2800 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, Maryland, United States | (888) 273-7116
Right on the beach
Quiet location, yet close to the boardwalk and attractions
All rooms have private balconies with ocean views
Modern amenities include free Wi-Fi and 37-inch, flat-screen TVs in rooms
Elegant lobby with Victorian-style details and evening piano performances
Free morning coffee and afternoon tea
Suites have kitchens with ovens, stoves, microwaves, and full-size refrigerators
Quality restaurant and bar right on the ocean
Crowd and vibe may seem stuffy to some
Tiny gym with just a few exercise machines
Bathrooms are on the small side
Furnishings in guest rooms are fairly generic and uninspiring
The Dunes Manor Hotel is a 170-room property with a refined, distinctive look, complete with Victorian-style details in the public spaces. The guest rooms are not so unique however, as they have fairly generic, unremarkable decor. Each room does have a private balcony overlooking the beach. The hotel is located right on the ocean, with lovely views of sand and sea. It is situated in an ideal spot that is near the boardwalk, but far enough off the main drag for peace and quiet.
Scene
An elegant, refined hotel with a crowd to match
The hotel markets itself as being “built in the grand style of Ocean City’s Victorian era.” In fact, the place was constructed in 1987, and has no exterior Victorian architecture to speak of. Inside, however, a circular Victorian staircase, grand piano, chandelier, and classic furniture give the hotel a refined atmosphere. The common spaces are meticulously maintained and have a homey feel, with perks aimed at bringing guests together. For instance, a piano player fills the lobby with music in the evenings. Morning coffee and daily afternoon tea (crumpets and cookies included!) adds a civilized touch. The clientele here is noticeably older than guests at most nearby hotels, and the vibe is genteel and elegant (especially for a beach hotel), although families and all kinds of beachgoers fill the place, particularly during peak season.
Location
A quiet, yet convenient, beachfront location
The oceanfront property backs up to the sea, with dunes and a path for direct beach access right outside the hotel. Located just two blocks from the northern edge of the boardwalk, this is a great location for guests who like a bit more peace and quiet, but still want to be able to walk to the shops and cafes on the boardwalk. The hotel is about a seven-minute drive from Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, home to the city’s landmark Ferris wheel. The surrounding area is full of hotels and condos. There’s a small strip mall across the street with a Laundromat, liquor store, and a few restaurants.
Rooms
Simple, comfortable rooms with oceanfront balconies
The Victorian details that characterize the common areas completely vanishes in the guest rooms, which have generic, chain-like furnishings and an aqua, sea-foam green, and cream color scheme typical of beach hotels. All rooms look out onto the ocean, with private balconies offering beautiful views of the Atlantic. Suites have sleeper sofas and fully-equipped kitchens with ovens, cooking utensils, and granite countertops. All rooms come with coffeemakers and mini-fridges. The rooms are spacious, clean, and pleasant (albeit fairly uninspiring), with useful amenities that include 37-inch, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.
Features
Dunes Manor has a decent pool, a lovely restaurant and bar, and convenient beach access
The property has a combined indoor/outdoor pool and a hot tub, and although the pool deck is a bit run-of-the-mill compared to many neighboring hotels, there is plenty of space for peaceful lounging. The restaurant and lounge bar is airy and bright, though the decor is fairly plain. A beach bar overlooking the dunes offers cheap draft beer and stunning views. Each guest room comes with a free parking space. There is also a gym, but it is quite tiny and only has a few exercise machines. Free coffee is served every morning. Tea is offered in the afternoons, with crumpets and cookies, too. The best feature, of course, is the beach right outside the hotel.