beachboy
New Member
doo-in wwc since 1960
Posts: 45
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Post by beachboy on Feb 6, 2005 13:57:21 GMT -5
Eunice:
I can definitely see your point on the distintion between the charm of the smaller L shaped drive up's (which I believe really define doo-wop) and the larger motels that came later in a seemingly natural progression but kept to the theme, thank heaven!!!
I have seen the gas lanterns at the Kona Kai lit up and I believe it was recently, within the past 5 years,
I am note sure of the date the Royal Hawaiian was built but I do know that the original owners also owned the bonanza across the street. The owners were from Germany, they had a son about my age that I hung out with alittle in the late 70's. They added the saucer and the additional rooms at a time when there was not much happening building -wise in the crest. This made their addition more impressive.
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Post by DooWopper on Feb 6, 2005 14:46:51 GMT -5
I also like the Ala Kai motel in the Crest. It's a nice little place, unfortunately it's in the middle of the mass condo building area. I hope they and the other local motels don't sell.
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Post by Al Alven on Feb 7, 2005 17:07:56 GMT -5
beachboy, I believe that the "saucer" addition to the Royal Hawaiian was made in 1979. I have been given that date from a number of sources, with no contradictions.
I did not realize that the folks who owned the R.H. also owned the Bonanza. Interesting...
Doowopper, I have heard that the Ala Kai is in danger of being demolished and replaced by condos recently. I'm not sure of the exact status of the motel, though.
I will try to find out shortly.
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how bout wildwood ones
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Post by how bout wildwood ones on Feb 12, 2005 17:42:50 GMT -5
Why doesn't anyone EVER talk about Wildwood motels. For instance the Shore Plaza, or Landmark, both are excellent examples of 50's style, and are still operating.
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Post by FlyinGN on Feb 13, 2005 15:32:42 GMT -5
good question... I like all the hotels. Wildwood(proper) included:)
Never stayed at either tho..
Frank
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Post by choochoochuck on Feb 13, 2005 18:49:50 GMT -5
Whenever i drive to the boardwalk from stone harbor i always pass the Lollipop. it looks so cool and its a classic and one of a kind. IM SO HAPPY ITS BEING SAVED ;D
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Post by DooWopper on Feb 13, 2005 20:37:19 GMT -5
The Ala Kai may be demolished? (curses).
What happened to the Nova motel?
Im not to familiar with the Wildwood (proper) motels as I am with the crest, which I can recall design and location instantly in my head. I was Happy to see the Cheateu Bleu (spelling may be off) was registered as a National Historic Landmark or whatever. I hope many more follow this season, and that they can get some darn motel zoning in this year. That would stop condos in the Crest dead in their tracks. However, chances are slim I guess.
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Post by Al Alven on Feb 13, 2005 20:41:09 GMT -5
No, question, some of the motels in North Wildwood and Wildwood are often overlooked...
This is probably due to a combination of:
A.) The Crest holding the distinction of having the largest collection of mid-century buildings and motels in the country on its own (probably more than NW and WW combined at its height... and maybe even still).
B.) The unique, "standout" quality of the motels in the Crest... The Caribbean, Carousel, Ebb Tide, Kona Kai, Royal Hawaiian, Satellite, Tahiti, etc... There are/were nothing like these great institutions anywhere else.
That said, there were and still are plenty of excellent examples of Doo Wop architecture in North Wildwood and Wildwood proper.
Some of my personal (and still active) favorites motels in those towns include...
North Wildwood 24th Street, Bird of Paradise, Carideon, Chateau Bleu, Lollipop, New England, Panoramic, Sans Souci, Suitcase, Tuscany
Wildwood Brittany, Eden Roc, Isle of Palms, Landmark, Royal Canadian, Shore Plaza, Skylark, Starlux Hotel, Tropicana, White Star
So many great treasures remain on the island, even outside of the Crest... Let's enjoy them all and never take any of them for granted!
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Post by Eunice on Feb 13, 2005 20:45:17 GMT -5
I was just thinking about another lovely vintage motel in the Crest. The Pyramid. Its a small L-shaped motel, with a lovely orange neon Pyramid sign on top. Talk about nice motel owners...she is great. Very accomodating and strives to be extremely clean and the facilities are always well maintained without losing too much of the original feel. She is open off season too...if any of you roving photographers want a place to stay during your winter shoots.
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Post by DooWopper on Feb 13, 2005 20:47:24 GMT -5
I read the DWPL's 2005 statment thing in the News section. It says they would like to get somthing zoned off this year. What are the chances? It would be really good if they could. Is the Sans Souci located on the beach block or farther back?
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Post by FlyinGN on Feb 14, 2005 6:24:16 GMT -5
the sans souci is just off the boardwalk around 21st street. You are one building away from the boardwalk is the best explanation. Its a great hotel. We stayed there a few years ago for a weekend and loved it.. Its right next to an excellant ice cream stand/store too:)
Frank
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Post by Tim W on Feb 14, 2005 16:46:15 GMT -5
The Nova motel is on Ocean Ave between Baker, and Montgomery. I stayed there last July, it's ok, but short on views, but very cheap!
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