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Asbury Park’s newest hotel and entertainment venue is currently topping the leaderboard in a national best of readers’ choice competition administered by USA Today.

A team of editors, along with a panel of hotel experts, hand-picked 20 of the best hotel openings across the nation this year in order to create the 10Best Readers’ Choice list.

Now, the online voting is underway to determine which venue deserves the Best New Hotel accolade.

The public is allowed to vote once per day, with polls closing at noon Monday, Jan. 2, according to the online rules.

Launched Memorial Day weekend at the former Salvation Army building of Fifth Avenue, The Asbury is the first new hotel of its size to open in the city in over 50 years.

Owned by waterfront redeveloper iStar, The Asbury was envisioned as a social hub, with its 110 rooms, rooftop lounges, pool area and outdoor beer garden. There is also an indoor/outdoor event space and its recent addition – a gallery space featuring the works of famed music industry photographer Danny Clinch and the vintage treasures by Tina Kerekes. [see TriCity News ‘A Transparent Collaboration’ Dec. 8 article].

Hotelier David Bowd and his hotel management company SALT hotels created a six week seminar to employ local residents.

It’s opening kicked off with a host of special events, including open mic nights and intimate concerts in the Soundbooth bar, and everything from movie screenings and tea dances to morning yoga on the Salvation rooftop.

The Asbury has no restaurant, in order to encourage guests to experience the city’s eateries and other attractions, but there is a grab-and-go food counter.

Today, the outdoor events have moved inside to its Asbury Hall and a trivia night has been added to its calendar.

The 10Best results will be announced Jan 6, and to learn more or participate in the voting, visit the contest website here. For more about The Asbury and its calendar of events, visit its website here.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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