After we had so much fun in Myrtle Beach earlier this month, we were ready to return to the beach! Since my husband Rob is living in Washington, DC, this year, we decided to take advantage of his location and explore a Maryland beach, Ocean City! The girls have never really been to a boardwalk beach, except for a grey Sunday morning in Coney Island, so we were looking forward to this new experience.
Searching online, Rob found Park Place Hotel, right in the heart of the boardwalk. We figured if we were going to go to experience the boardwalk, we should stay at hotel right on it.
We arrived Friday evening. The parking lot had plenty of room, though I can imagine if the hotel is at capacity, parking could be an issue. I had selected a bayview room, thinking we would be able to see the bay and also save money, but that was a BAD IDEA! We had a parking lot view. And the parking lot was noisy. Rob went back to the reception desk and switched us to an oceanfront room, and I would never, ever choose anything else again. It made a world of difference.
The room was pleasant. The hotel had none of that musty, mildewy smell that I associate with beach hotels. We had two queen beds, a couch, a coffee table, a table and two chairs (plus the TV/dresser and end table), which was a lot, but did not make the room feel crowded. The balcony was big enough for all of us and two chairs to be outside but not much else. One very useful perk was a nice sized mini fridge, microwave and sink. Plus dishes and drinking glasses and silverware (including a corkscrew) came with the room! The wi-fi was free, but we could only get it to work during the day. Our guess is that at night more people were trying to use it and it was overtaxed. So don’t count on wifi (which is bad, if like me, you tend to take work traveling with you).
The hotel also has a pool and gameroom. Breakfast is served in the restaurant called Conner’s Beach Cafe and is not complimentary, but there is a discount for hotel guests. The buffet was acceptable, but nothing memorable. We had eggs, pancakes, fruit, biscuits, and more. The coffee was terrible. Bring your own. Lunch and dinner are served on the upstairs deck. There are great choices for kids and even a few vegetarian choices. We ate dinner there one night and really enjoyed it.
The location was ideal for some boardwalk fun! We were near the Jolly Roger at the Pier Amusement Park and Thrasher’s French Fries (cash only, no ketchup). The beach is super wide and has various climbing structures.
All in all, it was a great place to stay, and we would return in the future (but only if we are guaranteed an oceanfront room).
Excellent breakfast and coffee at the Dough Roller restaurant, next door, on the Boardwalk at Third Street, in the Breakers Hotel.
Other classic Ocean City restaurant choices with affordable prices, within walking distance:
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grille, one block north on the Boardwalk, at Fourth Street
And Melvin’s Steak House, two blocks south, then two blocks west, at Philadelphia Ave. and First Street.
Thrasher’s is a must-do for many Ocean City regulars, as is Dumser’s ice cream and Phillips Crab House.
For a classic amusement experience, keep walking south of the pier and visit the historic Trimper Rides, with its restored carousel, just off the Boardwalk at South Division Street. — Bernie