The Flanders Hotel

When the seaside Flanders Hotel was built in 1922 by New Jersey entrepreneurs, it attracted prominent businessmen and their families. The Spanish Revival-style hotel, designed by local architect Vivian Smith, has welcomed guests like Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly, but the basement of the property, also known as the catacombs, has had a seedy history. Comprised of seven or eight rooms, the catacombs served as meeting rooms for crime bosses and also housed two illegal bars during the Prohibition era. (Note the doorway by the elevators that’s marked “Catacombs.”) Today, the nine-floor privately owned condominium hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bygone elegance of the hotel can still be found in its brick and concrete exterior and a green awning entrance. The lobby features antiques, upholstered conservative furniture, two-seat dining tables, a grand piano, vintage dresses, and fun memorabilia, including framed old-fashioned swimsuits. But the low ceilings, old tile floors, and weak lighting have faded some of the hotel's former elegance.

Located on the bustling Ocean City boardwalk -- with its fresh popcorn, taffy, pizza, entertainment, dining, and shopping -- the hotel is directly beside the Playland's Castaway Cove, a pirate-themed amusement park, and footsteps from Ocean City Beach. The closest bike rental, Surf Buggy Centers, is beside Congo Falls Adventure Golf and Jilly’s Arcade, a three-minute walk from the hotel. The Boardwalk Bounce, Shriver's Salt Water Taffy, Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Family Theatre, and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier are all within walking distance. Numerous water-sports shops, fishing charters, and Dolphin cruises are five minutes by car on Bay Avenue. It’s a 25-minute drive to the Cape May County Zoo. The Atlantic City International Airport takes 25 minutes by car. 

Traditionally decorated suites -- with one, two, three, or five bedrooms -- feature separate living rooms and either full kitchens or kitchenettes. Some of the furnishings and decor are a bit dated, like old tube TVs in some of the units, but overall the spaces are pleasant and homey, and some have lovely views over the boardwalk and beach. One- and two-bedroom suites have kitchenettes with stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, and utensils, while three- and five-bedroom units have full kitchens with ovens and stoves. Promenade Suites and Penthouses are elegantly appointed with chandeliers, cherry wood details, and high-end bathroom fixtures. All suites have flat-screen TVs, comfortable sofa beds in the living room, daily maid service, and bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Some units also have washers and dryers, fireplaces, private sundeck access, and whirlpool tubs. The largest Five-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite is a duplex that can sleep up to 15 people and has a wet bar and panoramic views. The two-level Skyline Terrace Penthouse has an elevator.

The hotel’s heated pool is open seasonally and is surrounded by a cement deck that offers lounge chairs and shaded patio furniture. A 24-hour gym features modern cardio equipment, weights, two mounted tube TVs, towels, and a water cooler. Free Zumba and yoga classes are also offered. Emily’s Ocean Room serves breakfast and lunch daily as well as dinner seasonally in a homey dining room or on the poolside patio. There’s also a cafe, the Coffee Express. The Divine Images Salon and Day Spa provides hair and nail services, as well as waxing and spa treatments. The hotel also has a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces suitable for weddings, meetings, and other functions, including two classic 1920s-style ballrooms. Ocean City is a dry town, but event hosts can arrange for liquor delivery. A business center provides a PC computer and a printer. There's also a small boutique that sells women's clothing, jewelry and kids’ accessories.