OCEAN CITY, MD—The Commander Hotel & Suites is nearing completion of a phased, $5-million renovation of its rooms and lobby/public areas. The 109-key hotel, owned by Will Lynch and Todd Burbage, launched its renovation in two phases: room upgrades were completed in 2016 and upgrades to the lobby and outdoor public areas will be finished in March.
Locally owned Blue Water Development in conjunction with The Design Group, which specializes in environmentally sensitive and energy-efficient architectural services, developed the project.
“The goal of the renovations was to provide The Commander with a facelift that’s fresh and contemporary, yet still has a classic feel that pays homage to the hotel’s history,” said Jeff Schoellkopf, co-owner of The Design Group. “The lobby and public areas are light and airy, and they connect beautifully to the Commander’s oceanfront location.”
The structural, functional and ergonomic enhancements throughout the property include a new high-speed WiFi network; LED lighting; furniture and installation of an improved hot water system, as well as the following:
Guestrooms: Simmons Beautyrest mattresses; new bath fixtures; GE stainless-steel appliances in the hotel’s rooms (24 with full kitchens); installation of dispensers of Olive Branch Natural Body Care products
Public spaces: expansion and renovation of the hotel’s lobby and exterior porch; construction of a side porch off of the lobby; installation of new design elements in the lobby and porches, including Jaipur Living rugs, Jofran furniture, Klaussner furnishings, D&W Silks interior foliage, Bassett mirrors and Casual Comfort outdoor poly furniture
F&B: installation of a morning beverage station in the lobby that features free teas, bottled water and coffee
Family-owned since 1930, the hotel is overseen by GM Michael Hayes.