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The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Ocean City, Maryland

If you're visiting Ocean City, hotels by the beach are your first port of call
If you're visiting Ocean City, hotels by the beach are your first port of call | © Princess Bayside Beach Hotel / Expedia
Photo of Jessi Quinn Alperin
Jessi Quinn Alperin
1 December 2021
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Ocean City in Maryland is known for its bustling atmosphere and activities for beach-bound holidaymakers. When you’re not on the sand, you can play minigolf at one of several themed courses along Coastal Highway, spend a day at the Jolly Roger water park, enjoy the rides on the boardwalk or take to the water. As the largest beach destination in the area, Ocean City has countless places to stay. Here’s our selection of the best hotels, bookable on Culture Trip.

Princess Bayside Beach Hotel, for golf and glow kayaking

The exterior of Princess Bayside Beach Hotel, as seen from the palm-lined sand
© Princess Bayside Beach Hotel / Expedia
If serious golf is more your style, then this is a great choice. The Princess Bayside Beach Hotel partners with a nearby golf course, so you can spend time on the green during your vacation. The hotel’s most distinctive feature is its ecofriendly watersports area, where you can rent a variety of small boats and paddleboards – you can even go glow kayaking in an illuminated boat at night. If you prefer chlorinated swims, there’s also both an indoor and outdoor pool. When you need to cool down from the sun, walk next door to Dumser’s for the best ice cream in Ocean City.

Bonita Beach Hotel, for movies on the beach

The indoor pool area of Bonita Beach Hotel, with many loungers
© Bonita Beach Hotel / Expedia
Escape the noise of downtown at this family-friendly spot, further north on the Coastal Highway. When you stay here you’ll be just a block away from the sand, so you won’t have to haul your beach supplies far – head there on Wednesdays and you can catch a free movie. Inside, enjoy the games room or relax at the indoor pool and sundeck. When it comes to food, you’re close enough to walk to donuts at the original Fractured Prune – a staple for Maryland and Delaware beachgoers – and fresh seafood at Hooked restaurant.

Marigot Beach Suites - Oceanfront, for a self-catering beach retreat

A room at Marigot Beach Suites, with various soft seats, wooden chairs and a table, a TV and a balcony view of the ocean
© Marigot Beach Suites / Expedia
With living rooms, full kitchens and ocean-view balconies, these beach suites deliver all the convenience of condo living, right by the ocean. Some even come with a separate dining room – perfect for hosting friends or family dinners. When you stay here, you have access to an indoor pool with a hot tub, as well as an outdoor pool at the neighboring Fontainebleau Hotel, where you’ll find varied dining options. With the boardwalk 4mi (6.5km) south, you’re far away enough to enjoy a relaxed beach retreat, yet close enough to the action when you want a night on the town.

Crystal Beach Hotel, for lazy days by the ocean

The outdoor pool area of Crystal Beach Hotel, with many loungers
© Crystal Beach Hotel / Expedia
Take your pick of ocean-view and pool-view rooms, all with kitchenettes, at this beachfront hotel. A brief stroll gets you to the boardwalk, while relaxing days on the beach are just steps away. If you want to get some sun without getting sandy, make use of the two outdoor pools. With a seasonal poolside bar and grill serving tacos, burgers and margaritas, you won’t have to pause the fun when you get hungry. Crystal Beach Hotel is part of the Carousel Group, so you can enjoy the same movies on the beach as vacationers staying at Bonita Beach Hotel.
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