Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina

Located on 342 acres next to the Choptank River (a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay), this sprawling resort has its own 18-hole golf course, 150-slip marina, and wildlife refuge (which is closed to visitors most of the year). There’s not much to do in the nearby town of Cambridge, so guests typically stay on the premises -- eating, drinking, and taking advantage of the resort’s plentiful amenities.Decor-wise, the lobby is covered in floor-to-ceiling hardwood, patches of aquatic-colored carpeting, and large potted plants. Metal sculptures of birds, photographs of sunset beach scenes, and nautical paintings give the resort a coastal vibe. The furniture (almost entirely brown or blue) is a tasteful, yet unremarkable, mix of modern and traditional styles.With tons of child-friendly activities -- including a playground, kids’ club, mini-golf course, artificial beach, and game room -- Hyatt Regency caters largely to families. It also hosts family-friendly “Dive in Movies” every night at the indoor pool, and the outdoor Activity Pool has an impressive waterslide. Some guests have complained of the pools and restaurants being overrun with children during busy weekends, such an Fourth of July and Spring Break, but the property felt almost empty during our off-season visit in October.

The Hyatt Regency is located on 342 acres next to the Choptank River (a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay) in the quiet city of Cambridge. Other than the Harriet Tubman Museum and a handful of restaurants and shops, there’s not much to see in this small town of about 12,000. Popular nearby attractions include the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (12 miles away) and the historic town of St. Michaels (27 miles away).- Seven-minute drive to downtown and the Harriet Tubman Museum

• 23-minute drive from the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• 35-minute drive from historic St. Michaels
• 100-minute drive from Washington, DC

The 400 rooms at Hyatt Regency feature unremarkable decor -- white bedspreads, beige walls, and ordinary wooden furniture -- but all the essentials are there. Each room comes with free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, iPod stereo, bottled water, and flat-screen TV. Most rooms are 350 square feet and have water views. Every unit has a balcony, but some are cramped with standing room only. Hypoallergenic and pet-friendly rooms are also available, as well as 550-square-foot suites with bunk beds.

In additional to its three large pools, four restaurants, and athletic activities, this Hyatt has plenty of great amenities and extras. A game room, kids’ club, mini-golf course, playground, and artificial beach provide entertainment for children, while adults can take advantage of a modern fitness center and full-service spa with a steam room, sauna, and beauty salon. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, 150-slip marina, golf pro shop, and a convenience store with its own coffee shop. Hyatt Regency Club members (and those who pay extra) can access a private lounge with snacks and hot breakfast items.

Services at Hyatt Regency include poolside bar service (food and alcohol), room service, a kids’ club, babysitting services, and a shuttle that runs across the property every 15 minutes during the day. Wi-Fi and self-parking are free. Pet-friendly rooms are on the first floor, so guests will have to sacrifice their view and pay an additional fee to bring dogs. Outdoor kennels are also available for boarding.

This Hyatt Regency is overflowing with physical activities. An 18-hole, 71-par golf course features its own pro shop, restaurant, and bar. The resort also has well-maintained basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts, as well as a small mini-golf course. Sports rentals include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Jet Skiis, bicycles, swan-shaped peddle boats, Hobie Cat sailboats, and small fishing boats. Tours into the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, 12 miles away, can also be arranged.

The resort has three spacious pools, two outdoors and one indoors. The infinity-style Crescent Pool is located on the main lawn and overlooks the river. With no floats or toys allowed, it’s intended to be the quietest pool on the property. A nearby, kid-friendly Activity Pool features frog statues that squirt water and an impressive waterslide. The indoor pool is also kid-friendly, with plenty of pool toys and a basketball hoop. It also has a large indoor/outdoor hot tub and hosts nightly “Dive in Movies.” Food are bar service are available at all three pools.

The Hyatt Regency has four main restaurants. The largest restaurant is Water’s Edge Grill, located in the main building. It has high ceilings, chandeliers, and serves traditional American and Eastern Shore cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The spacious lobby lounge, Michener’s Library, serves drinks and bar food and is adults-only at night. Eagle’s Nest Bar & Grille (known as River Marsh Gastropub in the evening) is a five-minute walk away in the golf club. It has a sport’s bar feel and serves pub food. Blue Point offers Eastern Shore cuisine for dinner, live music, and an outdoor patio with water views.