- Ocean City is known for its seaside resorts, iconic boardwalk, and fun party scene. But quieter pockets can be found here, too.
- The area has hotels to match virtually every vibe and budget, from wallet-friendly resorts for families to well-designed stays with picturesque bay views, starting from $95 to $489 per night.
- While Maryland has begun phased reopening and there is no mandatory quarantine currently in place, more COVID cases have been reported so you should exercise caution before booking and consider planning a trip for the future instead.
- Read more: Are hotels safe? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in
Classic seaside resorts and a party culture that rivals the Jersey Shore define Ocean City, Maryland, making it a popular beach getaway for families, spring breakers, and everyone in between. Sure, the famed boardwalk and thrill rides may seem kitschy to some, but to others, they just scream good old-fashioned fun.
For those looking for relaxation over roller coasters and loud bars, the area north of the boardwalk features quieter beaches, and the city also boasts 17 championship golf courses. However, it’s tough to beat the crowds in the summer, when millions of visitors flock to the sandy shores.
If you’re truly after some peace and quiet, or just want to snag a good hotel deal, opt instead to visit during the shoulder seasons when the weather is still pleasant but the throngs have dispersed.
Visiting during less busy times of year may also be a particularly attractive option for those looking to social distance. If you're wondering if it's safe to stay at a hotel at all right now, consider that experts have stated vacation homes may be preferable because they minimize contact with others, but that there are still precautions you can take to make a hotel stay safe. We've also noted updated COVID-19 policies for each hotel listed to help you rest easier if you do choose to book.
Looking for more great beach hotels?
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- The best hotels on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket
- The best hotels in Myrtle Beach
- The best hotels in Destin, Florida
We rounded up great hotel offerings across Ocean City from family-friendly resorts with splash zones and pools to elegant, all-suite options with exceptional ocean views. All properties are highly rated on trusted traveler review sites like Trip Advisor and Booking.com, and fit a range of price points, starting from $95 to $489 per night.
However, even with precautions in place, it's important to know that without a vaccine there's no guarantee of safety. While Maryland was beginning to see fewer cases and phased reopenings, there's been an uptick in recent days, so you may want to wait before diving into a beach weekend just yet. You should always check the latest state and local guidelines before visiting, especially if you are traveling from out of state or a current hot spot.
These are the best hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, sorted by price from low to high.
Francis Scott Key Family Resort
Book Francis Scott Key Family Resort starting at $95 per night
As the name implies, this resort is ideal for a family vacation. And starting at just $95 per night, it's tough to beat that price.
Kids will adore splashing around at Shipwreck Cove, the newest outdoor pool that even has a pirate ship-style patio for dining and a pirate ship "sprayground" with waterslides, dumping buckets, and other water features. While the outdoor pool and splash zone are open seasonally, there is also a year-round indoor pool. Both pools are currently open, but the outdoor pool is at 85 person capacity and the indoor pool is at 45 person capacity.
On the weekends, families can test their golf skills at the Peg Leg Putt-Putt. The miniature golf course is completely free for resort guests (though it is limited currently to three families at a time). A beach volleyball court, picnic pavilion, playground, arcade, and movie theater ensure that no one in the family could possibly get bored during their stay.
Keeping with the resort name theme, rooms are named after the first states and range from small accommodations for two people all the way up to vacation homes that can sleep eight guests and include kitchens and washer/dryers.
None of the room options are particularly inviting, with most featuring plain brown hues and the most basic amenities. However, with so many on-site offerings and with the beach and boardwalk just one mile away, it's doubtful most guests will spend much time in their rooms.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 10 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Pros: A family-friendly resort with a plethora of on-site amenities kids will love, including free putt-putt golf, multiple pools, an arcade, a beach volleyball court, and more.
Cons: Rooms are fairly bare-bones and the hotel is not located right at the beach.
COVID-19 policies: While no specific new cleaning guidelines are stated, the resort has noted changes to its on-site amenities that include:
- The outdoor pool is at 85 person capacity and the indoor pool is at 45 person capacity.
- Putt-putt golf is limited to three families at a time.
- Masks are required in public places and on the shuttles.
- The RT 50 Diner and Indoor Pool Concession are closed.
- The movie room is not currently available.
Dunes Manor Hotel
Book Dunes Manor Hotel starting at $125 per night
Dunes Manor is comprised of three separate buildings all within a few feet of one another, so it's easy to pick a style and price point that works for you.
The main building offers standard guest rooms with the choice of two Queen or one King bed. Every single room has an ocean view and the decor sets the tone with hues of soft seafoam green and light blue.
For those looking for more space, the rooms in the all-suite Dunes building come with private balconies overlooking the sea and kitchenettes, which include a full-size refrigerator, cook-top stove, and microwaves.
And for budget-conscious travelers, the Dunes Court Building has a more retro feel with rooms outfitted with two double beds. While these rooms don't come with ocean views, you can still enjoy the sea breeze from the oceanfront deck.
All guests have access to the Zippy Lewis Lounge, the Victorian Room restaurant, the heated indoor pool, the seasonal outdoor pool, and a rotating schedule of daily activities.
