Known for its fun, upbeat and friendly vibe and gorgeous sandy beach, Ocean City in Maryland is located between the Isle of Wright Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also famous for its three-mile-long boardwalk boasting an array of attractions and a long sumptuous family-friendly beach. Most visit Ocean City between May and September during the busy Maryland beach season when you can expect crowds everywhere you go.
You’ll find amusements and plenty of great restaurants, shops, fun bars and clubs where party the night away. To help make your visit extra special, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Ocean City, Maryland (in no particular order, they’re all awesome)…
1. Park Place Hotel – a quirky relaxed hotel which overlooks the beach and the fun-packed waves of the Atlantic
Right on the boardwalk just steps from the beach, a cool family-friendly hotel that has the location, amenities and spacious accommodation that make staying here a pleasure.
Rooms are modern and elegant, with quality furnishings and all the amenities you need including free wi-fi, microwave and refrigerator.
With the amusements, shops and restaurants all in easy walk, two outdoor pools, a sun deck access to a range of fishing and water sports on the beach, this is a fun hotel that is perfect for your summer vacation, and with all the features that make a great family trip.
2. Aloft Ocean City – a cool, funky and fun hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
At the heart of Ocean City looking out across the water, this waterfront party hotel offers a fantastic location just steps from the nightlife and attractions of this amazing vacation destination.
Contemporary design offers bold colors and superb comfort, with many rooms having impressive ocean views to enjoy.
An outdoor and indoor pool and fitness center are available for guests, with a convenience store for grabbing snacks on the go, while the W XYZ Bar offers American cuisine in relaxed surroundings, with live music throughout the summer months.
Everything you expect from Aloft, luxury, service and quality, combined with the perfect waterfront location for this modern hotel.
3. Kasa Marigot Ocean City Beach – an all-suite oceanfront hotel which features direct beachfront access, near the boardwalk and the outlet stores
With direct beachfront access, this modern hotel has everything for your Ocean City adventure. Not only do you have direct beach access, but located on the boardwalk you are within easy reach of the shops, restaurants and attractions that make Ocean City so much fun to visit.
Rooms are bright and spacious, with incredible views across the beach and to the ocean beyond, with your own kitchenette for convenience. An indoor pool and gym are great for a workout if the watersports and fishing available on the beach don’t tire you out.
4. Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort – a grand and unique oceanfront resort features an Olympic-sized swimming pool in a 4-story tropical atrium
A stunning trendy luxury hotel sitting on the white sandy beaches that make Ocean City such a fantastic place to visit.
A true resort hotel experience, this modern hotel offers contemporary style, with bright, airy rooms and stunning ocean views, combined with excellent service and all within easy reach of the nightlife, restaurants and attractions of the city center.
With a number of dining options in the resort, including al fresco dining on the patio overlooking the beach, you can always find the perfect meal for your mood.
An Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, 4-storey atrium, bicycle hire, and boutique shops all ensure your stay is a memorable one.
5. Ocean Lodge – a cute boutique historic hotel just steps from the beach and Ocean City Boardwalk
A striking traditional building with its wooden façade and balconies, this historic hotel is within easy reach of the best of Ocean City, from its beaches to the restaurants and attractions.
Rooms at the boutique hotel are spacious and comfortable, with excellent service from the professional and attentive staff.
Free wi-fi, a refrigerator in each room and complimentary coffee and tea give you everything you need, with the beautiful deck the perfect place to relax before your day starts, or watch the sun setting in the evening.
A great value hotel option that puts you within walking distance of everything you love about Ocean City.
To book, check prices or availability for Ocean Lodge
6. Beach Walk on the Ocean – a restored, seasonal 1930s boutique inn just off the oceanfront boardwalk offering unique quirky-chic decor
A wonderful boutique hotel within easy reach of the beach and boardwalk, city center and attractions, this wonderful accommodation gives you classic period style and modern luxurious comfort.
Rooms are spacious and welcoming, each with their own theme and décor, with period pieces blending with modern amenities.
Free wi-fi and superb service ensure that your stay is always a great one, and with a range of cafes restaurants and more within easy walking distance, you are well placed to enjoy the very best of Ocean City.
7. Ocean City, MD Waterfront Villa – a trendy, hip and Instagrammable villa located on the beachfront
Just 2 minutes from the beach and 6 minutes from the city center with its restaurants, nightlife and attractions, this unique hotel style accommodation is a stunning waterside villa with everything you need for a great trip.
At the rear, the property sits right on the bay canal, so you can sit outside and watch the boats go by for the ultimate in relaxing evenings.
Modern décor makes for comfortable accommodation, with a fully featured kitchen, lovely sitting area and bedrooms, as well as free wi-fi and all the tech you may want.
