Get a look inside Ocean City's Hilton Garden Inn as it makes debut
After months of renovations, Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront has made its official debut along the Maryland coastline.
The 12-story, 170-room property reopened Friday, May 26, following an extensive renovation that brings an elevated aesthetic — and a new brand identity — to the heart of a resort widely acclaimed as the East Coast’s favorite vacation destination, South Carolina-based OTO Development stated in a news release.
The new Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront, located at 2800 Baltimore Ave., is owned and operated by OTO Development, which is part of The Johnson Group.
The newly renovated hotel was previously known to the popular resort town as Ocean City's Dunes Manor Hotel. Founded in 1987 by Thelma Connor, Dunes Manor Hotel was famously known for serving afternoon tea in the lobby, no matter the season. The tradition, held so dear by the hotel staff, was instituted by Conner.
The 35-year-old hotel, located along the Boardwalk, was purchased by OTO Development in December 2021. Work on the project began in October 2022.
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“We’re delighted to bring Hilton Garden Inn’s better, brighter experience to Ocean City,” said general manager Lorrie Miller who heads the hotel’s leadership team alongside Lauri Reynolds, director of sales, and Gennady Osipov, director of food and beverage. “It matters where you stay. And staying here means a well-appointed oceanfront room and private balcony, with nothing but sand between you and the water.”
According to the release, this peaceful setting is anything but secluded.
“We’re only one block from Ocean City’s famed boardwalk — just 175 steps and yes, we counted!” Miller said. “So you’re close to all the action and attractions along what the Travel Channel calls one of the best boardwalks in all of America.”
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The new Hilton Garden Inn is comprised of 170 rooms, each with an ensuite balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and all designed with soft furniture and thoughtful conveniences to ensure guests feel right at home.
Amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness center, an oceanfront rocking chair porch and 3,000 square feet of meeting/event space with a ballroom, as well as two onsite food and beverage venues - Coastline Café & Creamery and Solstice Oceanfront Bar & Grill.
“Coastline is nestled in the hotel lobby for fresh, all-day convenience plus a little sweet fun,” said Osipov, noting a menu with artisanal coffee, breakfast bowls and fresh doughnuts in the morning; grab-and-go sandwiches and salads in the afternoon; and hand-dipped local ice cream, sweet treats and boozy milkshakes in the evening. “Solstice, meanwhile, makes the most of its on-the-water setting to serve up stunning views with spectacular food.”
Solstice features a chef-curated menu centered around market-fresh ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Solstice specializes in coastal-American dishes with an emphasis on local seafood and signature crabcakes,” Osipov said. “Our indoor/outdoor bar offers a long and merry list of handcrafted drinks: everything from signature cocktails and mocktails to the most delightful dessert concoctions. Our beer and wine lists feature favorites from a local vineyard and several local breweries.”
Locally sourced items include seasonal produce from Baywater Farms, Fifer Orchards and Vessey Orchards; wine from Salted Vines Vineyard; craft beer from Dogfish Head Brewery and Big Oyster Brewery; desserts from Smith Island Baking Co.; and ice cream from Hopkins Dairy Farm. The hotel shop carries a variety of Maryland snacks and beverages along with handcrafted items from popular regional artisans.
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“This renovation brings a modern, elevated aesthetic to our property while still paying homage to the iconic Ocean City vibe,” Miller says. “The design exudes a true sense of place via regional artwork and pops of coastal color, texture and style.”
Look through the photo gallery at the top of this story for a look inside the new Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Dunes Manor Hotel reopens as Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City: Look inside
