Get Answers from the OC Insiders

I would check these sites for specials and deals on hotels:

www.ococean.com/rodney-saves

www.oceancity.com/where-to-stay

www.ocisfree.com

Also, hotels not on the beach or boardwalk will be less expensive and there are some very inexpensive motels in West Ocean City like the Alamo or the Bedtime Inn if you don't mind the drive.

As for the bedbugs, we can't guarantee anything.  You're best bet is to check the bed when you check in.

Ocean City is laid out very simply.  It is a 10 mile long barrier island that begins at the most southern end at the inlet then runs north for 10 miles. It is basically one long strip of sand with the ocean on the eastern side,and the bay on the western side.  The boardwalk begins at the inlet and runs 2.5 miles northward up the beach. The first 8 block or so of the boardwalk all have names like Somerset or Caroline. The next 27 blocks are numbered from 1st St. to 27th St. The rides and arcades are all located at the southern end on the named streets.  The boardwalk itself is called Atlantic Ave.

You can walk anywhere on the boardwalk or ride bikes in the mornings, and there is also a tram that will ride you up and down for a small fee each way.
In addition to the boardwalk rides, there is also a major amusement park in Ocean City called Jolly Rogers that includes a water park and go karts and a zip line.  www.jollyrogerpark.com 
If you are staying at the northern end of the boardwalk,you would be within walking distance to Jolly Roger but would probably either have to drive or take the boardwalk tram to the boardwalk rides.  If you stay lower, closer to the boardwalk rides, you would have to drive to Jolly Roger.  It just depends on what you want to do. 

Ocean City is divided down the middle by a 6+ lane highway, so if you don't want to have to cross this with your kids, try and find a condo or hotel that is either Oceanfront, Oceanside, or Oceanblock.   If you are staying for a week, a condo with two or three bedrooms would most likely be better and more comfortable.

Here are some suggestions to help you:

Send for these free visitor guides:
www.ococean.com/visitor-guide
www.oceancity.org/vacation-guide

For some great hotel deals :
www.ococean.com/rodney-saves/accomodations
www.oceancity.com
www.ocean-city.com
www.ocisfree.com

For condos:
Holiday Real Estate  www.holidayoc.com
Coldwell Banker  www.cbvacations.com
Long and Foster   www.lfvacations.com
Vacation Rentals by Owners   www.vrbo.com

I hope this helps you some.  Have a great time in Ocean City!

Many, many fine hotels to choose from. I would go to either one of these sites and punch in your dates and see what's available and rates that fits you. You can narrow your search from size, price and location.

My first suggestion would be Holiday Inn Suites because it is located on the boardwalk, provides a great indoor and outdoor pool area, arcade, restaurant, and the accommodations are large.

Another option is Castle in the Sand, this hotel only has an outdoor pool, but has a great kids program during summer, cafe with live music daily, and is close enough to walk to many activities, restaurants, etc.

My final personal recommendation is Carousel.  My children (9 and 11) love this hotel.  The rooms are smaller than the prior two hotels - but they do have condos also available.  In addition to an indoor and outdoor pool, there is an ice skating rink (shows nightly during the summer), summer kids program, outdoor play area, outdoor and indoor restaurants/cafes, and the staff is very nice.

Hope these give you a few suggestions.
Anna G.

No, the Inlet Lodge does not accept dogs.  Here is a great website which provides all the hotels/motels in OC that are pet-friendly as well as all the other local amenities for pet owners (http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/us/cities/usonlinecityMDOcean_City.shtml).

Thank you,
Anna G.

It depends. Most hotels will give you an early check in of about 2 p.m. at the earliest. As for the late check out, if you have the hotel club cards like Priority Club or Hilton Honors, then you can get an extra hour or two at the most. 

But to do it all in the same day?  I have my doubts. You would most likely be charged for 2 days.

There are.  Places like the Clarion Fontainbleau and the Barefoot Mailman and the Safari to name a few. Plus you can find a few condos that will allow pets as well.
But please be advised that OC is not pet friendly in the summer. Dogs are not permitted on the beach or the boardwalk from May 1 to October 1, and must be kept on a leash at all times outside of the hotel or condo. You can be ticketed and/or fined if you're caught. There is a dog park on 94th St. that you can take your pet to. You will need to get a permit from the city to use it. Here's the link for the dog park:
http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/dogplayground.html

To help you find a hotel check www.bringfido.com 

For condos check these realtors:
Holiday Real Estate  www.holidayoc.com
Coldwell Banker  www.cbvacations.com
Long and Foster www.lfvacations.com
Vacation Rentals by Owners www.vrbo.com

The most romantic spot I know of is the Inn on the Ocean. It's OC's only oceanfront B&B.  They will treat you like family and still give you plenty of privacy. www.innontheocean.com
I really like the Holiday Inn and Suites on 17th on the boardwalk, or the Hilton. Request a jacuzzi suite and bring some bubbles.
Fagers Island has the Lighthouse Club Hotel on the bay and it is gorgeous and very romantic.

I recommend the Plim Plaza, Spinnaker and Dunes Hotel.  They are all very nice hotels that should meet your needs.  You can rent motorized wheelchairs at Jo's Bikes on 2nd Street.

Unfortunately, there are no indoor pools that allow for day passes except at the Hilton and a pass is $22 per person.