a balcony facing the ocean- highly reccommend. Room was a nice size, roomy with a little mini kitchen (sink, micro. and mini fridge) . Hotel gives beach towels & nice beach chairs, and beach badges! very nice. Wall AC was a bit noisy however, and beds are very firm. not the most comfortable unfortunately. But overall a good place for a couple days at the beach!

10

Pattianne

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Loved our oceanfront room, balcony & view. Comfy bed! Wawa is right across the street. Worked out great to get some snacks for the beach!

8

Jennifer

Jul 8, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was extremely close to the beach and walking distance from many shops and restaurants.

4

Mary

May 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Location in proximity to the beach is a 3 minute walk. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, nice size too. Beautiful Adirondack chairs near welcome center. Turn off was $2.00 for a self serve cup of coffee, which should have been complimentary for paying guests. No early check in or, pre-check in permitted.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3 $153	4 $153	5 $152	6 $241	7 $206
8 $152	9 $141	10 $137	11 $139	12 $143	13 $166	14 $165
15 $165	16 $164	17 $165	18 $166	19 $165	20 $199	21 $199
22 $166	23 $166	24 $166	25 $165	26 $166	27 $199	28 $199
29 $166	30 $140

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1 $150	2 $150	3 $150	4 $167	5 $167
6 $122	7 $131	8 $122	9 $122	10 $122	11 $180	12 $167
13 $122	14 $122	15 $122	16 $133	17 $122	18 $167	19 $167
20 $122	21 $122	22 $131	23 $122	24 $167	25 $176	26 $167
27 $122	28 $122	29 $122	30 $122	31

Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

Prices for Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Panoramic Room, 2 Queen Beds, Balcony, Oceanfront

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Oceanfront (1St Floor )

Standard Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Balcony

Panoramic Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Oceanfront

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Oceanfront

Panoramic Room, 2 Double Beds, Balcony, Oceanfront

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony

Premier Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Oceanfront

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Balcony, Oceanfront (1St Floor )

Guest reviews of Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

Considering this hotel for your Ship Bottom trip?

Prices for upcoming dates