This was our very first trip to the Jersey Shore and I did *lots* of research to find a place that would meet our basics: oceanfront, kid-friendly, pool, balcony space, larger "efficiency" suite with kitchenette and separate sleeping area, with some character and charm. Turns out this is pretty common to a lot of motels in the area -- but from what I can tell, Paradise is truly special!
First off, it's super, super clean, from the rooms to the property as a whole. Someone is always going around picking up outside, and the cleaners did an exceptional job on the rooms each day. It's also just incredibly comfortable -- the beds and bedding (particularly in the recently renovated rooms) are of a quality I'd be happy with at home; the kitchenette is stocked with all the dishes you'd need; the rooms have lovely air flow with ceiling fans. Even the shower water pressure was great!
The location is really fortunate -- it truly is right on the beach, with no roads or wide boardwalks to cross, just a few steps down to a sandy area with a beach volleyball net set up (and a convenient shower for rinsing off). Just a few minutes' walk in one direction takes you to a peaceful bird sanctuary, and the more active Wildwood amusement side is just a few minutes' drive the other way (you can see the boardwalk lit up from Paradise at night, which is nice). It feels like an ideal set-up to be able to experience the best of the "fun" amusement park Shore stuff and the beautiful nature up towards Cape May. The only drawback is that there isn't a whole lot in walking distance for shopping, dining etc., but we found it super easy to get around town and parking was never a problem.
Anyway, we liked it so much we changed our plans and stayed an extra night, and they were exceptionally accommodating -- the property managers are easy to reach by text and everything was really smooth. We had to change rooms so got to see both the newly renovated style (on the 3rd floor) and the regular one -- which was perfectly fine, though the renovated was definitely cuter in style and had nicer bedding. The balconies are not private -- common walkway -- and there are only a handful of rooms that directly face the ocean (ours were sort of at an angle facing the pool but with a lovely little beach view from the back bedroom window). But it was a really nice set up, and everyone staying there was so friendly, just good vibes all around. Definitely not a party scene, very family oriented and laid back.
Only drawbacks, for me, were the wall separating the kiddie pool from the regular one, which made it hard to sit and relax and keep an eye on my kiddo when she went between pools, and the spotty WiFi. But everything else greatly exceeded expectations, and we look forward to returning!
