The Fenwick is a property in transition. It's under new management, which has been updating the decor, especially in the rooms. The lobby -- with a gray couch and blue armchairs surrounding a boxy coffee table adjacent to an air-conditioning unit -- is especially sparse. Peaky's Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has walls of windows overlooking the surrounding area, and a long bar with a sports vibe. There’s an outdoor area with metal chairs and tables that carry beer branding, and a lovely indoor pool with a half-glass ceiling that lets in plenty of natural light. The hotel is popular with bus tours, and when we visited, seemed to draw a mostly older crowd.

The hotel is on Ocean City's quieter northern end, about a five-minute walk to the beach. On the busy Coastal Highway, it’s surrounded by restaurants and high-rise condominiums, as well as a few convenience stores. The Ocean City boardwalk is a 15-minute drive away, as is the Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

The hotel’s 198 Double and King Rooms are large and clean, with dated beige-and-blue floral or dotted pink-patterned carpeting. Decor upgrades are in the works, but travelers should be aware that this is an older property and reads as such. Bathrooms have long marble-topped vanities, and curtained shower/tub combos. All rooms come with mini-fridges and microwaves. The flat-screen TVs are currently placed low on the dressers, making it awkward to watch TV from the beds, and hairdryers have to be requested from the front desk.

Peaky's Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, on the eighth floor of the hotel, serves breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner, with lovely views of the area, and outdoor seating in the warmer months. Room service is available, and there is free coffee and tea in the lobby. There’s an indoor pool and hot tub with a partial glass ceiling. Pets are allowed in the off-season. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.