I agree with everything said by BIvet. What does concern me is Ballard's being a private beach. While i've never stayed there and usually don't recommend doing so, though there have been recent renovations to the rooms, I go there almost every visit during the summer for the music at the outdoor bar and the food. The beach has never been "private" in my experience. Yes, it is a very nice beach, but Crescent beach near the Surf Hotel is indeed quite large and long.

JDP

It looks like the Surf Hotel has communal bathrooms so I am going to pass on it. Have either of you stayed at the National? Are the rooms dated?

Stayed many times at the National. From the outside the place does look like a turn of the last century old hotel which is part of its charm. There is no elevator. Some rooms are small and there is no AC, fans only. But they all have their own bathroom. If you are staying the weekend try to stay on the second or 3rd floors as every once in a while it can get noisey from the bar closing down below. The bar will often have acoustic music being played, nothing noisey itself, but the patrons can be. Otherwise, I do recommend it. Great food and the view from there veranda is also very good.

Finally, they do have some weekday specials going, something we will be taking advantage of next month.

JDP

Thanks for the quick response!

We stayed at the Surf for years and never had a problem with the shared baths. The Surf also had an annex (in a smaller building) called Surfside, just down the street and it had private baths so I would imagine if they are using that location that there would be private baths. I believe both The Blue Dory and Avonlea have some rooms/apts with private baths too. From what I understand the oceanview fron the Avonlea is spectacular and you are lulled asleep by the waves at night, it's that close to the ocean.