Grand Royale Condo Hotel

The Grande Royale

 Imagine finding great value in a home that overlooks beautiful sandy white beaches, the ocean and bay, all while living in the lap of luxury. Once completed, the Grande Royale Hotel Condo will offer buyers a fabulous opportunity to enjoy beachfront living in Brigantine at today’s market prices. The multi-level, 42-suite building will feature every first-class amenity and decorating option that discriminating buyers would expect.

For this venture, Charles Howard, co-owner of Triple C Construction in Brigantine with his wife Maria, has joined with longtime friend and partner Randall Wyville, owner of Randall’s Custom Furniture & Kitchens in Marlton. They have all the necessary approvals and permits to move forward and make this dream project a reality.

Howard, a native of Texas, left the Houston area 24 years ago, seeking opportunity in southern New Jersey. He found it in Brigantine, and has never thought of leaving.

“Construction slowed in the mid 1980s in Texas and I always wanted to know the north,” he says. “The casinos offered great construction opportunities back then. Brigantine reminded me of my hometown of Wharton, Texas.”

Wyville brings 26 years of experience in architectural interior design, specializing in furnishings and kitchens. Together, Howard and Wyville aim to create an ultra-plush property. Wyville says, “We will offer only the best, and the units will be decorated to the nines.”

The Grande Royale will be developed on Brigantine’s last buildable parcel with wide open vistas. Situated on more than an acre at the point of the island, every unit will offer the ultimate views of the ocean and the bay. The two waterways are separated by the long strip of protected wildlife reserve, creating a sweeping panorama.

By definition, each residence is a fee-simple purchase of a deeded condominium unit. It may be sold or transferred at any future time. When occupied, buyers have full access to the services and amenities of a luxury hotel. However, when vacant, management may rent the unit. By generating revenues and sharing it with the owner, the system provides the opportunity to recoup some costs.

Fees and expenses include monthly assessments for common elements, upkeep and maintenance, plus real estate taxes and mortgage payments. Traditional real estate financing is available.

To learn more about this concept, Howard and Wyville traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in 2005. They met with the sales staff of the soon-to-open Trump International Hotel & Tower high-rise resort.

According to Howard, “Hotels are not as profitable and a hotel-condo shares the expenses. It is a full turnkey operation. However, in their absence, owners are afforded privacy and protection for their possessions.”

Howard and Wyville believe the concept is conducive to being replicated in Brigantine.

“Why wouldn’t anyone want to live in this beautiful suite that would sell for $500 a night as a hotel, but is now theirs?” Wyville says. “Brigantine is Atlantic City’s best kept secret. It combines a beautiful island of white sandy beaches with luxurious living, glamour and nature.”

The Grande Royale site plan includes one- and two-bedroom units, plus four penthouse suites, all with eight-foot ceilings. Every suite will have a water view balcony, equipped with outdoor tables and chairs. Units will include two full, luxurious bathrooms.

Every room will showcase top-of-the-line decor. Flooring throughout will consist of hardwood, tile and carpet, appropriately installed for the space. In the kitchen, Wyville will install the highest quality stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and European Italian design cabinetry, continued through to the bathrooms and bar unit that features an in-room mini bar.

For comfort and convenience, individual suites will have washers and dryers. Flat screen televisions in every bathroom, bedroom and living room will enhance the entertainment options.

An abundance of resort amenities will be available throughout the property. The pool will be designed as an indoor/outdoor pool, using screens and panels to adjust to weather conditions. There will also be a modern fitness center, gift shop and business center.

The Grande Royale will be a pet-friendly residence.

A public restaurant will be large enough to accommodate private events and banquets. Additional outsourced accommodations will be laundry and cleaning services, plus executive transportation to all A.C. casinos. The front desk will provide 24-hour concierge service.

The projected opening is the summer of 2011. Suites range from 769 up to 1,359 square feet; prices start at $499,000. Individual floor plans are available for review, along with three-dimensional architectural renderings.