The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Maryland

Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites has amazing access to the beach | © Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites / Expedia

16 December 2021

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The Old Line State isn’t your typical beach destination, but it should be. As well as its Atlantic shoreline, Maryland has beaches on the bay, the river, the creek, and anywhere else you can find the sun and the sand. Beach houses in Maryland’s coastal towns are as relaxing and rejuvenating as the hotels in Maryland’s inner harbors. To see these sublime swathes of coastline in style we’ve picked out some of the best beach hotels in Maryland, USA, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, for the personal touch

Large indoor pool housed in a huge glass atrium with sea views, and overlooked by balconied apartments.

Become acquainted with the “ocean” part of Ocean City at the Princess Royale, and wave back to the waves from your oceanfront suite. Allow Will’s Beach Service to introduce you to the shoreline – he’ll pull up a beach chair for you to sit for a spell. Rock up early for the sunrise if you want an easier way to break the ice. If you’ve had enough of the beach for one day, the indoor pool, housed within a four-story tropical atrium, makes for a great place to take a quiet dip.

Cambria Hotel Ocean City, for bayside relaxation

Dining area at Cambria Hotel Ocean City, with floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary furniture and a painted mural of a pair of swimming legs wearing flippers.

Spend a night at Cambria Hotel and your favorite part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore will be the bayside. The hotel’s sundeck and private poolside cabanas face West Ocean City, no doubt to make the mainland residents jealous of the warm relaxation just out of reach. With the Bayside Boardwalk, Free Fishing Pier, and Downtown Rec Complex on this side of town, you’ll hardly spend time on the ocean side, but it’s only a five-minute walk if you ever want to.

Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites, for family fun

Outdoor pool by the beach at Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites, with artificial palm trees, boats and slides, and turquoise sun loungers.

Parents, you might as well end your search for beach hotels in Maryland right here and now. Our best guess is that the Hilton in Ocean City was designed by children, for children. There are three pools, one of which is a children’s pool with waterslides. The suites face the beachfront, no doubt to let the amateur architects watch over their sandcastles from above. The Jolly Roger Amusement Park, famous for its 1952 antique train, is right next door. Might as well call this joint Hil-tons of fun.

The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, for an island spa break

Outdoor view of a concrete path running alongside the Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, a modern, cream-brick building with four levels and red window frames.

The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club will redefine your idea of island time. Located on Kent Island, across from Annapolis, this resort has a private beach within reach, saving you from a trip to the Eastern Shore. When the tide rolls in, let the relaxation at the spa wash over you instead. There’s a range of ocean-themed treatments to indulge in, from a mother of pearl prenatal massage to a beach club signature facial.

Graduate Annapolis, for pampered pups

Hotel

Unusual atrium dining area at Graduate Annapolis, decorated in red, white and blue, and overlooked by four tall walls dense with windows and seafaring paintings.

Re-live your college days at this hip hotel, which puts a sophisticated spin on campus style. Located downtown, Graduate Annapolis keeps you close to the water, while still providing the city break you’re used to. Your Belgian shepherd is welcome at this pet-friendly hotel, and four-legged companions will dig the private dog park on-site. Just make sure they pay their respects to Bill the Goat – he’s the top dog around these parts.

Historic Inns of Annapolis, for elegant decor

Elegant lounge area in a suite at Historic Inns of Annapolis, with traditional furnishings, cream sofa, wooden desk and gray art-deco wallpaper.

Charming Victorian architecture, historic surroundings and a ten-minute drive to the beach are among the Historic Inns of Annapolis’s appealing features. Revolutionary War heroes and members of George Washington’s US Congress once slept in these historic homes. Today, they’re a perfect basecamp for exploring downtown Annapolis and the beach. You’ll love following the Annapolis Harbor around Spa Creek, discovering pocket-size parks where you can launch kayaks into the water.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, for a private marina

Aerial view of Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay at twilight, which has amazing views of the bay and its moored boats, and is fronted by two large, oval-shaped pools.

BYO boat and sail to any beach you desire from the Hyatt Regency in Chesapeake Bay. We bet you won’t leave the 150-slip marina often, though; this sprawling 342-acre (138ha) resort has plenty to keep the wind in your sails. Eighteen holes of golf and a full-service spa will keep you docked without fail. See it all laid out before you from the comfort of a Chesapeake Suite, with views of the Choptank River.

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, for total relaxation

Lozenge-shaped pool with adjacent bar at the Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, situated on a wooden deck area, and surrounded by white sun loungers and blue-and-white striped umbrellas.

Who needs a beachfront hotel in Maryland when Residence Inn has a poolside tiki bar? Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but this chill Ocean City hotel on the bay is supremely relaxing. Balconies and bay views from the room; seafood and suds in the on-site restaurant. In the winter, the warm and welcoming indoor pool lets you get your float on.

Aloft Ocean City, for letting your hair down

Waterfront area at Aloft Ocean City, with a small sandy section housing green kayaks and an outdoor pool, both overlooked by a modern gray and white building with balconied rooms.

To stay afloat at a beach hotel in Maryland, you’ll want to stay Aloft at Ocean City. Snag a suite with a view of the Isle of Wight Bay for waterfront balcony bliss. Someone’s often strumming an acoustic guitar at the WXYZ Bar if you need to tap your toes, though the beach is close by if said toes also need to be covered in sand. In the moments it takes you to stroll to the shore, you’ll pass more than 200 bars and restaurants.

The Westin Annapolis, for a great location

Double room at the Westin Annapolis, with wood-panelled walls, gray velvety carpet, wall-mounted TV and large window.

Trade your dress blues for a bathing suit when you stay at The Westin. Dungarees and Dixie caps may be the norm around this downtown Annapolis hotel, but you’re welcome to stay in your civies during your stay. Severn Beach is a quick 4mi (6km) jaunt to the river, though boaters, anglers, and picnickers who want to do more than just swim should pull off at Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park, just over the Naval Academy Bridge.

For something more adventurous, discover our guide to the best inns and glamping spots in Maryland – they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

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