EMPRESS MOTEL, Ocean City

The motel is a few steps from the beach and a 2-minute walk to the boardwalk, requiring no major street crossings. It is a 14-minute walk from Ocean City Harbor, 2 km from the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, and 3 km from Jolly Roger at the Pier and the Ocean City Boardwalk. Within a 5-minute walk, there are multiple dining options including Boogs BBQ, Dunkin', Java Beach Cafe & Bakery, Just Wing It, Spinnaker Cafe, Sinbad Restaurant, Dairy Queen, and Epic Bar and Grill. The location allows easy car-free access to the beach, bars, and restaurants. For events such as bike week, the area is accessible from the Inlet. Free street parking is available, and the main building is a short walk to the adjacent Sahara hotel for check-in.

All rooms offer air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV, carpeted floors, and outdoor furniture on the shared balcony. Each room has two double beds, and a rollaway bed can be provided free for a fifth person. Some rooms include a kitchenette with a stovetop, oven, and toaster. Bathrooms are shared (private bathrooms are not available). The property's Tower building has a lift; other buildings are accessible only by stairs. Room 360 (an upper floor) is noted for being brighter and having a better smell and a beach view. Some rooms on lower floors may feel older. The dated furnishings and carpets in some rooms can produce a musty or moldy smell, particularly in rooms facing the pool or in lower floors. For those sensitive to humidity or mold, a room on a higher floor or in the Tower building is recommended.

The motel does not have a restaurant or breakfast service. A coffee machine in the main office provides free coffee throughout the day and night. For meals, there are many dining choices within a 5-minute walk, including Boogs BBQ, Dunkin', Java Beach Cafe & Bakery, Just Wing It, Spinnaker Cafe, Sinbad Restaurant, Dairy Queen, and Epic Bar and Grill. The Sahara Cafe across the street offers good food. Guests wanting a fuller breakfast or a formal dinner can easily walk to the boardwalk area, which hosts a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

The outdoor swimming pool is open until 10 p.m. and provides sun loungers or beach chairs for relaxation. No spa, wellness centre, or fitness facilities are available. The pool area is generally clean and comfortable, with easy access from the rooms. The beach and boardwalk are steps away for leisure activities.

Wi-Fi is available free in public areas but may not reach all rooms. Parking is free and private, with accessible parking spots; one space per room is available without reservation. A 24-hour front desk operates at the adjacent Sahara hotel; there is no staff at the Empress Motel itself. Daily housekeeping is provided if requested by the guest. The property has 24-hour security, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and key card access. No airport shuttle service is available. The only building with a lift is the Tower building; the rest use stairs. Luggage storage is not offered, but early-arrival guests can get a parking pass and use the pool. A vending machine for drinks is located on site.