CASTLE IN THE SAND, Ocean City

The hotel sits directly on the sand at 37th Street, providing immediate beach access and ocean views from many rooms. The Ocean City Boardwalk is close enough for a stroll but far enough to avoid peak noise. A variety of restaurants and bars are within a 5-minute walk, including Shotti's Point and Barn 34. Odyssea Watersports (2 km) offers jet-skiing and parasailing, and the Ocean City Factory Outlets are 6 km away. The location is walkable to most attractions, and the area is well-regarded for its convenience. Free on-site parking means a car is useful but not essential for visiting nearby spots.

Accommodation options range from basic rooms with two queen beds to multi-bedroom suites and standalone cottages. Standard rooms include a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Efficiencies and suites add kitchenettes or full kitchens with oven, stovetop, dishwasher, and cookware. Many units feature a private oceanfront balcony or patio, with direct or side ocean views depending on floor level. Bedrooms are separated from living areas in some suites. The property is older and showing its age - worn carpets, peeling wallpaper, and dated bathrooms are common. Some rooms have a musty odor. Air conditioning is window-unit style in some cottages and can be noisy. Rooms away from the road and the Coconuts bar tend to be quieter.

The Beach House Restaurant offers an extensive breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets, a waffle bar, and à la carte options, available daily (cost is separate). Coconuts Beach Bar and Grill serves pub-style fare and full bar service, with live music and happy hour (buy-one-get-one) daily from 17:00 to 18:00. During summer, waitstaff take orders on the beach for food and drinks. Take a Dip Ice Cream Shop provides sweet treats. While the food is generally well-liked, some find the breakfast pricey and the pub food basic. A variety of other restaurants are within a 5-minute walk.

The centrepiece is the Olympic-size outdoor pool (3-3.0 m deep), open from April through the season, with a diving board and plenty of sun loungers. The beach is directly accessible from the property, and a beach stand rents chairs and umbrellas during the full season (closed after Labor Day). Seasonal activities include movie nights, live music, and children's activities. There is no gym, spa, or jacuzzi on site; local gyms offer day passes for a fee. The pool is unheated and may be cold in early or late season.

Free private parking is available on site with a gated lot; no reservation is needed. The 24-hour front desk provides key-card access, luggage storage is possible, and laundry service is available. A meeting/banquet room and vending machines for drinks and snacks are on site. Service dogs are welcome with prior notice. The Waverly Castle building has an elevator; Castle South does not. Wi-Fi is free in public areas only; cottages and condos do not have Wi-Fi. Housekeeping is available on request but may be inconsistent. The property is non-smoking indoors; smoking is permitted on balconies.