"Midweek rates are generally less than weekend rates," says tourism spokeswoman Donna Abbott. "Bayside rates are generally less than oceanfront." Many Ocean City hotels are offering reduced prices for multiple-night stays, plus meal vouchers and other packages, she adds.
* Castle in the Sand, : 37th Street and the ocean, 800-552-SAND, castleinthesand.com. The hotel is rolling back prices this year to 2006 rates. The property has an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Depending on the date and type of room, rates are as low as $59 a night.
* The Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel: , 101st Street and the ocean, 410-524-3535, clarionoc.com. The hotel, which has perks like a new outdoor heated pool, is offering a number of deals pegged to some O.C. events.
* The Flamingo Motel, : 3100 Baltimore Ave., 410-289-6464, theflamingomotel.com. Just steps from the ocean, the hotel is offering a Memorial Day weekend deal (three nights with 20 percent off). O.C. insiders advise shopping around for other deals.
Dining
Ocean City is full of tantalizing treats whose aromas waft along the boardwalk and beyond. Bayside restaurants offer light fare, much of it well-priced, plus you get the sunset views for free. Restaurants like M.R. Ducks on Talbot Street, Macky's on 54th, Fager's Island on 60th, Castaway's on 64th and BJ's on the Water at 75th, also offer free live entertainment.
Many other establishments also offer meal deals, including early-bird discounts. If you can dine early, say between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., you may save.
Longtime boardwalk favorites that won't break the bank for beach-goers include:
* Fisher's Popcorn, : 200 S. Boardwalk, fisherspopcorn.com, 410-289-5638. The sweetest caramel corn, perfecet for an afternoon (or any time) snack.
* Dolle's Candyland, : 500 S. Boardwalk, dolles.com, 410-289-6000. Pastel-hued saltwater taffy in a variety of mouthwatering flavors.
* Thrasher's, : 401 S. Atlantic Ave., 410-289-7232. Sample french fries doused with vinegar for under $5.
* The Alaska Stand: , 9th Street on the Boardwalk, thealaskastand.com, 410-289-7305. Grab a $2 burger, cheesedog or funnel cake at this landmark.
* The Dough Roller, : Boardwalk at South Division Street. This popular O.C. chain, while not considered cheap, has menu items that are reasonably priced. The restaurant re-opened in April after a fire last year, expanded its sit-down restaurant and now seats 200. But it also has a to-go window where you can sample a cheesy, gooey slice "to go" for less than $4.
