Options Still Available For Last-Minute Jersey Shore Rentals

SPRING LAKE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- With the holiday weekend kicking off summer, that means vacation rentals are in demand, especially on the Jersey shore.

As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, the real estate offices were busy Friday handing out keys for summer rentals.

"Today is kind of a crazy day," said Justin Smith of The Wood Agency. "We have about 100 to 120 people check in."

All of those are full-summer season rentals in Manasquan from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. So if you're worried that you missed the rental window, don't be. There are still options out there for you.

"It's typically groups from friends from Hoboken, Jersey City, Manhattan," Smith said.

The agents say business has been far better than last year, with most weeks already taken. But they do have a few listings available for the next big summer holiday -- the Fourth of July -- and prices vary.

"Weeklies start around $1,500 a week, up to $7,500 a week," Smith said.

They depend on size and location.

If you're not looking for a full week's stay there are hotels in the area, such as the Asbury Hotel, which just opened this week.

"We had about 1,500 people come through the doors over the course of yesterday," said David Bowd, chief executive of Salt Hotels.

The hotel is a block away from the boardwalk and and in walking distance to main streets, new restaurants.

"We're just so excited to be in Asbury Park, which is such a cool and really interesting city," Bowd said.

The Asbury Hotel has a few rooms available this opening weekend.

"We have 110 rooms, and we have a real mixture of rooms between regular, king-size rooms and sleepover rooms that sleep four people and huge sleepover rooms that have two showers, two WCs, and they sleep eight people."

Introductory rates starts at $125 a night.

Another option: How about a bed and breakfast like the Ocean House in Spring Lake?

Its pitch?

"Benefits," said owner Jared Kaloostian. "We'll make breakfast in the morning, and we'll take care of all their linens and cleaning the rooms, and they just get to relax and enjoy the Jersey shore."