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Is your family planning a trip to the Ocean? Ocean Shores is known for its scenic views, family-friendly environment and opportunities to walk or drive along the coastal sands of the Pacific Ocean. Finding the right Ocean Shores lodging may seem difficult at first but it doesn’t have to be.

There are a number of lodging options available in Ocean Shores for all kinds of families. From camping at a State Park to enjoying the accommodations of a Bed & Breakfast or hotel. We hope these tips help you in your search!

Read: 8 Great Hotels in Ocean Shores

Finding the Right Amenities

Many customers believe pricing to be the main factor in choosing their accommodations for a trip. However, finding the amenities that best suit your family’s needs should be at the top of the list.

I many cases, the extra cost of the room may save you in the overall cost of the trip. Lodging that includes complimentary breakfast is a big one along with pools, outdoor activities or game rooms to entertain the kids for “free.”

Lodging that offers shuttle service, or is close to public transportation may be convenient if you’re planning trips to popular locations in the area. Not having to drive is one less headache for you and your family.

Look for the amenities that best accommodate your reason for visiting Ocean Shores.

Tent, Trailer, House or Hotel

There are a variety of options in Ocean shores, from sleeping in a tent near the sandy dunes, to enjoying breakfast in bed with a view of the ocean.

One of the best aspects of camping in Ocean Shores is your close proximity to the amenities of the city. Shopping and restaurants are just a short drive, walk or bike ride away.

Often overlooked, are vacation rentals. Some families book the same rental home year after year. This allows your family the consistency of owning a beach house, without the year round costs.

Hotels are a great option if you are focused more on the activities than the stay. Let the staff take care of your needs. Many hotels offer extra perks like free breakfast, access to a pool or workout area as well as specialty concierge service. Make sure to ask about any added perks!

Consider a Bed & Breakfast!

Most bed and breakfast properties are viewed as cozy and comfortable, perfect for quick and fun family adventures. However make sure to check ahead if they allow children or pets.

B&Bs, can offer the comfort of a down home atmosphere, with the convenience of big hotel service. Again the breakfast aspect is a huge selling point. Rather than eating granola bars and hotel coffee, you are often treated to an amazing home cooked meal.

A lot of your needs taken care of by the owners. They can help you make reservations for local events, and can offer first hand knowledge of the area.

Travel Tip: Curious about where to dine? Ask your host if they have any recommendations, or menus for restaurants in the area.

Bed and Breakfasts are often overlooked, meaning you could find great value on a weekend that seems to be booked solid.

Customer Reviews are Important

Customer reviews have a major impact on the perception of a lodging property. A string of good or bad reviews can determine the growth or decline of the property’s reputation.

This being said, it’s important to use good judgement in determining if a review is truthful or not.

Things you want to look for when going on review websites are a variety of comments about the cleanliness of the hotel, the staff’s helpfulness when dealing with a problem (whether they were helpful or not) and guest pictures of the property.

Most review sites allow guests to post their own pictures online. This can help you get a first hand account of the accommodations beyond the professional, management approved pictures.

If the hotel has pictures online of bugs, maintenance problems, etc. you may want to look at a different property altogether. Not everyone’s review can be taken with 100% truth but a picture can confirm the claims in a negative review.

If you see glowing reviews and constant praise for the staff and the quality of the amenities you have a property that could be a sure-fire home run.

Do your research and come up with a small list of properties your family would not mind staying at.

Last Minute Booking

You may see television commercials or online ads urging you to use third party booking sites. They often claim to have the best last minute deals when booking a room. While this can be true, it’s not always the case.

It’s advisable not to show up on a busy weekend looking for a room. Make sure to call ahead of time. There’s a good chance the property has a handful of rooms left to sell you may be able to bargain a better rate.

Advanced Booking

If you don’t want to wait until the last minute, book your room in advance directly on the property’s website. Often this can result in better deals than you’d expect.

Can you imagine saving $200 per night because you booked a room for a busy summer weekend ten months in advance? It can happen and it does happen all of the time.

Find the best pricing option on your trip and save yourself a chunk of money in the process.

Loyalty Rewards

Having membership in groups like AAA or AARP can be a great way to get discounts. Make sure to ask if the Hotel offers any such discounts. Also check with any organizations that you are a part of, to see if they have any special partnerships with hotel chains.

Most major chains such as Hilton or Marriott have taken an aggressive approach for guests booking directly with them. The extra incentive of a discount for loyalty members helps guests find the best deals.

Location, Location, Location…

Location is always a key component when traveling. It has the potential to make or break a trip. Maybe you want to be close to the action, or perhaps you want to be as isolated as possible!

Some of the more popular things to do in Ocean Shores include Horseback riding, walking along the beaches, shopping the shops, going to the family fun centers and boating in the area lakes and canals.

While the peninsula is only six miles long, the speed limit is restricted. Keep this in mind when booking a location. You may not want to book a spot near the North Jetty if your kids plan to be on go-carts and bumper boats for the whole trip. However if enjoying the peace and quiet of nature is high on your list, the North end of the Peninsula may be perfect for you and your family.

There is such a variety of things to do in the Ocean Shores area. Staying at a location close to the things you want to do is important.

How Would You Choose Your Ocean Shores Lodging Property?

So those are some of the best ways to choose an ocean shores lodging property for your next family trip.

Do you have any suggestions to offer for when you visit Ocean Shores? If so let us know in the comments below!

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Ocean Shores don’t forget to follow our blog!

It’s not hard to find great hotels in Ocean Shores. There are plenty of options across the peninsula. Depending on what kind of trip you are planning, check our list to find out which options might best suit your needs.