Dunes Manor is also within easy walking distance of some of Ocean City's most famous attractions, like the iconic boardwalk, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 7 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 8.7 out of 10
Pros: Three distinct oceanfront buildings offer travelers options to fit any style and price point, while still having access to all the shared property amenities.
Cons: The Dunes Court building does not have any mobility accessible rooms.
COVID-19 policies: Dunes Manor Hotel has introduced new procedures that include:
- Increased interval cleaning protocols in all public areas, guest rooms, and restricted associate areas. Additionally, high touchpoints are disinfected on a consistent basis for the safety of our guests.
- Room assignments are spaced to minimize guest to guest and guest to employee interaction.
- The pools are monitored, tested, and maintained daily by CPO-certified attendants. Water temperatures routinely checked throughout the day and monitored to ensure the highest level of sanitization.
- Daily housekeeping service has been suspended during this period.
- Upon each guest checking out, guest rooms undergo an enhanced sanitization protocol performed and cleared by a housekeeping specialist.
- See more info here.
Atlantic House B&B
Book Atlantic House B&B starting at $177 per night
For a boutique-style stay, the Atlantic House B&B is an intriguing property in downtown Ocean City, just half a block from the boardwalk and beach.
Housed in what was once a private, 1920s Victorian beach home, the quaint B&B includes notable architectural features like decorative frieze boards, dentils, and a relaxing front porch for enjoying a morning cuppa. Each room is individually decorated, with styles ranging from bright flower-patterned wallpaper to nautical-themed bedspreads.
Despite its yesteryear charms, the rooms come with plenty of modern amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cable televisions in every room. Beach chairs and towels are also complimentary for guests.
A full breakfast buffet is served every morning and usually includes delicious options like a breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, baked goods, and plenty of bacon. Dietary restrictions are happily accommodated.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 20 B&Bs/Inns in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Pros: A small, boutique property housed in a Victorian-era home with a daily breakfast buffet that's just half a block from the beach and boardwalk.
Cons: The hotel does not allow children under 10 years old to stay, and the rooms are best for couples or solo travelers, so this is not a good option for families.
COVID-19 policies: No new policies are specifically outlined. We will update this listing as more information becomes available.
Princess Royale
Book Princess Royale starting at $179 per night
Vacationers book this hotel for one main reason: location. Right on the beach, the hotel offers access to a prime slice of sand that is close to the boardwalk, but far enough away to minimize the crowds.
Families especially love staying here thanks to the large suites and condo-style rooms with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Even the standard rooms at this property are spacious suites, and guests can choose between Ocean Front and Pool View rooms. While the decor is fairly run-of-the-mill, a nice perk is that even standard rooms have kitchenettes and living rooms with sleeper sofas.
The Olympic-sized heated pool is another big draw, as is the arcade and large sundeck. But there's plenty for the adults too, including the indoor hot tub, an oceanfront restaurant, and a blissful spa.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Pros: A family-friendly property with spacious suites and condo-style room options with a prime beachfront location.
Cons: Some of the rooms are in need of updating and a few recent guests have complained that the hotel's cleanliness seemed sub-par in light of COVID-19.
COVID-19 policies: The hotel has implemented new policies that include:
- Check-in and out is in advance or online only.
- Daily housekeeping is suspended.
- Masks are required for all guests and staff.
- The resort is offering a grocery delivery program. When you arrive in your room your refrigerator can be fully stocked if you request it.
- Find more info here.
Residence Inn by Marriott
Book the Residence Inn starting at $189 per night
Boasting an idyllic bay view location, this all-suite Marriott hotel feels like a home-away-from-home thanks to its large rooms, full kitchens, separate living areas, complimentary daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Of note for those looking to post up by the beach for longer than just a weekend getaway, this property is often frequented by extended-stay guests.
Standard suite rooms start at 500 square feet and come with furnished balconies. All rooms have at least partial bay views, and kitchens come equipped with everything from dishes and silverware to dishwashers and cleaning supplies. Grocery shopping services are also available by request.
If you don't feel like cooking, treat your tastebuds to seafood at the Bayview Bar and Grille, or grill outdoors at the BBQ and picnic area. Indoor and outdoor pools make for a relaxing spot to post up for the day, and the fire pits are the ideal place to end the day and watch a sunset.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 4 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Pros: An all-suite property with beautiful bay views and home-like amenities that make it a solid choice whether you're staying for a weekend or a few weeks.
Cons: Guests frequently complain that pool towels are not well stocked and recent guests have noted that the pool area was too crowded to properly follow social distancing guidelines.
COVID-19 policies: As a Marriott property, this hotel follows Marriott's new 'Global Cleanliness Council' policies that include:
- New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes.
- Surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning is done with increased frequency.
- In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
- Added partitions at front desks provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates.
- More hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
- Read more here.
Grand Hotel & Spa
Book the Grand Hotel & Spa starting at $264 per night
Located on the famous Ocean City boardwalk, you can't get much closer to the action, if that's what you're looking for.
