By Tim Kelly
They are the most opulent spaces in one of Ocean City’s most exclusive places.
The Penthouses at the Flanders Hotel are extravagance on top of luxury. For those seeking the cushiest temporary digs in Ocean City, or for that matter anywhere along the Jersey Shore, the Flanders Penthouses are just the thing.
“The finest accommodations in Ocean City, there’s no question about it,” said Peter Voudouris, Director of Hotel Operations.
If Voudouris sounds slightly biased, a tour of the five swanky Penthouses has a way of turning your thinking around.
Overstuffed chairs and sofas, and lots of them, hardwood floors, vaulted tray ceilings, gas fireplaces, and 14-carat gold plated bathroom fixtures are just a few of the Penthouses’ eye-popping features.
Perks like a private elevator, wet bars, spacious dining areas, outdoor terraces and the option to live there year-round are part of the appeal.
And then there are the views. Located on the upper floors of the landmark 1923 property, a view of the coast all the way to Sea Isle City can be seen on a clear day. To the North, the panorama includes beach, boardwalk and Ocean City neighborhoods
The Penthouses come in three varieties: Southview with two bedrooms and two baths ; Ocean Front with two bedrooms and three baths. Both of these sizes comfortably sleep six. The crown jewel is the two-story, 2,300 sq. ft. Terrace Townhouse with three bedrooms and three baths, sleeping eight.
As one would expect, an in-season stay is pricey, ranging from $920 to $1,320 a night during the prime vacation weeks of June 15 through September 3. However, some parties divide the cost to make it more reasonable. And if you’re a fan of year-round visits, you can steal a Southview suite for a mere $350 a night from October 26 through April 12, 2019. Divide that cost and it can be less than a budget hotel rate per-person.
If you want a Penthouse for Memorial Day weekend, the per-night cost is $680 for a Southview, $770 for Oceanfront and $875 for the Terrace Townhouse.
For a complete list of seasonal prices, visit www.theflandershotel.com
Although the Flanders, which had stood at 11th Street and the Boardwalk since 1923, is one of the oldest and most iconic businesses in town, the Penthouse suites are one of the town’s lesser-known treasures. Surprisingly, the four smaller suites are also one of its newest additions.
They were created in 2001 when a previous owner of the hotel literally punched holes in the roof to build them.
“They were about 70 percent completed when (the owner) ran out of money, and the contractors walked off the job,” Voudouris said.
When the building changed hands in 2004, a new Owner’s Association took over and finished building the long-dormant Penthouses. They were put up for sale in 2005 and private owners snapped them up within the year. The Penthouse owners stay in them at times, but mostly rent them out.
The Skyline Terrace Penthouse is a story in its own right. The oceanfront luxury suite has been restored to its original 1923 splendor. There are outdoor patios, and French doors open to an oceanfront patio and a second private patio off the master bedroom. The private elevator opens to the foyer and its 18-ft. ceiling on the top floor. There are three gas fireplaces, a clothes washer and dryer and a wet-bar.
The market includes weddings (the Flanders hosts about 60 each year) business meeting and attendees to the dozens of special events taking place in the 25,000 sq. ft. of banquet and conference space, Voudouris said.
Of course, Penthouse guests have access to Emily’s Restaurant, coffee shop, the outdoor heated pool, business center, gym, salon and spa, shops and free wireless internet, among other amenities.
The all-suites hotel was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
“Our goal was to develop a true resort hotel with every service you would find at a top resort and to bring that type of property to Ocean City” Voudouris said. “I think we’ve accomplished that.”
