Thunderbird Motel

2.5 star property
Motel near Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Motel

Beach nearby
Interior entrance
Studio Suite, 1 King Bed | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets
Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed | Living area
Exterior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
132 Kearney Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ, 08751
  • Place, Casino Pier
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Seaside Heights Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Ortley Beach
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(26 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Comfort Room, 1 King Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Comfort Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Studio Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Seaside Heights

Oceanside stay.Your stay at this Seaside Heights motel places you within a 10-minute walk of Breakwater Beach and Casino Pier. Also, Seaside Heights Beach is within half a mile (1 km) and Ortley Beach is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Casino Pier - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Breakwater Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Seaside Heights Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Seaside Park Beach - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Ortley Beach - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪EJ's Tavern - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Aztec Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Captain Hooks - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Three Brothers From Italy Pizza - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Jersey Roll - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Motel

Motel near Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights
Self parking is free.

This Seaside Heights motel is smoke free.

  • 31 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • No smoking on site
Thunderbird Motel offers 31 accommodations with blackout drapes/curtains. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 50+ Mbps). Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • Free covered self parking on site

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25.00
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 25

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between September 1 and April 30.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Motel Motel
Thunderbird Motel Seaside Heights
Thunderbird Motel Motel Seaside Heights

Frequently asked questions

How close is Thunderbird Motel to the airport?

Thunderbird Motel is 18.1 mi (30-min drive) away from the Belmar, NJ (BLM-Monmouth Executive) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Thunderbird Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Thunderbird Motel.

How close is Thunderbird Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 5-minute walk from Breakwater Beach and 11-minute walk from Seaside Heights Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Thunderbird Motel offer free breakfast?

Thunderbird Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Thunderbird Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Thunderbird Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Early check-in costs USD 25.00 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Thunderbird Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Thunderbird Motel have a pool?

Thunderbird Motel does not have a pool.

Does Thunderbird Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Thunderbird Motel to downtown Seaside Heights?

Thunderbird Motel is 0.2 mi away from Seaside Heights.

Reviews

Thunderbird Motel Reviews

8.0

Very Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 251 out of 595 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 173 out of 595 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 595 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 52 out of 595 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 595 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gee

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

sarah

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Great place to stay

Great place to stay, close to beach and boardwalk. Room had two dearooms and living room with tv. Fridge etc. All clean and loads of towels which was really nice with family. Lots of places to eat nearby. Parking was good . Basic but everything needed for a really great stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Joe

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room had black mold in bathroom and no towel rack and no cups. No hangers in the closet. I would not stay at this motel again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Dean

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The room was clean but it was very noisy. AC unit was extremely loud and the bathroom tub drain gurgled when other rooms would flush their toilets.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARIE

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very kind. Motel was kind of dirty. Cigarette butts sitting in an ashtray next to our room, mold on the side of the tub, sticky rugs, just dirty in general.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Arielle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Marc

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Ideal

The hotel was very accomodating and the woman running the hotel was wonderful. The hotel is a bit dated but clean. You're getting a short walk to the beach and boardwalk for a good price. There's no pool but I came for the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The towel rod was missing from my bathroom. The queen bedroom door was difficult to completely close as it would get stuck. But there were no bed bugs and it was a short walk to the boardwalk.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Hilary

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
we felt very mak
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

kenia E

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The only good thing is that was walking distance from the beach. The room conditions were poor, it has a humid smell, towels and blankets smells the same. Didn’t have a chair, or a table to sit or put your things. Bathroom was very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Property is extremely run down. Will not stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No coffee pot.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

This place was as cool as Zapdos

The first thing my lady said when she came to the room was “cute!”. It’s hard to find something to complain about really. They had the essentials (tv, microwave, mini fridge). I forgot to take pictures but there was no weirdness, no bugs or animals, everything was clean and the AC worked when I was there. If anything they did not provide toilet paper, eating utensils, or plates; that being said who cares! The boardwalk is few blocks away with good food everywhere and a 7-11 around the corner has all that stuff anyways. Also I will note from the room I was in, I was not able to connect to the WiFi at all with my iPhone, it seems like it was far away. Slightly disappointed because I wanted to stream hbomax/disney/etc. Whoever checked me in was very nice and accommodating and others were helpful as well. I had at such a good time at seaside I won’t forget it and the thunderbird was part of that. It’s a great feeling to come back from a fun time and rest with my girl in a cozy room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very old motel. The property is a little run down. Wasn't sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised! We had a queen suite studio room. It was all newly updated with a sitting area, kitchen, bathroom and separate bedroom. Immaculately clean! We were on the ground floor and were able to park right outside our door. The kitchen does not have anything in it. If you're planning on making some meals, bring your own pots and pans and anything else you would need. We saved a ton of money being able to cook our breakfast every day. It was relatively quiet, and within walking distance to the beach, boardwalk and many restaurants. Price was very reasonable for a shore room. It was perfect for my husband and me. I would definitely stay there again and recommend it for a lower budget vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taylor

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
I don’t understand all the bad reviews, so I bumped them up from a 4 to a 5, to hopeful help that. I don’t know what people are expecting. This is the Jersey Shore and this is a typical Jersey shore motel. It might lack the amenities of other motels in the area, but it has ample parking and is clean. Which in my experience can be tough to find down there. Also the staff was very friendly and even helped me book another night over the phone on a Sunday night during 4th of July weekend. Keep on keepin on thunderbird !!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paola, Flushing

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great time.. Ray was really nice and helpful.. definitely I will be back..
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was an amazing stay! Lady who worked there was very nice :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Rhiannon

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Horrible experience. There was a bullet hole in window. Floors were filthy. Sheets were dirty. A/C was extremely loud. Door didn’t lock. They were bugs flying all Around the room and owner refused to give us money back. Even with videos and pictures of proof. They were very rude. Don’t stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Josh

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Thunderbird offered just what it shows. A reasonable priced clean though dated room to sleep in with quick access to the jersey shore.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Xiangie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The room was clean and the check in was quick. The AC worked pretty well and the staff was friendly. I guess you get what you pay for. The beds were flimsy and not very comfortable, the room did not have a working cable box. The bathroom was extremely small to where the space between the toilet and the bathtub was super tight. I guess for a 1 night is ok but I would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Lori

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

disappointed!

This hotel is close to everything, however, the condition of the hotel is horrible. Rooms are super old. Air conditioner is a stand alone unit that we had to empty dirty water from and the room was super hot. The entire hotel looks run down and rooms need updating in the worst way.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicholas

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was great. Like a few others have said. It does stink like cleaner. And i believe there may have been some mold in some areas. It seems like it was never renovated after sandy but just cleaned. Nonetheless it was clean enough for the price. Its a budget motel. Bed was pretty terrible. Water pressure in the shower was great. Water did get hot. I stayed 3 nights and only saw staff on the first night. It wouldve been nice to get some fresh towels. But after checkin i never saw anyone ever again. Honestly, its good for the money. If i paid more for the room i wouldve been upset. But it was cheap enough that i believe the price was on par with what you get. Remember everyone. Its one of the cheapest spots on seaside for a reason.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025