Ocean Shores, Washington is among the best kept coastal secrets in the country. With nice weather and miles coastal beaches, it’s been a destination for folks in the Northwest for years. Beyond the thousands of tourists who flock to the beaches, stores and other attractions, a lucky 6000 people call the area home.

Finding a good home base for your Ocean Shores activities is a great first step. There are so many options for lodging across the peninsula. Here is a small list. Make sure to subscribe to our blog as we explore the area to learn and write about more options in the future.

The Canterbury Inn

Canterbury Inn is located near the center of town with access to shopping, dining and of course the beach.

The Canterbury has been remodeling their rooms, and doing an amazing job! They go over-board for pets, and offer special welcome packages for canine-guests.

Each room is individually owned and decorated. This creates a unique experience. So much more than what you get with a standard hotel.

No matter your activity choice — from horseback riding to clamming and beyond — the Canterbury provides a great home base for all your beach activities. Their incredible concierge team is available to assist you every step of the way.

Best Western Lighthouse Suites Inn

One of the first Hotels available as you drive into Ocean Shores is the Best Western Lighthouse Suites Inn. A unique feature of this Hotel is its lighthouse themed lookout-tower on the roof. The tower has a 360-degree view of the area, and is available to those with a room key.

The Ocean Shores Best Western has the added benefit of being adjacent to a beach access road, which positions it much closer to the beach than many of the other hotels on the list. This allows you to ride bikes, or take your car directly from the parking lot to the Beach if you like.

Prices are okay for the area. You can expect all the standard amenities that Best Western is famous for. Free breakfast, decent service, and comfortable rooms. If you’re not already a member, consider joining the Best Western Rewards Program.

Judith Ann Inn

The stately Judith Ann Inn is located just off the main drag as you drive into in downtown Ocean Shores. Its aesthetic makes it one of the best wedding venues in Ocean Shores.

Upgrade your visit with one of their specialty packages. Get a massage in your personal suite or chocolate covered strawberries and champagne that can be delivered to your room before your arrival.

Moss Landing

At the tip of the Ocean Shores peninsula sits Moss Landing. This collection of log cabins offers a much different experience than many of the other hotels on this list.

The cabins are within walking distance of the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area and Coastal Interpretive Center. This allows guests a varied coastal experience. From the waves of the coastal beaches to the protected waters of Grays harbor.

There are a variety of cabins with hot tubs, fire pits and cabin themed decor that appeal to the sensibilities of the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re looking for an Ocean Shores experience that’s a little outside the box of your typical coastal Hotel, give Moss Landing a good hard look.

Comfort Inn and Suites

Comfort Inn enthusiasts are in luck! There’s a Comfort Inn and Suites smack dab in the middle of Ocean Shores. It has excellent reviews and an easy walk to the beach.

Ocean Shores Comfort Inn and Suites sits in close proximity to the convention center. Making it a prime spot to stay if you’re attending an event like Ocean Shores’ Irish Music Festival.

Comfort Inn offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi and a pool that’s open 24 hours a day. Most notable in the reviews we’ve read are guests’ impression of a friendly staff, and comfortable atmosphere.

Quality Inn – Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores’ Quality Inn is a lower-priced option, that offers great value. s Complimentary hot breakfast is served in the lobby each morning. You have a choice between the indoor pool and hot-tub, or enjoying a hot-tub experience in one of Quality Inn’s deluxe rooms.

The lobby is warm and welcoming with a sitting area, computer kiosk and eating area. Vaulted ceilings allow for a large, costal mural to overlook the space. There is a covered drive-thru entryway, making loading and unloading your car a breeze.

Quality Inn features the often overlooked comfort of interior corridors. Stepping from your room into a protected hallway is a great consideration when visiting during seasons of rain or cold. It also makes late night trips to the ice-machine or morning breakfast runs a little more comfortable.

There is free-WiFi and free coffee available. Activities include an indoor pool, hot-tub and miniature-golf course. Pets, however, are not allowed.

The Collins Inn and Seaside Cottages

The Collins Inn and Seaside Cottages is one of the nicest places to stay in Ocean Shores.

So many wonderful things can be said about the gourmet breakfast, grand piano and copper ceilings. This local treasure has been featured on no less that two TV shows.

Collins Inn has both inn rooms and cottages. The inn rooms are adult only. Cottages are family-friendly and allow for pets, so feel free to bring Fido along.

This cozy bed and breakfast really impressed us with its aesthetic and crushingly kind staff.

The Polynesian Condominum Resort

Who’d have thought there might be a Polynesian resort on the Washington Coast?

The Polynesian offers guests amenities like a heated pool, sauna, and complimentary WiFi. Family friendly amenities include a fun game room and private outdoor park equipped with basketball and volleyball.

Located just steps from your room is Mariah’s Restaurant. Mariah’s offers a range of options from Dungeness & Snow Crab Artichoke Dip to Cocunut Prawns and Cajun Cod with Blackberry Bourbon Sauce.

Like many of the Hotels on our list, The Polynesian is just a short walk from the beach.

Some of The Best Hotels in Ocean Shores

We’re confident that when you book any of these recommendations, you’ll find an excellent value, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and an easy stroll to the beach.

Enjoy your stay and watch out for the seagulls… Those guys will swallow your romantic picnic in a heartbeat!

For more information on where to stay and what to do in Ocean Shores, check out more of our information on Clever Neighbor today! Do you know of a great spot not covered in this article? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Featured photo courtesy of Canterbury Inn, Ocean Shores, WA