OCEAN CITY – The Commander Hotel celebrated history this past weekend with an oceanfront soiree. The Saturday evening festivities drew nearly 200 guests and marked 85 years of hospitality on the Boardwalk in Ocean City.
The anniversary party had a classic 1930s feel with a full jazz band, images of the early years of the hotel and large vases with tropical flowers. Guests enjoyed complimentary drinks and appetizers while mingling under the beachfront tent.
Michael Hayes, general manager of The Commander Hotel, opened up about the party, the hotel and the Lynch family’s contribution to the shore.
“The evening was a great event to celebrate in grand fashion the opening of the Commander Hotel 85 years ago. We were so happy that individuals from both out of state and in our local community were able to attend this wonderful event. We were especially pleased with all the outpouring of good wishes from the local and state dignitaries in attendance. This truly helped showcase the service the Lynch family has provided Ocean City and the Eastern Shore of Maryland for the last 85 years. Everyone at the Commander looks forward to continued success and a bright future,” said Hayes.
The Commander Hotel, located at 14th Street and the Boardwalk, opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1930. The hotel was Ocean City’s first to have automatic elevators, modern communal bathrooms on each floor for both men and women, hardwood floors and an ocean-facing dining room. The Commander has also been featured in the Hollywood limelight, the 1984 Hollywood romance movie “Violets are Blue” starring Sissy Spacek and Kevin Kline was filmed in the hotel.
Susan Jones, a keynote speaker at the event and executive director of Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, said, said this week the anniversary celebration was an event to remember.
“Celebrating John and Linda’s dedication to creating decades of vacation memories for so many was truly a special evening. Watching the next generation take the reins and feeling the warmth in welcoming the new partnership made for a wonderful night,” she said.
The Commander Hotel features oceanfront and ocean view suites right on the Boardwalk and offers many amenities to their guests including an indoor and outdoor pool, complementary Wi-Fi, and free parking.