By MADDY VITALE
Yogi Khatiwala and his brother, Raj Khatiwala, are no strangers to taking historic and other old buildings in Ocean City and updating them, while retaining the charm that made the properties iconic.
They did it with The Scarborough Inn and The Forum and about eight other properties in town.
The brothers, who grew up in Ventnor, have done it again.
They have completely remodeled an 1896 gem, the Wyoming, which was most recently known as The Ocean Breeze Hotel. Renamed The Cove Beach Hotel, it is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Ocean City at 724 Ocean Ave.
On Friday, Yogi, the hotel’s general manager Dawn Leone and Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce officials, along with city and county dignitaries, gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, welcomed The Cove on behalf of the Chamber and the city.
“On behalf of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the city of Ocean City, we welcome you, The Cove, to Ocean City,” Gillian said. “Wow, what an improvement. Thank you for investing in Ocean City. Thank you for your family investing. Hotel management, thank you for all you do for Ocean City. You’re bringing tourism to Ocean City. You’re doing it the right way. We really appreciate it.”
Mayor Jay Gillian counted down and Leone cut the ribbon to officially “open” The Cove. The hotel, which is seasonal, officially opened May 15. The season normally runs from May 1 to the second week of October, but the owners were still putting the finishing touches on the renovation, Leone said.
Yogi said in an interview after the ribbon-cutting that it has been an exciting journey to improve properties in town, adding amenities, while preserving the historical aspect of the buildings.
“We’re happy to be part of Ocean City. This is our sixth year in town, revitalizing and reinvesting and bringing the properties we have back to life,” he said. “There is charm to it. There’s nostalgia to it. We just need to bring it back to life and shine it up a bit. This is what we do. We want to make where we are better.”
Raj Khatiwala could not attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but he and Yogi released a joint statement about the renovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to their new ‘Home Away From Home’ at The Cove Beach Hotel,” the Khatiwalas said. “Our goal is to provide an exceptional and memorable stay, blending the historic charm of Ocean City with modern comforts.”
Originally built in 1896 as the Wyoming, the hotel was established to accommodate the influx of vacationers to the then-newly founded seaside resort, according to a news release.
It stands as a testament to the charm and elegance of the past, having undergone a complete renovation to meet contemporary standards.
Leone said it has been amazing to see the hotel evolve.
“It has been incredibly exciting to see the evolution of The Cove Beach Hotel. Our renovations honor the rich history while introducing modern amenities, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience this perfect blend,” she said.
Located in the heart of Ocean City, the hotel invites guests to experience the grandeur of yesteryear with the comforts of modern luxury. The exterior and interior boast a clean, beachy feel.
According to the hotel description, The Cove offers a full array of accommodations, ranging from a single room to a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen.
Situated just two blocks from the beach and Boardwalk, it places guests close to fun and provides the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility.
Guests can enjoy the nearby attractions or relax on the hotel’s wrap-around porch from day to evening. Amenities include courtesy beach tags, an outdoor pool, parking, and a dedicated friendly staff led by Leone.
For more information and reservations, visit thecoveocnj.com or contact The Cove Beach Hotel at (609) 399-8744.
