Whether you’re already planning a trip to Ocean City this summer or looking for an excuse to do so, you might want to check out its newest hotel, Aloft Ocean City.
The 120-room hotel, which opened in May 2019, is Marriott International’s first Aloft in a resort destination and Ocean City’s first official “lifestyle” hotel.
The new hotel has a beachy feel thanks to its wavy roof and pops of color, 72 bay-facing private balconies, a pool surrounded by bright orange and blue chairs, fire pits, and palm trees, and, of course, a poolside bar.
The modern, relaxed vibe continues inside with bright décor, wall art, and neon lighting; a huge lounge filled with a pool table, selfie station, and fun board games like giant Jenga; a heated pool, fitness center, and 24/7 one-stop snack shop; and the high-energy W XYZ bar, which serves up signature cocktails, from the Sea Salty Dog to the Lychee-tini, and eclectic live music, from hip-hop to country, from the brand’s Live at Aloft Hotels music program.
The loft-like guest rooms complete the aesthetic with plush platform beds, graffiti-style wall art, modern furniture and furnishings including bluetooth speakers and smart TVs. Bathrooms are furnished with custom amenities by Bliss Spa and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.
Proving that Aloft aims to please guests of all types and sizes, “Camp Aloft” tee-pees are available for kids from two to twelve, and branded beds, bowls, treats, and toys for the four-legged friends who stay free thanks to Arf, Aloft’s signature pet program, upon request.
Todd Burbage, co-owner of Blue Water Development, summed up the hometown developer’s first new construction in Ocean City in a press release, “it’s been thrilling to watch the Aloft come alive and reflect our vibrant coastal atmosphere. Its sleek design and energetic vibe can’t be found anywhere else in Ocean City, so we can’t wait for our guests to begin enjoying the Aloft lifestyle.”
Blue Water and the Aloft team have unveiled a calendar of fun summer activaties that offer both guests and, in some cases, the public, a plethora of opportunities for fun.
Just to name a few, Aloft has every day of the week covered with:
• “Color Me Happy” coloring on Mondays.
• Cascading Carlos, a Guinness World Record-holding professional juggler, and “That’ll Do Pig” trivia night on Tuesdays.
• “I Want S’mores” at the backyard fire pit on Wednesdays.
• A Sunset Splash Pool Party, featuring live mermaids and giveaways, every Thursday.
• A “Golden Cone” candy bar on Fridays.
• Rise Up Yoga and a Lick’em & Stick’em Tattoo Parlour on Saturdays.
• Ukelele lessons and Surf Movie Social, featuring a floating movie screen, every Sunday.
• Live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
And because Ocean City is all about getting outside and on the water, Aloft also offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, along with daily “Light’n Up Night” tours on Isle of Wight Bay; complimentary use of beach cruisers, perfect for riding on Ocean City’s famed boardwalk; and, perfect for parents, complimentary rides to and from the world-famous Seacrets Jamaica USA on the “Get TIPSEA” water taxi.
More details on the new hotel, which is located at 4501 Coastal Highway, can be found at aloftoceancity.com
