The Best Hotels in Ocean City, Maryland

Don’t be bashful – we know that you’ll have one eye on the roulette wheel during your Ocean City stay. Courtyard by Marriott certainly won’t judge you. Indeed, they’re ready to shuttle you down to the Ocean Downs Casino so you can save that lucky dollar for the craps table. Win or lose, you’ll look at the reflections of the city lights twinkling in the surf from the balcony of your king suite and feel you’ve hit the jackpot already.

A 10-minute stroll from the boardwalk and you’re within striking distance of the best sights, sounds and smells in Ocean City – reel in some fish and chips, best eaten with toes in the sand and sea spray as seasoning. Of course, you’re welcome to stay in and slide into a seat at the Marlin Moon Restaurant and Bar, or why not savor the excellent wine list and steaks under the actual moon, with room service delivered to your oceanfront balcony?

There’s something uncanny going on with this slick, contemporary-cool place to stay in Ocean City. With its monochrome, Scandi-inspired interiors, you’ll be half-expecting to catch city views from the balcony – rather than sparkling blue. It has all the mod cons of a city pad too, with a fitness center and heated splash pool. But it’s when the sun sets that this hotel comes to life – join other young, fun-loving guests sipping cocktails in the Re:Mix Lounge, followed closely by live acoustic music and more drinks at the bay-view W XYZ bar.

Brace for impact, as the kids are going to go wild for the Bay Club Resort. Once their bags hit the floor of their bedroom, they’ll run into yours and rush you right outside. The aspiring surfer in you will pull towards the coast, while the thrillseeker will insist that a day under the sun is best spent at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Is there a compromise? Probably not, but you’ll find some grown-up fun at the Sandbar karaoke lounge after the kids have hit the hay.

Live it up like the good old days at this charming Victorian place to stay in Ocean City. Atlantic House B&B invites you to watch the world go by from the sun-dappled front porch. You’ll be treated to a hearty breakfast buffet in the sunroom, then offered a towel and chair to take down to the beach one block away. Feel free to explore the area away from the sand, too, stopping near the Downtown Recreational Complex to watch skaters tear up the bowl or anglers reel in a fresh catch near the Bayside Boardwalk.

The Lighthouse Club Hotel is a five-minute walk from the beach, but trust us when we say that by the time you’ve gotten settled into a seat by the fireplace, with a glass of wine in hand and those shimmering bay views beyond the window, you’ll want to stay put in your suite. Those looking for something wilder can mix it up for the night by heading to the Lighthouse Club Room.

Oh, say can you see how spectacular the Francis Scott Key Family Resort is – in dawn’s early light, or otherwise? Hum your way into a star-spangled suite that sleeps up to six and unpack your swimsuits immediately. The Caribbean Key Indoor Pool’s 6in (15cm) sloped entry is ideal for your little guppies. Thar be pirates outside at Shipwreck Cove, though, so make sure your little ones are armed for fun at the Sprayground and Peg Leg Putt-Putt golf course.

After a few too many in the four-story tropical atrium in the Princess Royale, you might be convinced you’re in a Caribbean paradise. Even better: you’re in one of the premier resorts in Ocean City, with an award-winning spa and an Olympic-size swimming pool at your disposal. Consider ringing up a few virgin cocktails, though, so you can jump on an electric bike and scout out the best bars around this barrier island.

You’ll find yourself at a crossroads when staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott. It’s where the road meets the shoreline, so you’ll have to decide if your tan is best topped up on Ocean Beach to the north or while walking the Ocean City Boardwalk to the south. Need a little nudge? Mull it over at the poolside tiki bar, where the blazing sunshine and comfy loungers might just make your mind up for you.

Enjoy a little isolated luxury with instant access to all of Ocean City at the Edge on the Isle of Wight Bay. This pint-size hotel packs a big punch of luxury. A dozen uniquely appointed suites featured imported linens and toiletries, and when you aren’t kicking back in the Hang Five Penthouse, you can mingle over drinks in the bayfront club room, then rally up the gang for a night of dancing on the island.