Aloft Hotels Comes to Ocean City Maryland, Offering New Lifestyle Hotel Concept for Next-Gen Travelers

Aloft Hotels, in partnership with East Coast hospitality specialist Blue Water Development and Real Hospitality, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest hotel for the next generation of travelers, Aloft Ocean City. Taking a design-driven, tech-forward approach to modern hospitality, this 120-room, pet-friendly hotel is located in the 45th Street Village on the bayside of Ocean City and is expected to officially open May 2, 2019.

Aloft Ocean City will be equipped with beautifully appointed common areas; a state-of-the-art fitness center; an indoor and outdoor pool, including a poolside bar and private balconies overlooking Isle of Wight Bay. It will also feature two bay-facing event spaces totaling 3,250 square-feet, ideal for both business functions and weddings, as well as a 380 square-foot space perfect for corporate meetings and other intimate gatherings. The hotel is one of the first examples of the refreshed design approach for Aloft Hotels globally; with modern features such as check-in pods, light and airy loft-like guest rooms, public spaces designed for live music events and the latest technology.

“As Blue Water’s first new construction in Ocean City, it’s been thrilling to watch the Aloft come alive and reflect our vibrant coastal atmosphere,” said Todd Burbage, Blue Water co-owner. “The sleek design and energetic vibe can’t be found anywhere else in Ocean City, so we can’t wait for our guests to begin enjoying the Aloft lifestyle in this popular resort town.”

To energize for a day at the beach, guests can grab on-the-go breakfast options from Re:fuel by Aloft℠, the 24/7 one-stop shop for snacks and bites, including Aloft’s innovative new portable breakfast “pots”. In the evenings, they can enjoy signature cocktails and a full American bar menu at the W XYZ® bar, accompanied by live music from the brand’s Live at Aloft Hotels music program. After taking in one of Ocean City’s 200+ restaurants, 10-mile beach, unique attractions and craft brewery scene, guests can unwind in rooms featuring plush platform beds, custom Aloft bath amenities by Bliss Spa, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and more. Four-legged guests will enjoy Arf℠, Aloft’s pet program that offers branded beds, bowls, treats and toys.

“Aloft Hotels are different by design, aiming to give today’s modern, tech-savvy traveler an energized experience that includes everything they need and nothing that they don’t,” said Bridget Higgins, senior global brand director, Aloft Hotels. “We’re thrilled to be bringing this innovative concept to Ocean City, particularly as it is one of the first examples of our future-proofed design for Aloft Hotels worldwide.”

In addition to bringing the first lifestyle hotel to Ocean City, Aloft will provide at least 60 jobs to the area once open.

“Infusing jobs and business opportunities into our local economy is very important to us,” added Burbage. “Locally-sourced builders are always a priority for us; we employed over 100 individuals from local construction companies to work on the Aloft. We’re proud to collaborate with our hometown business partners to provide an exciting new option for our Ocean City visitors.”

The hotel will officially kick off the 2019 season with a cocktail reception opening event on May 21, 2019.

Aloft Ocean City is located at 4501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. Learn more and book reservations by visiting www.aloftoceancity.com or calling 443-373-0800.

Note on forward-looking statements: This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the number of properties the company may add in future years and similar statements concerning possible future events or expectations that are not historical facts.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in market conditions; changes in global and regional economies; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance  growth and refurbishment; and other risk factors that we identify in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply here.  We make these statements as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Aloft Hotels

With over 150 hotels now open in more than 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Aloft is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Blue Water Development

Founded by Jack and Todd Burbage in 2002, Blue Water Development is a real estate developer specializing in commercial and hospitality properties operating in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey and North Carolina. Blue Water’s diverse portfolio includes six waterfront RV resort properties: The Resort at Massey’s Landing in Millsboro, DE, Chincoteague Island KOA Resort in Chincoteague, VA, Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort in Cape Charles, VA, Salmon Falls KOA in Lebanon, ME, Strafford KOA in Strafford, NH and Outer Banks West KOA in Coinjock, NC; nine hotels: Bethany Beach Ocean Suites in Bethany Beach, DE, The Bay Resort in Dewey Beach, DE, The Commander Hotel in Ocean City, MD, Aloft Hotel in Ocean City, MD, Drifting Sands Hotel in Ship Bottom, NJ, Fairfield Inn & Suites Chincoteague Island, VA, Sunset Beach Hotel in Cape Charles, VA, Atlantic Oceanfront Inn in Ocean City, MD and Holiday Inn Express in Bethany Beach, DE; and three recreational venues: Blue Water Golf, Maui Jacks Waterpark on Chincoteague Island, VA, and Sea Rocket in Ocean City, MD.

Raising the bar in the real estate industry, Blue Water has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment and dedication to the development and constant improvement of superior properties known for their sophisticated designs, gracious floor plans and superior amenities. Blue Water’s approach to family hospitality was featured nationally on the “Informed” series in early 2018. For more information and to watch the episode, visit www.bwdc.com.