Disclaimer: All Choice hotel brands are now participating in Commitment to Clean, an initiative that builds upon a long-standing dedication to cleanliness via enhanced training and best practices for sanitization, disinfecting, and social distancing to promise a peace of mind once you choose to travel again. Before you book your stay at the Cambria Hotel Ocean City – Bayfront, please call the hotel to confirm which amenities are available.
Arrival: The minute you step inside this airy oasis, you feel right at home! The front desk staff is so attentive and articulate while giving guests the lowdown of what to expect during your stay, which is a comforting assurance during COVID-19 times. The eight-story, 137-room Cambria Hotel Ocean City – Bayfront sits steps from the Boardwalk and Outlets Ocean City shopping center. The entrance to the hotel gives off a cool, artsy vibe (Instagram alert!). They have plenty of parking right outside the hotel, at no additional charge. Staff members are all wearing masks, and I also loved the fact the hotel has hand sanitizer dispensers spread throughout the property.
The Room: The view from our abode was pretty incredible. After being cooped in my little apartment for so many months, this awesome alternative felt like a little piece of heaven! The balcony is pretty spacious and outfitted with two chairs. Plop down to enjoy the views over a side of bubbles or coffee in the morning. Our beds were pretty spacious and the overall decor gave me retro 70s’ vibes! The roomy closet fit all my clothes (and you guys know how much I pack, even for short weekend trips #bloggerbehavior lol). Now let’s talk about the bathroom, one of my favorite spaces by far. The mirror has built-in Bluetooth speakers, which you can turn on and listen to your favorite tunes or Cambria’s podcast Travel Inspired with Cambria Hotels that includes six mini-episodes with tips for on-the-go travelers. You can access this soundalicious perk via Apple, Spotify, Pandora and more.
The View: Our dining experience at their main restaurant was amazing! We opted for dinner outside with views of the bayfront. Definitely try their delicious cocktails – The best I’ve had in Ocean City! Before departing from the hotel, we grabbed breakfast indoors. The Cambria Hotel Ocean City – Bayfront offers, local craft beer, wines, and specialty cocktails, as well as grab-and-go options. The hotel also houses more than 2,400 square feet of multi-functional meeting and event space, plus a state-of-the-art fitness center with waterfront views. Sure makes burning calories easier!
I had such a great (and nostalgic!) time exploring Ocean City this month. My first time there was in 2000, when I was only 19! I still remember walking along that boardwalk and having the best time of my life with my girlfriends. This was my first trip back to the beach without parental supervision LOL. It was so nice to return and explore this town from a local’s perspective as an adult. I’d like to thank Bethany for the amazing itinerary she put together for our blogger shuffle. Below are some dining and drinking highlights!
Fish Tales (2107 Herring Way 22 St., Ocean City, MD 21842). I really loved the vibe at this place, which offers plenty of outdoor seating. They are known for their ahi tuna and Orange Crushes (an OG drink in OC). Their seafood menu selection is also pretty good overall.
The Fractured Prune (14th St, Ocean City, MD 21842). Make sure to pick up OC’s specialty, the OC Sand! Every flavor we sampled was pretty amazing and obv very Instagram worthy. Freshest donuts I’ve ever had, hands down! Each yummy sphere arrives warm. Ahhhh! Wish I could have one now.
Assateague Island National Wildlife (Chincoteague Island / Assateague Island, Chincoteague, VA 23336) This national park is huge! So come with enough time to explore. I was so excited to see their famous wild ponies IRL! And thankfully we did spot one lol — my friend was not as excited as me, but I am obsessed with animals so I def enjoyed my happy moment with my little pony.
Seacrets: I have so many memories at this fun and crazy place, good and bad lol. They are currently open as a restaurant venue. It was actually nice to see this place sober. Their Bulldog hot chicken sandwich was really good. They are also known for their potent “Pain In The Ass” rum cocktails. I wasn’t brave enough to get one for old time’s sake but I’m sure they are just as good as they were when they last blacked me out. lol
I also enjoyed popping into some of the local stores. Did a bit of shopping and felt super safe. Everyone appeared to be following COVID rules, wearing masks, and we had great customer service at all the places we stopped by.
SCDC Tip: The Cambria Hotel Ocean City – Bayfront features a rooftop bar with panoramic ocean views, an indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool with a poolside tiki bar and cabanas. Def opt for your favorite wine and enjoy some chill time at your own leisure on your room’s balcony and soak up views of the bayfront.
Thank you, Cambria hotel, for sponsoring this trip! I had a great time making new memories in Ocean City.
