Likes: Terrific location. Close to beach and easy walk to restaurants and shops in Ocean Grove, as well as restaurants in Asbury Park. The Asbury boardwalk is also just a short walk. The room was clean. Nice balconies on 2nd and third floor for morning coffee,
Dislikes: Room 2A was extremely small. On-line photos are typically deceptive, but this one was very deceptive. Amenities are minimal -- advertised as refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker in room, but only provided refrigerator. The microwave and coffee are only available in shared space on 1st floor---accessible by a very very narrow stairwell. Not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. No parking. At 3 pm check-in, do not count on a nearby street parking to unload car. Can't double park either--street is too narrow. Tip: parking spaces open up in the evening. Quiet neighborhood but walls are thin and noise from adjoining rooms and stairs cannot be avoided. Worst feature: NO communication from manager / owner other than last-minute check-in instructions via email. Tried calling and emailing before and during a 2 day stay--no responses at all.
Overall: A funky old beach house in a great location, clean and freshly painted. Tiny room and shower...tiny stairwell. OK stopover for a day or two but would not plan a longer visit to the Melrose. Maybe something else nearby?