Commander Hotel & Suites

As a family-owned hotel in business since 1930, the hotel goes back a long way, but renovations completed in 2016 have given it an updated look. The interiors are still simple, but hardwood floors at the entrance, clean white couches in the reception, and hallways lined with new carpeting and freshly-painted cream and blue walls lend the property a more modern aesthetic. Meanwhile, vintage photos of the hotel framed throughout the lobby are a nod to its history. Two buildings comprise the property; one overlooks the pool, and the main structure, facing the ocean, opens to a boardwalk for a classic beachfront atmosphere. Though a rebranding process has aimed to attract a more upscale crowd, the breezy atmosphere both inside and around the hotel makes it a family-friendly option. 

Perched on the beachfront, but far enough down the Ocean City Boardwalk to escape the denser crowds, the hotel enjoys a convenient yet relatively quiet location that’s ideal for tourists. There are several casual eateries (including the famous Fractured Prune donut shop) nearby, and a handful of golf courses under 15 minutes away on foot. Trimper’s Rides, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum are all within ten-minute drives away. The Frontier Town waterpark is 15 minutes away by car. Salisbury Regional Airport is a 40-minute drive away. Philadelphia International Airport and Baltimore-Washington Airport are both about three-hour drives away. 

Suites are the standard category of rooms here, and are housed in the hotel’s main beachfront building. Larger Cabanas are located in the rear building. Like the common areas, both Suites and Cabanas are simply but tastefully renovated, with modern laminate flooring, carpet areas with coral motifs, blue and cream walls, white bed linens, and beach photography on the walls. The effect is spacious and airy. Guests have the option of Ocean Front Suites, which face the boardwalk, or Ocean View Suites, which are on the side of the building and don't have direct ocean views. All Suites have wraparound terraces or balconies which allow picturesque glimpses of the ocean, but Ocean Front Suites undoubtedly have the best, direct views of the beach. Cabanas, much larger than Suites, have private porches facing the hotel’s outdoor pool.  Suites are exceptionally well-appointed with separate dining areas, plus kitchenette features like microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, refrigerators, and sinks. All units have air-conditioning, two 42-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi, though some guests do report connectivity issues. Some Suites and all Cabanas have sofa beds. Cabanas also have stoves in their kitchens. Wooden floors and white fixtures help the small bathrooms feel slightly larger. All have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads. Eco-friendly toiletry dispensers and hairdryers are included.

Features are focused on the outdoors. Breakfast isn't offered, but there is a pizza parlor attached to the hotel on the boardwalk, which is popular with guests.There is a small indoor pool on-site, but the outdoor pool is much more popular. It closes early in the evenings, but plenty of seating, a pool bar, juggling performances, and occasional visits from “mermaids” make it a favorite spot for both adults and kids. Guests also have direct access to the beach, which isn’t private, but is much less crowded than other areas farther down the boardwalk. Other amenities include a laundry room with one washer/dryer unit and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Each room is allotted one free parking spot in the adjacent lot, but it’s a small space and slots get taken up fast. VIP parking is available for fees at additional lots, which can be located several blocks away.