A barbeque outside and access to indoor and outdoor pools in the complex make it a perfect choice for independent living on your vacation.
8. Sea My Way – a cool, funky and creative apartment perfect for longer stays
A wonderful holiday home just yards from the beach yet within easy reach of the restaurants and attractions of the city center, Sea My Way is a quirky hotel-style accommodation with eclectic design and modern comfort.
The property includes a fully featured kitchen, a lovely balcony where you can dine in the fresh sea air, bright and spacious living areas all complimented by eye-catching decoration and quality furnishings.
You instantly feel at home, and is a great choice of you want to take life at your own pace during your stay on Ocean City.
To book, check prices or availability for Sea My Way
9. Key Lime & Parrot Bay – a fun, quirky and modern apartment situated in Ocean City, 300 metres from the beach
A wonderful beach apartment with simple but comfortable accommodation and superb views across the city.
A quirky hotel with an eclectic mix of styles, but a constant nautical theme reflects the location and its surroundings.
The property features 3 bedrooms, a fully featured kitchen, access to an outdoor swimming pool and a balcony to enjoy the fresh sea air. With cycling, a swimming pool and various water sports available, it’s a great spot for those looking for an active stay in Ocean City.
10. Playa Flamingo #302 – a cool home rental which boasts spectacular sunsets and a great location just a short walk to the beach
A wonderful whole Insta-worthy place sitting right on the beach, this incredible accommodation has everything you and your family need for the perfect stay in Ocean City, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms provide contemporary, comfortable accommodation, with light and airy living spaces including a bright lounge with sea views and a comprehensive kitchen and dining area.
Close to all the attractions and amenities, with access to an outdoor pool and free wi-fi, if you prefer to live to your own schedule on your vacation, this is a fantastic choice for luxury hotel living.
11. Waterfront Tiny Beach House Close to Beach and Fun – a cute and modern self-catering vacation located in the heart of Ocean City
Size isn’t everything! With 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and 2 bathrooms, it isn’t the biggest house you will ever stay in, but it has everything you need.
With so much light flooding into this waterfront location, it always feels airy and spacious, and is within easy reach of the city center attractions, beach and restaurants that make Ocean City such a great place to visit.
A private patio overlooks the Bay Canal, so you can sit and watch the boats go by, while this unique hotel brings comfort and modern amenities together to give you a fantastic place to stay. Unique and unusual, it is a memorable place to spend time.
12. Sunset Island – Beachside Mews 1 & 2 – an upscale family beach retreat awaits at this large Ocean City rental
Just 900 yards from the fabulous white sandy beach, Sunset Island offers fabulous views, superb accommodation and a convenient location for access to the very best of Ocean City.
With 12 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, if you are planning a group trip, this is the ultimate Ocean City destination.
A fully equipped kitchen, free wi-fi and access to an outdoor pool provide everything you need, and throughout the property, quality furnishings and bold colors give this quirky hotel a nautical theme that matches the sea views from the balcony.
13. Cori Noel – a beautiful home rental with stunning bay views from a private balcony
With ocean views and just a short walk to the beach, this luxury hotel puts you right at the heart of the Ocean City lifestyle.
Each of the units features cable TV, a fully fitted kitchen and a washing machine, with free wi-fi and balconies helping you make the most of the location.
A fun modern hotel layout makes for comfortable accommodation, while the restaurants, night life and attractions of the Downtown area are just a short walk away.
Bringing together wonderfully welcoming accommodation with perfect positioning, you will never forget your stay at Cori Noel.
14. Condo with Spacious Balcony – 1 Block to Beach! – unwind in a nautical-themed vacation rental with a furnished balcony and ocean breeze
Just a block from the beach, this fabulous condo offers modern hotel accommodation and the freedom to take your stay at your own pace.
With 3 bedrooms, a fully featured kitchen, free wi-fi and cable TV, it has all the amenities you want, with a contemporary design that creates a comfortable, welcoming home for your vacation.
From the large balcony, you can enjoy drinks under the stars, breakfast as the sun comes up or just a relaxing time in the sun. With restaurants and attractions all within walking distance, a stay here puts you at the heart of Ocean City.
15. Romantic Beach Inscape – Best Ocean View and Heated Pool – a lovely and romantic oceanfront getaway
A romantic hotel-style beach house just 50 yards from the sand, offering quirky, comfortable accommodation and easy access to the restaurants and attractions of Ocean City.
With 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a wonderful lounge area with TV and free wi-fi, it has everything for a romantic stay in this wonderful region.
Wake up to the rolling waves of the ocean, enjoy a drink on the balcony as the sun sets over the sea, and relax in this high-quality accommodation.
If you want a romantic stay in a quirky hotel but with the freedom to live at your own pace, this is the perfect choice.
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.
