Property
All rooms in this updated version of an old-fashioned beach hotel are oceanfront with ocean view balconies. It is just steps away from the beach, and a few blocks from the end of the boardwalk. Rooms have microwaves and mini fridges which make simple cooking easy. The pool is 1/2 indoor, 1/2 outdoor so it’s available year round.

Location
There’s lots to do here during the summer (water parks, go cart tracks, boat rides, bike rentals). The southern boardwalk also has kid climbing areas, carnival rides, and an old carousel. Assateague Island National Seashore, where you can actually see the wild horses near the beach areas, is close enough for a day trip.

Sleeps
2-6 in accommodations ranging from standard, queen, and king rooms to 1 and 2-room efficiencies.

Highlights
Live piano sing-a-long evenings in the lobby. Early bird dinner specials (children welcome). Complimentary morning coffee and afternoon tea (best enjoyed from a rocking chair on the veranda). Making sand castles and forts on the beach, or flying kites in the near-constant wind.

Good to know
They will sometimes waive their 2-night minimum on a last minute basis. The rooms do not come with any dishes or silverware. Closet space is somewhat limited. The hotel does not have any playground equipment on the grounds, but if you bring a bike or skateboard along you can ride it on the boardwalk. Many local attractions close out of season.

Contact
www.dunesmanor.com

Written by Jennifer Balla

Property
A modern all-efficiency beachfront hotel where your kids can be kids. Rooms have either 1 king or two double beds and a pull-out couch, fully-equipped kitchenettes, and all the modern conveniences. You can choose from a range of views starting at garden view all the way up to full ocean view.

Location
Right on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. About an hour from Salisbury, 2 1/2 hours from Baltimore, and 4 hours from New York. Not at all far from Chincoteague with its famous ponies either.

Sleeps
2-6.

Highlights
Children eat free lunch every day at the tiki hut right next to the pool. There is a kids’ club with daily activities and nightly movies. The hotel offers free fruit all day, and free coffee and tea all day and all night.

Good to know
Children 19 and under stay free. Cribs and high chairs available upon request.

Contact
http://www.ocmdhotels.com/holidayinn/

Written by Robin Dudik