Monday, July 28 – OC Offers Discounted Summer Room Rates

OCEAN CITY – With the decreasing percentage of Americans driving or flying to their vacation destinations due to ever-rising gas prices, the “staycation” has now become summer’s new buzzword. But, simply staying put isn’t the only remedy for the traveling blues. The folks at the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHRMA) have a better idea, and they’re betting on the lure of big discounts to bring visitors back to the beach and away from home.

Beginning on Aug. 25 through Sept. 30, more than 30 of Ocean City’s hotels and motels will be offering guests huge discounts, slashing their summer rates to traditional off-season prices. In addition, some are including other incentives such as free gas cards, coupons for local restaurants, as well as local attractions.

According to Susan L. Jones, executive director of the OCHMRA, the promotion will attract people from around the region who love the beach, but are concerned about the rising prices.

“Vacationers are definitely searching for deals, and many of our properties are offering amazing rates,” Jones said. “The weather is really beautiful and the crowds are gone, so it’s a perfect time for families with toddlers and seniors to enjoy the surf, sand and serenity.”

Jones added that another reason the association created the promotion was to encourage people to take advantage of the variety of attractions that Ocean City has to offer. For example, the 10-mile stretch of beach is one of the cleanest beaches in America, and has the advantage of many mutations along its coastline.

“There are parts of the beach that don’t have any Boardwalks and are very quiet,” Jones said, “and there are others that have more activity including outdoor dining. And, of course, at the Inlet we have one of the most fun and dynamic Boardwalks in the county, complete with amusements, a maritime museum, and some of the best boardwalk food anywhere.”

Participating hotels and motels and their discounts and promotions can be viewed at www.ocvisitor.com.