The 8 Best Resorts in Ocean City Maryland | Beachfront Resorts in 2025
We looked through every beachfront property and found the best resorts in Ocean City Maryland for travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and a serious dose of oceanfront energy directly on the water.
Whether you’re chasing sandy feet, top-tier service, or just a place where everything’s more or less within walking distance, these resorts bring it all—sun, sea, and surprisingly good amenities.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To figure out which properties truly count among the best resorts Ocean City Maryland has to offer, we pulled data and real guest feedback from several trusted sources like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We specifically looked for consistent reviews about room cleanliness, beachfront access, on-site restaurants, pool quality, and whether the overall atmosphere actually matched the price.
We also focused on finding properties that are actually on the beach and not a few blocks away, so this list includes the best beach resorts in Ocean City MD as well.
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The 8 Best Ocean City Resorts for 2025
8. Grand Hotel
Key Highlights:
- Sits directly on the beach with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Has 2 pools—one indoor, one outdoor—plus 5 eateries on-site
- Offers over 250 rooms, many with private balconies facing the ocean
Grand Hotel is that slightly old-school but extremely reliable resort that sits squarely on the Ocean City Boardwalk, just steps away from the sand. It’s got that vibe where you instantly feel like you’re on summer vacation, even if it’s the middle of spring.
It’s almost always buzzing with life—thanks to five food and drink spots, including a full-service restaurant and a café that keeps the coffee flowing early.
Rooms come in various layouts, including oceanfront suites with balconies that give you just enough breeze and wave sounds to skip your white noise machine.
There’s an indoor pool that’s fairly large and always warm, alongside an outdoor pool that’s often surrounded by families playing catch and sipping frozen drinks.
You also get access to a fitness center, and while there isn’t a full-service spa, the massage chairs and sauna room sort of do the trick.
Being right on the boardwalk means you’re just a short stroll from dozens of little arcades, gift shops, and classic eats like Thrashers Fries and Dumser’s Dairyland. This resort’s not too flashy, but it really sticks the landing when it comes to Ocean City beach resorts with high foot traffic appeal.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Gateway Hotel & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection – Most Affordable
Key Highlights:
- Just a little over 1 block from the beach and boardwalk
- Rooms with private balconies and mini-fridges
- One of the most budget-friendly Ocean City Maryland beach resorts
If you’re looking to stay close to the beach without emptying your wallet, Gateway Hotel & Suites is one of the best beach resorts in Ocean City Maryland to consider.
It’s clean, it’s calm, and it’s just far enough from the boardwalk to avoid the constant hum—yet close enough to hit it with a two-minute walk.
Though it’s a bit smaller, it still lands on the list of Ocean City resorts that keep their guests coming back. Each room includes a private balcony, and some have views that catch the edge of the ocean if you squint past the rooftops.
Amenities are simple but solid: there’s a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and free parking—something you rarely get without strings in this area.
Families, solo travelers, and couples on a tight budget tend to find this property fairly appealing. It’s located in the southern part of Ocean City, which means attractions like Trimper Rides and Jolly Roger at the Pier are just around the corner.
For beach resorts in Ocean City MD with affordability and walkability in the same sentence, Gateway deserves a solid nod.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Residence Inn Ocean City
Key Highlights:
- All-suite layout with full kitchens and bayfront balconies
- Two pools, including an outdoor heated one facing the bay
- Free hot breakfast and complimentary parking
This one’s for people who kind of want their vacation to feel like a polished home-away-from-home. Residence Inn Ocean City offers a bayfront setup that feels a bit quieter and more relaxed compared to resorts jammed right up on the boardwalk.
Each suite comes with a full kitchen, a decent-sized living area, and private balconies that usually give you views of the bay, sunsets included. The vibe is a little slower, a little more laid-back—ideal if you’re visiting with kids, or just want to feel like you’re not in a tourist funnel.
The property has both an indoor pool and an outdoor one, and the outdoor option is heated, which makes it pretty usable even when the weather does that mid-Atlantic thing and dips without warning.
There’s also a small beach area on the bay for paddleboarding or lounging, though not really ideal for swimming.
Nearby restaurants include quiet local favorites like Ropewalk and Hooked, and even though the boardwalk is a bit of a drive, you get peace and waterfront views that are harder to find among Ocean City Maryland beach resorts in more crowded zones.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites – Best-Seller
Key Highlights:
- All suites include full kitchens and jetted tubs
- 3 pools including a zero-entry outdoor option with fountains
- Oceanfront location near 32nd Street
The Hilton Ocean City is the kind of resort that pretty much sells itself just by name.
Still, the Oceanfront Suites version here kicks it up a notch with huge suite-style rooms, beach views that are nearly unbeatable, and family-focused perks all over the place.
