*Our stay was graciously accommodated by Residence Inn Ocean City. All opinions are my own*
Hello everyone! I’m so excited to share a travel post with you guys today all about our end of summer mini getaway to Ocean City, Maryland! It’s crazy to think that at the beginning of this year, we weren’t sure whether or not going to the beach this year was even going to be an option.
Luckily, we were able to book an end of summer trip for 2 day to Ocean City. It’s been a few years since I’ve been down there, and it was the only “local” beach town to us that I haven’t taken Nick to yet. To be quite honest, besides Stone Harbor, Ocean City is one of my favorite beach towns. There’s just something about the commercialized area, night life, high rise hotels, and the tropical restaurants all around that I love.
WHAT WE DID:
This trip was super relaxing for us. We mainly just hung out on the beach, had delicious dinners, and sat by the pool. We had some amazing Asian rolled ice cream by the boardwalk, and also went mini golfing one night. Such fun little date nights!
WHERE WE STAYED:
We stayed at the Residence Inn Ocean City by Marriott. The hotel was absolutely gorgeous, luxurious, welcoming, and right on the bay front. Amazing views!
Upon our arrival we were greeted by friendly hotel staff up the gorgeous stairwell when you walk in. The employees at the check-in desk were always so happy, and willing to accommodate guests. There’s nothing worse than cranky hotel desk employees.
LOCATION:
The hotel was located right on the bay in the center of Ocean City right around 62nd street. It is also conveniently located on the corner where the main road brings you into town. Love that you could also see the ocean from our floor across the island! It was the perfect driving distance all restaurants since it was the the middle of everything. Although it’s not walking distance to the boardwalk, it was only a short 5-8 minute drive with traffic.
ROOMS:
The hotel has a total of 8 floors, and we were situated towards the backend of the hotel on the 6th floor with a stunning view of bay. All rooms have a bay-front view with a personal balcony.
We stayed in a King Suite which came with luxurious kitchenette and full sized appliances and cookware. This is super convenient to for guests who may be staying longer and would like to make a meal or two.
I loved that the hotel rooms were set up as suites. There is a living room area for lounging which included a couch, a television, and high top table. There is a separate area for the bed with a tv on dresser, and as mentioned before a full size kitchen.
The bathroom was also such an oasis. It was large and spacious, and had a large walk in shower with sliding glass doors from floor to ceiling. The lighting behind the main large mirror was also SO flattering.
Overall, the room was a gracious size, and wonderful place to spend our free time in.
RESTAURANTS AND EATERY:
The Residence Inn had a combination of places to eat as well as paces to hang out.
The Soggy Dollar Tiki Bar is located outside at the outdoor pool on the bay. They have happy hour most days from 4pm-7pm, and is perfectly located for having a drink by the pool. Unfortunately the days we were there is rained and we didn’t get to enjoy it as we had hoped, but it was still a great little area on the property!
Bayview Bar & Grille is where we had dinner the first night! We ate right outside the bar area on a balcony overlooking the pool and bay. It was a beautiful view for dinner while sipping on our cocktails from the bar inside.
For an appetizer we ordered the mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce. I specifically wanted to mention this, because the sauce was homemade, and probably some of the best marinara sauce I’ve ever had. It was so sweet! For my entree I ordered the Bayfront Burger, and Nick had the Cajun Shrimp burger. Both meals were delicious and we were stuffed!
24 Hour Market: There is also a small cafe for a quick grab and go snack or any toiletries you may need. It reminds me 10×10 Wawa/Sheetz.
The Residence Inn also offers buffet meals, but due to Covid, we were unable to enjoy this feature currently. Instead they are offering free continental, safely served, individual breakfasts in the lobby. They also have a coffee bar which Nick loved!
AMENITIES & EXTRAS:
Kayaking & paddle boarding: Something I really loved about the Residence Inn was that they have kayaking and paddle boarding on site, and you just need to head to the front lobby desk to check them out and schedule a time! The hotel has a private little beach and dock where you can launch from aside the pool.
Outdoor pool and tiki bar: I’ve been mentioning it a lot, but obviously the Residence Inn has a generously sized outdoor pool with a tiki bar. The pool is definitely one of the best perks about the entire hotel! It was situated on a large deck that directly backs on to the bay. The view is stunning.
BBQ/picnic area: When you first enter the deck of the pool I saw a few grills and picnic tables. Hotel staff are able to grill out, or you can enjoy a nice home cooked meal with the guests you’re staying with. Thought that was really nice!
Fire pit: Out closer towards the water. there was a larger round area with a gorgeous fire pit and stately wicker chairs. I enjoyed watching people use it from my balcony at night.
Home gym: The 7th floor of the hotel has an indoor gym with floor the ceiling windows overlooking the bay. I was absolutely in awe over the view. It actually made me want to get on treadmill lol.
Indoor pool: The 8th floor of the property is dedicated to an indoor pool with floor to ceiling window views of the bay. It isn’t currently open to the public, but sure would be nice to relax in when the weather is cooler!
Lounge: The hotel has an extremely large area next to the lobby to hang out in and watch TV by the gorgeous fireplace. Nick and I grabbed drinks at the bar one night and watched some of the football game down here.
WHERE WE ATE:
Bayview Bar & Grille: The first night we ate at the hotel restaurant. Small menu, with good eats!
Seacrets: Lively waterfront nightlife hotel with dance floors, tropical cocktails & Caribbean-inspired eats. This place looks like a tropical jungle, and has multiple outdoor tiki bars located on the property as well as tables in the water.
Little House of Pancakes: We ate here the morning that we left for breakfast. It was an adorable little diner with indoor and outdoor eating. The pancakes were definitely the best part.
South Pole Ice Cream Roll: Thai style ice cream. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it was amazing. It was an accidentally find, but I’m so glad we did. It was so cool watching them make it!
Ocean City has a ton to offer depending on what you’re looking for! Our stay at the Residence Inn was fabulous. and I will definitely be staying there again! I’m so glad we were able to take this mini getaway for ourselves before the end of summer. If you have any questions about the trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 🙂