Rooms are spacious, but nothing special when it comes to amenities and decor. Still, they have everything you need including crisp linens, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and wooden dressers. Rooms also come with small balconies, and while the views from the Direct Beach rooms are dreamy, those in City View or Partial Bay View rooms may feel underwhelming.
In addition to having the beach and the boardwalk at your fingertips, the hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, a game room, an on-site spa, and plenty of dining options. Choose from six different eateries ranging from a casual coffee shop to a pizzeria to traditional American fare that can be savored while enjoying panoramic views from the 6th floor.
Wi-Fi is complimentary, and coin-operated laundry is available.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 27 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 8.3 out of 10
Pros: A classic seaside hotel located in the heart of the action right on the beach and the boardwalk.
Cons: The room views aren't great unless you book a Direct Beach room. Some recent guests have stated that social distancing measures were not well-enforced in communal areas.
COVID-19 policies: New policies aren't well outlined, but the property but does note that cleaning and disinfecting procedures have been intensified, with particular attention to high-touch areas. See more info here.
Lighthouse Club Hotel & Inn
Book the Lighthouse Club Hotel & Inn starting at $269 per night
Located in the Fager's Island area, the Lighthouse Club Hotel & Inn offers an easy atmosphere and spacious rooms featuring clean, white interiors and an abundance of plants. Upscale amenities include marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and feather bed toppers. Some rooms also come with cozy fireplaces and you can take advantage of the hotel's waterfront setting by opting for a Bay View room.
Those that don't have their own in-room fireplaces can relax in front of the communal fireplace in the Clubhouse, which also has a bar and serves gourmet cookies every day at 5 p.m.
The quieter setting will appeal to those looking for a more relaxing vacation. But don't let the name of the location fool you - Fager's Island is no real island. It is actually an area in Ocean City just a few miles from the most popular spots.
The property's outdoor pool and fire pits are all relaxing spots to spend the day. Free breakfast pastries every morning sweeten the deal, and the nearby Fager's Island Restaurant and Bar is also a good spot to chow down on seafood.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 20 B&Bs/Inns in Ocean City
Hotels.com Rating: 9.6 out of 10
Pros: A boutique waterfront property featuring tranquil white interiors and upscale amenities.
Cons: The hotel is a few miles from popular spots like the boardwalk, which is nice for those trying to escape the crowds but not ideal for those who want to be where the action is.
COVID-19 policies: No specific new policies are outlined. We will update this listing as more information becomes available.
Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Book Hilton Suites starting at $339 per night
A four-star, beachfront hotel just a few blocks from the main action, the Hilton Suites boast soothing and elegant suite interiors from a trusted brand name. Families, or those vacationing for a week or more, will also appreciate the convenience of a full in-room kitchen and an additional seating area. Private terraces overlook the waves below and deep whirlpool tubs add a touch of luxury that helps to justify the hotel's higher price point.
There are serene indoor and outdoor pools, including one just for kids with a waterslide, and the beach is right outside the front door.
Guests also have access to three on-site restaurants ranging from the more upscale 32 Palm to the poolside Manana Mode.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 23 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Pros: An all-suite beachfront hotel that's elegant enough for adults to indulge in tranquil relaxation while still offering plenty of family-friendly amenities, too.
Cons: The property is much more expensive than many other hotels in the area.
COVID-19 policies: As a Hilton property, this hotel is following Hilton's updated procedures that include:
- Hilton CleanStay Room Seals on all rooms to indicate that guest rooms haven't been accessed since they were cleaned.
- Increased cleaning frequency of public areas and extra disinfection of high-touch areas in guest rooms.
- Evaluation of new technologies like electrostatic sprayers with disinfecting mist and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects.
- Contactless check-in/check-out options.
- Masks required by guests and employees.
- Find more info here.
The Edge at Fager's Island
Book The Edge at Fager's Island starting at $489 per night
A more upscale and sophisticated sister property to the Lighthouse Club Hotel, The Edge provides guests with that same secluded feel while still being relatively close to bustling areas.
Just like guests at the Lighthouse, those staying at The Edge also enjoy access to the cozy Lighthouse Clubroom and bar and the fresh cookies served there every evening.
This offshoot stands apart, however, with gorgeous and oversized bay view rooms, each distinctly styled with separate sitting areas, King-size beds, and soaring ceilings. While the peaceful Left Bank room invites guests to sink into plush chairs in deep turquoise and amethyst, the eclectic South Beach room is a mix of romanesque columns and tropical-printed couches with a deep Jacuzzi tub in the living area overlooking the ocean.
Imported Italian bath amenities, sumptuous linens, and access to the outdoor pool and fire pits complete the posh experience.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 42 of 116 hotels in Ocean City
Hotels.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10
Pros: An upscale property with spacious and uniquely styled rooms that offers a more secluded stay still within easy distance of the city bustle.
Cons: Some of the rooms are in need of a refresh and furniture is beginning to show light wear and tear.
COVID-19 policies: No specific new policies are outlined. We will update this listing as more information becomes available.
