Crystal Beach Hotel is a no-frills hotel that families and couples return to for its friendly atmosphere and convenient location. Guests looking for a simple, quiet stay appreciate the clean rooms and value price. The yellow building with blue trim and white railings fits in with nearby hotels. There are no grounds to speak of, though trim plants line the side of the building along the street. Inside, the lobby is basic and functional; there are a conventional front desk, and coffee carafes and tourist brochures dominate the space. Guests find most of the staff friendly and helpful, and report that the hotel in general is well-kept. 

This beachfront hotel is on the northern end of the Ocean City boardwalk, surrounded by hotels. There are restaurants and shops within a few minutes’ walk on the main road, away from the beach. A five-minute walk will bring guests to Embers Island Mini Golf. It is an eight-minute walk to Splash Mountain Water Park, for a day of family fun. Those wanting to experience the flavor and excitement of the boardwalk can walk roughly 40 minutes down the boardwalk, or two minutes to catch the Boardwalk Tram, which travels back and forth all day. Otherwise, it is an eight-minute drive to Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, and a four-minute drive to the convention center. The hotel is a two-minute walk from the nearest public bus stop. 

Rooms are spacious and clean, but outfitted with minimal furnishings that are a bit outdated. The decor pairs cheerful yellow shades on the walls, bed runners, and bedskirts with dark-blue carpets, simple wood furniture, and cranberry-red fabric upholstery. Room options include either one or two queen beds and the possibility of a sleeper sofa. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and small kitchenettes housing mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Safes are not available. Bathrooms are also large and modestly appointed with a curtained shower/tub combination and a small sink with a hairdryer. Free soaps, shampoo, and conditioner are provided. Guests generally find rooms to be clean and well-maintained. All rooms have furnished balconies or patios, many with lovely ocean views. However, guests staying on the first floor overlooking the pool find that their terrace is caged in and does not offer a pleasant view. 

There is beach access across the boardwalk from the hotel, with a lifeguard stand nearby. The small pool is surrounded by a concrete patio with lounge chairs crowded on one end. It's fenced but right on the boardwalk, so there’s no sense of privacy. There are no restaurant, bar, or gym on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. There is a parking garage next to hotel with a bridge over the road for convenient access to upper-floor rooms.