Each suite includes a jetted bathtub, granite countertops, full kitchen, and oversized private balcony. The furnishings are plush but not too serious—like you can still eat a slice of pizza on the couch without ruining the vibe.
There’s a zero-entry pool for kids with water features that shoot and splash in every direction, a more chill pool for grownups to lounge around, and an indoor pool for when you just need a break from the sun.
For food, the 32 Palm restaurant is right there on-site, serving up seafood and American dishes that actually taste a bit better than you’d expect from a resort kitchen.
It’s one of the best resorts in Ocean City Maryland if you’re looking for that balance of luxury and family convenience without being too far from the boardwalk action or the quieter north-end beaches.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront
Key Highlights:
- Located directly on the boardwalk near 16th Street
- Every room includes a sofa-sleeper and private balcony
- 24/7 dining menu and coffee bar available
Hyatt Place manages to feel both modern and laid-back, which is kind of a rare combo for Ocean City resorts. It’s fresh, it’s bright, and it’s got this clean, airy look that makes walking into the lobby feel like a little reset from the boardwalk chaos outside.
The rooms have a bit of a studio apartment feel—each with a private balcony, a sofa-sleeper for extra guests, and mini-fridge setups. You also get a little more elbow room than usual, which is great if you’re not into the whole cramped hotel experience.
This resort’s right on the beach and boardwalk, so you can literally watch people zip by on bikes, hit the sand within seconds, and still escape the noise just by closing the balcony door.
There’s an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, plus 24-hour dining options including grab-and-go snacks or a full meal menu whenever you need it.
For anyone who wants beachfront ease and newer amenities, it’s one of the more solid beach resorts in Ocean City Maryland that doesn’t feel too old or too crowded.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Ashore Resort & Beach Club
Key Highlights:
- Full beachfront access with private cabanas and fire pits
- Two pools and a seasonal beach club for live music
- Recently renovated with sleek design and upscale vibe
Ashore Resort & Beach Club really kind of flips the script when it comes to what Ocean City beach resorts can feel like.
The look is fresh and a bit swanky, yet somehow still doesn’t feel like you’re out of place showing up with sand on your flip-flops.
This property has direct beach access and offers private cabana rentals, fire pits, and a seasonal outdoor bar that turns into a bit of a social scene as the sun goes down.
There are two pools, one indoor and one outdoor, with plenty of space to stretch out or sip something cold while half-listening to the waves crash nearby.
Room layouts include everything from king suites with sitting areas to double-bed options ideal for families. Most rooms have balconies, and the renovated interiors lean on neutral tones and modern lines—nothing feels dated or overdecorated.
The on-site restaurant and cocktail bar round out the stay, making it one of the most balanced Ocean City Maryland beach resorts if you want something a bit newer without jumping up into luxury pricing.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. Park Place Hotel – Top Value Pick
Key Highlights:
- Prime Boardwalk location near attractions and eateries
- Two oceanfront outdoor pools with sundecks
- In-room kitchenettes for added convenience
Park Place Hotel sits right on the Boardwalk and is one of the highest-rated properties on this list, which makes it one of the best beach resorts in Ocean City Maryland.
It’s very much a no-fuss, all-fun type of resort, with the kind of location you don’t really need to leave unless you just want to.
Rooms are straightforward, clean, and all come with kitchenettes so you can stash snacks or heat up leftovers. Most units also have private balconies that look out over the beach or boardwalk, which makes for solid people-watching as a bonus.
Two outdoor pools give guests a break from the saltwater, and both have sundecks with loungers that are usually easy to grab—something that’s not always the case in other Ocean City resorts this central.
This spot’s especially great for families, thanks to its location near Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Trimper’s Rides.
When it comes to best resorts in Ocean City Maryland for travelers who care more about location and efficiency than unnecessary extras, Park Place more or less nails it.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort – Top Overall
Key Highlights:
- Indoor atrium with Olympic-sized pool
- Direct beach access with oceanfront suites and condos
- Full-service spa and four on-site dining options
The Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort is the best resort in Ocean City MD. It’s prime location right on the beach also makes it the best beach resorts in Ocean City as well.
It’s big, it’s packed with amenities, and it’s right on the water—like walk-out-the-door-and-touch-the-sand kind of access.
Rooms range from standard oceanfront suites to two-bedroom condos, many of which have kitchenettes or full kitchens.
The property has a massive indoor pool inside a glass atrium, which kind of steals the show and is especially nice on days when the weather decides not to cooperate.
You’ll also find a spa with massage services, body treatments, and beauty therapies. Dining options include a cafe, a beachfront bar, and a main restaurant that serves everything from breakfast to fresh seafood dinners with a view.
For anyone looking to book Ocean City beach resorts that actually deliver a full experience—spacious suites, solid food, endless beach, and some well-placed touches of luxury—the Princess Royale is it.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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