You’re standing on the balcony. The salt air hits your face, and you can hear the rhythmic thumping of the Atlantic waves hitting the shore. Down below, the boardwalk is starting to wake up. It’s that classic Ocean City vibe. But here’s the thing—if you just searched for a "Howard Johnson ocean city hotel," you probably noticed something confusing.
There isn't just one.
In fact, depending on who you ask or what map you're looking at, there are actually three distinct spots under the HoJo banner in this town. It's a bit of a trip. Most people book the first one they see and then get annoyed when they realize they’re ten blocks away from where they actually wanted to be.
Honestly, it’s the most common mistake travelers make in OCMD.
The Tale of Three HoJos
Let's clear the air. You have the Howard Johnson Plaza by Wyndham Ocean City Oceanfront on 12th Street. Then there’s the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocean City Oceanfront (often called the "Oceanfront Inn") at 24th Street. And just to keep you on your toes, there's another one right next door at 23rd Street.
Location matters here. Like, a lot.
If you stay at the 12th Street Plaza, you are in the thick of it. You’ve got the indoor pool, the onsite parking garage, and you’re a short walk from the heavier boardwalk action.
The 24th Street spot? It’s a bit more "old school" OCMD. It’s at the north end of the boardwalk. It's quieter. You're closer to Jolly Roger Amusement Park, which is a lifesaver if you have kids who lose their minds over Ferris wheels.
What’s the Vibe Actually Like?
Look, we have to be real. This isn't the Ritz. It’s a Howard Johnson.
But "budget" doesn't have to mean "bad."
People usually expect these rooms to be stuck in 1985. Surprisingly, many of the units—especially at the 12th Street Plaza—have seen some decent renovations recently. You’ll find LVP flooring instead of that gross, crusty hotel carpet. The bathrooms are notoriously small (seriously, don’t try to do a full spa day in there), but they’re functional.
One thing that genuinely rocks? The views.
If you book a true oceanfront room, you are literally looking over the boardwalk at the water. There is no "obstructed view" nonsense where you have to crane your neck past a dumpster to see a sliver of blue. You get the real deal.
The Good, The Bad, and The Sandy
- The Good: You get a private balcony. In Ocean City, that’s gold. Most rooms also come with a mini-fridge and microwave, which is basically mandatory if you don't want to spend $80 on boardwalk fries every day.
- The Bad: Elevators. Oh man, the elevators. During peak July weekends, you might grow a beard waiting for one.
- The "Kinda" Weird: Parking. At the 24th Street location, it’s an outdoor lot. At 12th Street, it’s a tight garage. If you’re driving a massive dually truck, God bless you. You’re going to need it.
The Secret to Booking These Right
Don't just go to a third-party site and click "lowest price."
Check the "Efficiency" rooms. These are the secret weapons of the howard johnson ocean city hotel lineup. They often come with two double beds and a small kitchenette area. For a family of four, this is the difference between a "fun vacation" and "I want to move into the ocean and never come back."
Also, keep an eye on the seasonal closures. The 24th Street location typically shuts down for the winter (usually from October through early May). The 12th Street Plaza, however, often stays open for those brave souls who like the beach in January.
Why People Keep Coming Back
I talked to a guy last summer who has stayed at the 12th Street HoJo for fifteen years straight.
Why?
"It’s easy," he told me.
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There’s something to be said for predictability. You know the staff. You know where the ice machine is. You know that the Satellite Cafe is right there for a quick breakfast before you hit the sand. It’s a classic American beach experience.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, here is how you actually do it without losing your mind:
- Verify the Street Number: Make sure you know if you are at 12th, 23rd, or 24th. Your GPS will thank you.
- Request a High Floor: At the Plaza (12th St), the higher you go, the less you hear the 1:00 AM boardwalk "revelry."
- The "Canary" Link: If you book through Wyndham, they’ll send you a link via a program called Canary to process your deposit. It looks like spam, but it’s actually how they handle their security. Don't ignore it, or your reservation might get canceled.
- Pet Policy Check: Some rooms are pet-friendly, but not all. If you bring your dog without clearing it first, expect a $250 cleaning fee.
- Pack Your Own Beach Towel: They provide towels for the pool, but they are not for the beach. Don't be that person trying to dry off with a hand towel on the sand.
Before you hit "confirm" on that booking, double-check your dates and your specific location. If you want the hustle and bustle, go with 12th Street. If you want to be able to hear yourself think, head up to 24th. Either way, you're getting the ocean right outside your door, and that’s really why you’re going to Ocean City in the first place.