The Best Hotels with Pools to Book in Ocean City, Maryland

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City enjoys an enviable location | Courtesy of Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City / Expedia

Jessi Quinn Alperin

26 November 2021

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Ocean City is a staple summer travel destination for Marylanders – and for good reason. With its boardwalk and multitude of restaurants, amusement parks and themed mini-golf courses, the barrier island resort town will keep you coming back year after year. If you’re an early riser or stay on the sand long enough, you might even be lucky enough to encounter local wildlife like foxes, dolphins, pelicans and even hawks. Nature not your thing? These hotels with pools in Ocean City – bookable on Culture Trip – give you access to the water without ever having to step foot in the sea.

DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, for double trouble

Courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront / Expedia

More resort than hotel, this stay features suites complete with fully-equipped kitchens. Can’t be bothered to cook? Head to the onsite restaurant for local seafood with a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean. With not one, but two pools, swimmers are spoilt for choice. When the sun’s out, order a cocktail at the outdoor pool, surrounded by swaying palm trees. If gray clouds descend, dash indoors to shelter at the indoor pool and hot tub.

Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites, for pools upon pools

Courtesy of Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites / Expedia

Much like its neighbor half a block north, this hotel boasts rooms and suites with full kitchens and sitting areas, as well as a restaurant serving Caribbean and Yucatanian flavors. If two pools sounded exciting, strap in because this hotel has three pools. In addition to the indoor pool, there is a large, rectangular adult pool with a swim-up bar, and a kids’ pool with a waterslide and marooned rowboat to play on.

Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront, for ocean views from your bed

Courtesy of Hyatt Place Ocean City, Oceanfront / Expedia

Wake up to Atlantic Ocean views from your balcony at this boardwalk hotel. If you prefer to look but not touch, make use of the outdoor and indoor pools as an alternative to beach relaxation. Want more from your pool experience? Stroll down the road to the sprawling Splash Mountain Waterpark. With endless activities and vibrant nightlife on your doorstep, you’ll barely have time to utilize your suite’s kitchenette and living area.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, for Olympic swims

Sprawling indoor pool Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort / Expedia

With a four-story tropical atrium and Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool surrounded by glass, this is Ocean City’s answer to the grand old Opryland Hotel. It’s also one of the largest resorts in the area. Aside from the massive pool, it also features a spa, a golf course and an art gallery. As for food, you can enjoy two open-air restaurants at pretty much any time of day.

Holiday Inn Ocean City, for a taste of the Med

View of the pool and beach at Holiday Inn Ocean City, Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Ocean City / Expedia

With its muted-pink exterior, this hotel looks like it jumped right out of a Lana del Rey song. They’ve even added some sand and hammocks beyond the dunes, so you can relax without worrying about the tide coming up. The heated indoor pool and whirlpool are where it’s at on rainy days, but when the sun comes out, you’ll want to nab a lounger by the sizable outdoor pool. As if this Holiday Inn wasn’t already fancy enough, it’s also home to an Italian restaurant and deli serving artisan cheeses, cured meats and food coma-inducing chicken parmigiana.

Paradise Plaza Inn, for a sweet escape

Clean, cozy room at Paradise Plaza Inn, Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Paradise Plaza Inn / Expedia

This classic boardwalk spot may be more dated than its competition, but it still pulls the punches with ocean-view balconies, whirlpool tubs and a seasonal outdoor pool. Plus, it’s right in the middle of the action – perfect if you prefer to spend more time outside your room than in it. Step out and you’ll have waterparks, golf courses and beaches at your fingertips. When you need a sugar boost, grab a sweet treat at downstairs’ Candy Kitchen, a staple of Maryland and Delaware beaches.

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront, for poolside eats

Plush room at Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront, Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront / Expedia

Munch your way through five different dining experiences at this hotel, including a café, pizzeria, terrace restaurant, pool bar, grill and ice cream shop. They say you shouldn’t eat before you swim, so the indoor and outdoor pools might be best enjoyed from the comfort of a deckchair. Can’t resist diving in? Head to the games room until you’ve had time to digest. With a guest laundry onsite, it’s easy to refresh your swimsuit throughout your vacay, too.

Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront, for lazy days by the ocean

Modern room with a view at Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront, Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront / Expedia

All the action is at your feet when you stay in this central hotel. Opt for a boardwalk-view room for people-watching and head to the oceanfront deck when you feel like gazing at the sea. Encased in a glasshouse, the indoor pool opens out to yellow parasol-shaded daybeds where you can lounge around like a contestant on Love Island. If hunger pangs hit, tuck a napkin in your collar and order some oysters and seafood chowder at onsite casual fine-dining haunt Captain’s Table.

Lucayan Resort, for a crowd-free getaway

Outdoor pool at Lucayan Resort, Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Lucayan Resort / Expedia

Rent an apartment in this condo community for a taste of local life in Ocean City. Set to the north of the city, between the Atlantic Ocean and Assawoman Bay, Lucayan is ideal if you want to enjoy the beach or chill by the outdoor pool while avoiding the crowds. Each unit comes with a full kitchen, living room, balcony and two bedrooms, so you can really feel at home during your stay.

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, for bayside bathing

Outdoor pool with deck and sea views at Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City / Expedia

Bayside views are yours for the taking at this hotel, where the indoor and outdoor pools both overlook Isle of Wight Bay. When the sun is shining, grab a drink from the poolside bar; come evening, snuggle up by the outdoor fire pit as you watch the sky do its thing. If you want to self-cater, every suite is equipped with a full kitchen, but we recommend making the 0.4mi (0.6km) trip to Fagar’s Island restaurant, where elegant dishes like Maine lobster tail and Maryland-style crab cakes are paired with live entertainment.

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