11 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Ocean City, Maryland

A trip to the eastern shore of Maryland often evokes nostalgia, with memories of all-day Boardwalk fun and pool and beach days. This Maryland beach town is home to miles of free and pristine golden sand beaches, s small amusement park, an old-school boardwalk, and delicious seaside delicacies, especially the local crab cake. That’s why this coastal vacation mecca also offers a range of lodging options, especially beachside ones. The best options for a beachfront/oceanfront beach hotel in Ocean City, Maryland (MD) range from swanky and sprawling resorts to traditional inns.

But what makes staying here all the more exciting is the sheer number of things to do in Ocean City, Maryland. Whether it’s visiting the Old West-style Frontier Town or enjoying fishing and cruising in the ocean, Ocean City and its joys are endless. And after a long day, staying in an oceanfront hotel is the cherry on top. Indulge in endless summer fun at one of these 13 amazing beachfront/oceanfront beach hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (MD).

Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel & Resort

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We begin with the grandest beachfront/oceanfront beach hotel in Ocean City, Maryland (MD) – the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel & Resort. Vacationers book this hotel for one reason and one reason only – the location, as it sits right on the sandy beach. So, while it’s close to the Boardwalk, it’s far from the crowds. And, of course, you can always walk down the wooden walkway right to the beach with daybeds, umbrellas, water sports, and whatnot.

Back at the resort, you have a million amenities to keep you entertained. During the day, if you’re not lounging at the beach, then lounge at the Olympic-size swimming pool. You even have poolside service, so you can sip cocktails and snacks before heading off for a much-needed massage at the award-winning spa. Later on, hop onto electric bikes and explore this stunning barrier island.

Families especially love this resort thanks to the large condo-style rooms and suites with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. Even the entry-level rooms are spacious, and you can choose oceanfront rooms for the complete seaside experience.

Francis Scott Key Family Resort

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Best for families. The Francis Scott Key Family Resort literally has ‘family’ in its name, making it one of the best seaside family hotels in Ocean City, MD. Hum your way into the star-spangled suites, which are named after the first states and range from two-adult spaces to vacation homes for eight guests. They even have washer-dryers and kitchens, which means you can whip up meals whenever you want.

Unpack your swimsuits and head to the beach, a mere five-minute walk. Back at the resort, kids will love the Caribbean Key indoor pool with a sloped entry. But the star of the show is the newest outdoor pool, Shipwreck Cove, with a pirate ship-style ‘spray’ground and dining patio for adults. And, of course, there’s even a Peg Leg Putt-Putt mini-golf course where families can test their golf skills. A movie theater, arcade, playground, picnic pavilion, and beach volleyball court wrap up the amenities here.

Lighthouse Club Hotel

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Most romantic. The bayside Lighthouse Club Hotel is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront beach hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (MD). The sandy beach might lie just behind the resort, but trust us when we say that you can’t get enough of the frontside bay views either. Choose from a host of romantic suites at this Fager’s Island inn, all of which have feather bed toppers and marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. An abundance of plants everywhere only adds to the romantic effect. In fact, some rooms even have cozy fireplaces, especially the bayfront ones. Settle into the seats by the fireplace with a glass of wine, the stunning waterfront views, and your beloved by your side.

Even if you don’t have an in-room fireplace, there’s a gorgeous communal fireplace in the Clubhouse, which serves gourmet cookies in the evening every day and also has a bar for libations. When you want to unwind on the property, the outdoor pool with daybeds and umbrellas beckons. Free breakfast pastries in the morning sweeten the deal, as do the firepits, which make for amazing relaxing spots to spend the day.

Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast

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Discerning travelers will love Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast, one of the best luxury hotels in Ocean City, Maryland. This charming B&B sits in a stunning 1920s Victorian home right down from the beach, making it perfect for those who want to stay in an oceanside B&B. Watch the world go by as you sip coffee or wine on the sun-dappled front porch with a birdhouse and rocking chairs. Begin your day with a hearty buffet breakfast of waffles, fresh fruits, and pastries before taking the offered chair and towel from the hotel down to the beach.

