The Reeds at Shelter Haven

When my Mom heard rumors that Steven Spielberg was shooting a new UFO movie in her hometown of Woodbine, she wanted to jump in the car and drive down there to see if she could catch a glimpse of the filming, the stars, or even the director himself! As luck would have it, the filming was scheduled to take place during my birthday week! Spending my birthday aimlessly driving around the pine barrens stalking celebrities was NOT my idea of a good time, but then again, without my mother, I would not have been born, and thus, there would not have been a birthday to celebrate, so in the spirit of cooperation and compromise, I agreed to go on this fool's errand IF and only IF we could stay at a luxurious hotel with a spa where I would book a facial that would make me look and feel younger, in order to soften the sledgehammer blow of being yet another year older. The Reeds at Shelter Haven fit the bill, and I booked a 2-night stay. You've heard it said that no good deed goes unpunished? On my birthday, that's exactly what happened. First, we learned that the spa was closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (spa schedule was not listed anywhere when we booked). My birthday fell on a Tuesday so we had to leave our spacious well-appointed room and sumptuous hotel beds (which were just as relaxing and comfortable as all the reviews say they are) and drive down to the spa in Cape May to get my facial, where Mom had a medical emergency and adamantly refused treatment at the local hospital due to negative childhood memories, despite the well-reasoned logical pleas of three EMTs, a concerned spa attendant, and me. I was on pins and needles for the remainder of the evening and the next day, wondering what on earth would happen next. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. But then I remembered that I wasn't alone. I thought of how kind the bartender had been to me, who made sure I got my order in before the kitchen closed and the night watch lady who offered my coffee the first night we arrived. And the gracious valet who went the extra mil. And the helpful informative front desk people. And the concierge, who, when I let it slip that it was my birthday, left a special treat (Douglass truffles) in our room. And the dining room staff who had dealt with all my Mom's questions and special requests like it was no trouble at all. Before we checked out, I went downstairs and enlisted EVERYONE's help, informing them that Mom was NOT ok, despite any of her protests to the contrary, and that I needed take-out from the restaurant, assistance loading the car, and the keys placed in my hand, because over my dead body was she driving home. This was NOT easy for me. I hate attention, hate making scenes, hate drama and here I am playing Best Supporting Actress in my Mom's drama. (Where was Steven Spielberg then??) But I felt like everyone empathized with me, everyone understood, everyone GOT IT!!!! The concierge apologized even though she did nothing wrong (she did everything 100% perfectly, and I don't even believe in perfection). The front desk lady made sure I had extra coffee while I waited for Mom to come down to the lobby. The dining room staff accommodated our every request to the best of their ability (they had run out of smoked salmon). The valet hugged me before I finally got into the driver's seat after wrangling the keys away from Mom. While it was far from the peaceful relaxing seaside birthday I had been craving, this had nothing all to do with the quality of the accommodations and the caring attentiveness of the staff! When your vacation is idyllic and uneventful, you don't have much to write about in a review, but it's when things go totally haywire and spiralling out of control and you really need to rely on people that you find out what they're made of. When I got home and people asked me if I had seen some stars, my answer was YES!!! Because the REAL stars weren't out on some fake movie set that week - they were working at The Reeds at Shelter Haven:)

Perfect couples getaway! We had the most amazing Valentine’s Day/ Birthday experience at The Reeds at Shelter Haven! From start to finish, we had an amazing experience. The prix fixe dinner was delicious with each course beautifully presented and our waiter was so knowledgeable and friendly (went above and beyond to take care of us). The spa experience was equally amazing. The Turkish bath was perhaps the best couples spa experience we have had- it was so relaxing, private and left our skin feeling so soft. The couples massage was awesome. Our massage therapists applied the right amount of pressure and were so accommodating. Highly recommend! The thoughtful touch of champagne and a white chocolate-covered strawberry bouquet in our room was the cherry on top of a romantic getaway. We had fun popping the cork and celebrating V day (which also happens to be my hubby’s bday). The Reeds truly offers a luxurious and intimate escape for couples. We’re already planning our next visit this summer, and we can’t wait to bring our kids along to enjoy all the family-friendly amenities. Highly recommend!

I had a wonderful New Year’s dinner and stay over the New Year. The room was wonderfully appointed. The staff was pleasant, friendly and professional. After a somewhat disappointing stay this past summer I had a delightful stay. I would recommend staying in the main hotel rather than the spa building if possible having now stayed at both buildings.

Do not sleep on pull out couch. Worst pull out I’ve ever slept on, which is saying a lot from a 24 y/o who travels a lot and sleeps in hostels, on couches, air mattresses, etc. Rest of hotel was beautiful and clean. Do not make anyone sleep on couch, book a bigger room. For being newly built and especially for the price, they should be ashamed of the quality of that pull out couch. Was like sleeping on metal bars with a sheet on top. Stayed in a junior suite with my sister and her husband and they had to pay an extra $40 for a third person in the room for “safety reasons.” $40 extra for the worst nights sleep I’ve ever gotten.

Absolutely awful. The dining area was filthy and there was a hair in my food. The staff was unfriendly and you would think the management would be pleasant and they are no where near. They treat their employees and customers awful. They put on a front that they are the best of the best when they are no where near it. Someone needs to inform the owners of what is really going on at this place because there is definitely a reason not many people come back. And probably even more of a reason that when I come back there is always a new staff…. must be a reason why no one ever stays. Someone please let the owners know before this place goes into shambles.