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The Asbury has claimed top ranking in a national polling of the 10 Best hotel openings this past year.

Administered by USA Today,  a panel of hotel experts hand picked the 20 best hotel openings of 2016 before turning the voting over to the public for a four week long online polling.

“We are thrilled to be named the best new hotel in America,” hotelier David Bowd said. “It has been an amazing first year for us and we could not be happier, thank you to our incredible team and to everyone who voted for us.”

The official results, released Jan. 6, are as follows:

1 The Asbury – Asbury Park, N.J.

2 Hotel Emma – San Antonio

3 Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa – Scottsdale, Ariz.

3 Spicer Mansion – Mystic, Conn.

5 21c Museum Hotel Lexington – Lexington, Ky.

6 The Inn at Newport Ranch – Fort Bragg, Calif.

7 Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina – Kapolei, Hawaii

8 The Watergate Hotel – Washington

9 The Beekman – New York

10 Ace Hotel New Orleans – New Orleans

According to the 10Best Award website, the panel of experts were partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial 20 nominees.

The other nominated hotels included Ace Hotel Pittsburgh; EAST in Miami; Four Seasons Hotel in New York Downtown; Four Seasons Resort Lanai; London House Chicago; Marmara Park Avenue; Montage Palmetto Bluff; The Restoration; Treasure Island Beach Resort; and V in Palm Springs.

The Asbury, the city’s newest hotel and entertainment venue, opened its doors Memorial Day weekend in the former Salvation Army building on Fifth Avenue.

The first hotel of its size to open in over 50 years, The Asbury is owned by waterfront redeveloper iStar and operated by hotelier David Bowd’s hotel management company Salt Hotels.

Envisioned as a social hub, The Asbury boasts 110 boutique hotel rooms, rooftop lounges showcasing a panoramic view of the city and shore line, pool area, and outdoor beer garden.

There is also an indoor/outdoor event space, and the recent addition of a gallery space featuring the works of famed music industry photographer Danny Clinch and the vintage treasures by Tina Kerekes.

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

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

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

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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