Fun is built-in at these overnight accommodations on Maryland’s Coast.
Although travel has changed this summer with what our nation is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still open and ready to offer up some great family fun, while social distancing. Businesses have put strict safety and sanitary protocols in place to ensure that you and yours can fully relax and enjoy your stay with us. Families on vacation just want to have fun, and that’s well understood by hoteliers in Ocean City, Maryland. Whether your family includes youngsters, teens, or both, finding a place to stay that will bring smiles to their faces—as well as your own—is a snap at these vacation hotspots. Whether you prefer to stay just steps away from the city’s famed three-mile boardwalk or gaze over the open water towards Assateague Island, whether you prefer a recognizable brand name hotel or a truly unique place to stay, we’ve got you covered. Here are just a few of the compelling accommodation options. If no hotel on this list strikes your fancy, fear not, just explore VisitMarylandsCoast.org or pick up the phone and call 800-852-0335 for more suggestions. Also, please check in advance to confirm if all activities are still being offered at each property, as some have been adjusted (and continue to be adjusted daily) due to COVID-19 precautions and safety measures.
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos (118th St. Oceanfront) is one of the only beachfront hotels with an ice rink and hosts free ice shows every night June through August. Special activities like movies on the beach and family photo nights. The kiddie pool, inflatable moon-bounce, and pirate ship jungle gym thrill little ones. Teens adore the game room arcade, indoor and outdoor pools, and treats in the ice cream atrium.
Castle in the Sand Hotel (3701 Atlantic Ave.) offers free programs for children of all ages every day all summer long, including The Mermaid Show, Sunshine the Clown, Pirate Day, kid-friendly movie nights, and more. The hotel’s Olympic-sized pool with a diving board is the largest swimming pool in Ocean City. Beach equipment rentals, a sand volleyball court, on-site ice cream shop, and food and beverage service on the beach are some of the other perks. That’s right, you can stay seated on your beach towel while waitresses deliver snacks and sips while the kids are entertained. Ahhh!
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront (3301 Atlantic Ave.) is steps from the beach and across the street from Jolly Roger Amusement Park and Splash Mountain Water Park. The fun starts at check-in with a warm chocolate chip cookie. Settle in then splash into the indoor, oceanfront, or rooftop pool. Or head to the sandy play area to play corn hole or sway on a swing. Soak in the bubbling hot tub or relax on a hammock. Grab a snack at the Made Market or dine at the Sandshark Pool Bar or the award-winning Marlin Moon Restaurant. During the summer months, mermaids visit the pools every Tuesday and Friday, and live musical performances are staged every Saturday. All guestrooms and suites have private balconies with ocean views.
Francis Scott Key Family Resort (12806 Ocean Gateway) is across from the Ocean City Outlets and just one mile from the beach and boardwalk. Its mix of guestrooms and cabins can accommodate families of any size. The Caribbean-themed outdoor pool area boasts a splash pad, hot tub, pool bar, lounge seating, plus a new nine-hole mini-golf course. Indoors, it’s always 84-degrees and sunny at the pirate-themed pool with a spouting whale, dump buckets, pipe falls, and water slide. A designated kid zone has slides and other energy-burning features. You’ll also find a movie theater, arcade, fitness center, playground, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and free access to the Worcester County boat ramp.
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites (3200 N. Baltimore), Ocean City’s only AAA Four-Diamond hotel, boasts a wide, white sand beach. All 225 suites offer fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean from private balconies as well as full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, and spacious living areas separate from bedrooms. The hotel’s game room, on-site day camp, and activity pool with slide, lazy river, and splash features help keep kids entertained. Another outdoor pool is adjacent to Manana Mode, a seasonal Caribbean-style oceanfront pool bar. An indoor pool is an inviting respite in any weather. The on-site restaurant 32 Palm blends Western Caribbean and Eastern Shore cuisines on its fine dining menu.
Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City (1701 Atlantic Ave.) is steps from the ocean plus has three refreshing pools. The outdoor kids’ pool has water slides, a meandering maze-like design, and a lifeguard on duty. Children’s activities, a game room, on-site restaurants, fitness center, and live entertainment add to the fun possibilities. Conveniently located downtown on the boardwalk, this all-suite hotel offers space for families to relax with private balconies and well-equipped kitchens. Kids age 18 and younger stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids age 11 and younger eat free any time of the day at any on-site restaurant.
Holiday Inn Ocean City (6600 Coastal Hwy.) offers a beachfront location and lots of family-fun amenities. The heated indoor pool area includes two hot tubs, a sauna, a tanning bed, plus a baby pool. The outdoor pool is adjacent to a hammock lounge area as well as a pool bar that serves frozen drinks. You’ll also find a game room with arcade games, a fitness center, cocktail lounge, live entertainment, and on-site children’s activities including a magic show. All guestrooms offer a private balcony and a kitchenette. Kids age 18 and younger stay for free when sharing their parents’ room. Up to four kids age 11 and younger eat free any time of the day at the on-site Italian restaurant.
Residence Inn Ocean City (300 Seabay Lane), an extended-stay hotel with spacious suites, is a popular choice for family reunions. All suites feature full kitchens and spacious living areas that are separate from bedrooms for a homey feel. Private outdoor balconies set the stage for relaxed conversations with stunning views of the Isle of Wight Bay. Both Wi-Fi and breakfast are free here, as is access to the pools and fitness center. You can even go paddling or kayaking on the bay! Enjoy time with your loved ones while sipping cocktails poolside at the Tiki Bar and dining at the on-site Bayview Bar & Grille.