Back at the B&B, you’ll see all sorts of original elements, such as clapboard walls, gabled roofs, and dormers. Since there are only 12 rooms, staying here is as intimate as it gets. While one room has sloped ceilings and a window seat, another has garden access and a private swing seat and garden access. The best bit? They all come with free WI-Fi, plush beds, cable TVs, and luxe bathrooms.

Aloft Ocean City

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Best contemporary vibe. The 2019-opened Aloft Ocean City is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront beach hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (MD). This relatively newer hotel sits facing the Isle of Wight Bay, with the Ocean City beach right behind it. So, whether you want to relax with waterfront views or enjoy a dip in the water, you are spoilt for choice. There’s even a small manmade private beach right next to the property for those who don’t want to head to the beach.

The property is no less amazing, bringing a teched-out vibe to the Ocean City coastline. Rooms and suites feature pops of colorful accouterments and furnishings against neutral hues and sleek modern fixtures. The waterfront rooms with nine-foot-high ceilings and private balconies with Wight Bay views take the cake, baker, and bakery. Nevertheless, all bathrooms feature waterfall shower fixtures and Bliss Spa bathroom products. 

The rest of the hotel is equally amazing, especially the indoor and outdoor pool area, complete with a pool bar. It’s the nucleus of activity at the hotel and even sees day parties with live DJs. On some weekends, they break out the resident Mermaid for a photo opp!

Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites

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This four-star Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites is just a few blocks from all the main action on the Boardwalk. The hotel boasts elegant and soothing interiors awash in coastal hues ranging from entry-level ones to full suites with in-room kitchens and additional seating areas. The best rooms are the oceanfront ones, where deep whirlpool tubs and private terraces overlooking the ocean are worth the higher price point. Crabtree & Evelyn bath products only make it all the better. The rest of the hotel is no less impressive, especially the serene indoor and outdoor pools. If that wasn’t enough, the beach is right outside the front door, so much so that stepping off the pool deck puts you directly on the sand! Three onsite restaurants range from the more upscale 32 Palm to the poolside Manana Mode.       

Grand Hotel & Spa

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The Grand Hotel & Spa is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront beach hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (MD). This Boardwalk hotel boasts some of the most spacious rooms and suites along the Boardwalk. Besides wooden furnishings, microwaves, mini-fridges, and flatscreen TVs, they also have small balconies. If you want to splurge, then book one of the “Direct Beach” rooms, which are dreamy, along with the added highlight of featuring ocean views. When you’re ready to leave your awesome rooms, head right to the beach, which is there as soon as you step off the property. When you’re done chilling there, come back to the property and spend time at the indoor or outdoor pool, which overlooks the ocean. Afternoons are best spent getting a message t the onsite spa or at the game room. And when you’re hungry, you have six different eateries to choose from to eat at.

Residence Inn by Marriott

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Best for seclusion. The Residence Inn by Marriott has one of the most unique locations of any seaside hotel in Ocean City. This hotel sits right next to the Ocean City Expressway, overlooking the idyllic Isle of Wight Bay. This all-suite Marriott outpost feels more like a home away from home, thanks to its separate living areas and full kitchens. Besides that, all suites have spacious bedrooms, luxe bathrooms, and, most important of all, furnished balconies. And while all rooms have at least partial bay views, we recommend going for the full bayfront ones – trust us, the money is worth it.

Despite kitchens and grocery shopping services, the hotel begins your day on a high note with a complimentary breakfast at the Bayview Bar and Grille. The indoor and outdoor pools are perfect for cooling off on a warm morning, after which you can relax at the fire pits or grill outdoors at the picnic area or BBQ.

Carousel Resort Hotel And Condominiums

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Best value for money. The Carousel Resort Hotel And Condominiums is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront beach hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (MD). This 1962-opened classic oceanfront hotel has been and still is a crowd-pleaser and puller. It might be one of the best cheap Ocean City, MD, hotels, but it doesn’t skimp on the amenities.

