Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, when you first pull up to the Princess Royale on Coastal Highway, it’s one of those moments where you think “okay, this is actually happening” – the building is massive and sits right there on the beach like it owns the place. I mean, you’re technically in North Ocean City, which is sort of the quieter cousin to the main Ocean City strip, and that’s actually a good thing. You get the oceanfront views without quite as much of the boardwalk chaos, though you’re still close enough to hit Seacrets or Fager’s Island when you want that scene.

The thing about this place is it really does feel like a resort – not just a hotel that calls itself one. The lobby has this atrium thing going on that’s pretty impressive, and you know what, the check-in staff actually seems to know what they’re doing (which isn’t always a given in beach towns). The rooms are solid for a 4-star – nothing revolutionary, but the oceanfront ones have those sliding doors that open to actual balconies where you can hear the waves. Pro tip: if you’re here in summer, request a higher floor because the pool area can get pretty lively, and by lively I mean you’ll hear every kid’s cannonball until about 9 PM. The kitchenettes are legit useful too, especially since Ocean City restaurant prices can hit your wallet pretty hard after a few days.

What really sets it apart is the beach access – you walk out and you’re literally on the sand, no boardwalk maze to navigate. The beach here is wider than what you get further south near the inlet, and honestly, it’s just more relaxed. You’ve got families, sure, but it’s not the spring break vibe. The outdoor pool area is where this place shines though – there’s an indoor/outdoor pool situation that works year-round, plus hot tubs that face the ocean. I’ve stayed here in shoulder season (late September) and it’s actually perfect – still warm enough for the beach, but the crowds thin out and you can get those sunset views without fighting for space. The only real downside is parking during peak summer – it fills up fast and you might end up walking a bit from overflow lots. But honestly, for the location and the fact that you can wake up to ocean views without paying Ritz-Carlton prices, it works. It’s the kind of place where you can have a legitimate beach vacation without feeling like you’re roughing it or breaking the bank.