For one, it has one of the best ice skating rinks on the barrier island, as it is as famous for its beach location as it’s for its rink. Secondly, it has a host of activities for kids, including a kids club, an arcade, and even an indoor pool with a pirate-themed playground. Adults, meanwhile, can take a relaxing dip in the pool or the sauna or join in the fun at the game room. A fitness center, multiple restaurants, including an oceanfront one, and a candy and ice cream bar in the atrium wind up the amenities. While the rooms aren’t as swanky as the others on the coast, the prices can’t be beaten.

Castle in the Sand Hotel

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If direct beach access is what you’re looking for, then the Castle in the Sand Hotel is just the place for you. This oceanfront resort boasts spacious rooms and suites with bay, city, or ocean views. While the ocean-view rooms are the best, all rooms have all amenities, including flatscreen TVs, kitchens with coffeemakers, fridges, and luxe bathrooms. Although the property sits right on the sandy beach, the outdoor Olympic-sized pool area here is a huge draw and is reportedly one of Ocean City’s largest. Think a diving board and poolside beverage and food service. In fact, there are even certified lifeguards on duty from 9 am to 9 pm.

Since this is a family-friendly resort, there is an array of free kids’ activities, from family movie nights to arts and crafts activities. When you get hungry, head to the popular open-air beach bar for cocktails, burgers, grilled fish, and crab cakes. There’s even live musical entertainment during the warm season.

Dunes Manor Hotel

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The Dunes Manor Hotel is one of the best beachfront/oceanfront beach hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (MD). The resort is sprawled across three separate buildings right next to one another on the sand. Choose from spacious rooms and suites, but the highlight here is that every single one of them has an ocean view. So, your rooms are your own personal sanctuaries where you can relax, drink coffee, and sip on wine post-dinner. The light blue and seafoam green-hued decor set the tone. Also, other buildings have rooms too, but not all have ocean views. Nevertheless, all travelers have access to the seasonal outdoor pool, a heated indoor one, the Victorian Room restaurant, the Zippy Lewis Lounge, and a rotating schedule of daily activities. 

Our Verdict!

We’ve created a specialized list of the best hotels of the above lot based on their best features and attributes:

• Best value for money: Carousel Resort Hotel And Condominiums
• Best for seclusion: Residence Inn by Marriott
• Best for families: Francis Scott Key Family Resort
• Most romantic: Lighthouse Club Hotel

Where to Stay in Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is spread out over a long, thin strip of land overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. So, you need to choose which amazing seaside neighborhood you’ll be staying in. To begin with, there’s the gorgeous Boardwalk, which is home to some of the best nightlife, shopping, entertainment, and dining on the oceanfront location. It has a wide range of luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels and lies on both the bay and the ocean side. Next, there’s Midtown, which lies just north of the Boardwalk. It’s the perfect mid-point for exploring the region and staying right on the shoreline.

Then, there’s North Ocean City, which extends from the Assawoman Bay bridge to Fenwick Island, and is perfect for discerning travelers looking for a luxurious stay. Whether you’re looking for spa hotels or luxury, adult-only ones with private beaches, North Ocean City has them. Then there’s Cape Isle of Wight, which lies on the west side of the bay across from the beach area at Ocean City. While the western side is landlocked, the eastern side has boat accesses and waterfront properties. So, if you want to explore the waterways and channels here, this place with a laidback atmosphere is perfect to get away from it all. 

Finally, we have West Ocean City, which is the perfect beach neighborhood to stay in with kids. Whether it’s family-friendly resorts on the beach or easy access to amusement parks and waterparks, West Ocean City is the place to be.

What is the nicest part of Ocean City, Maryland?

The three-mile-long strip of Boardwalk is the nicest part of Ocean City. It’s packed with the best things to do and is also home to some of the city’s best dining, shopping, entertainment, and stays.

How many days do you need in Ocean City?

The ideal time for an Ocean City vacation is three days. While the fishing pier and the beach are one of the best things to see and do, you can also visit distilleries, aquariums, museums, and the Old-West-style theme park of Frontier Town.