Safari Hotel Boardwalk

My wife and I stayed here one night. I would not have stayed any longer. Thankfully we didn’t have our children with us or we would have chosen a different hotel.
Posted rules were not portrayed in a professional manner. The posted rules should have also been an indication of how staff would respond to reviews. I understand the need for the rules, they are a business and need to protect themselves. However, “NO REFUND AFTER CHECK IN OR EARLY DEPARTURE” should have been a warning sign. Once we saw our room, I could understand how people would want to leave and expect a refund. More on that later.
“If under 25, a $400 cash deposit is required”
I understand this rule as well, but something about the poster/sign was very confrontational and off putting. Now I am a 35 year old father of 4 so the rule didn’t even apply to me, but it almost seemed like one of those “only 2 kids in the store at a time” posters you see at a gas station.
Both signs were typed with the biggest font they could fit on one page and taped to the wall. Now, choosing a more professional font and putting it into a dollar store frame, may have totally changed the aggressive nature.
The outside of the hotel was decent and I could tell they upgraded the exterior of the building, maybe windows were done recently. The balcony was also updated and looked pretty decent. (Using PVC post caps would help hide the inevitable rust from the support beams and also protect them, which was really the only thing I could “complain” about). The hotel was in a great location with easy access to the beach.
Upon entering, you can tell that’s about where the updates stop, except maybe for the handrail going up the stairs, which I would suggest using as the elevator is about 3’x5’ and has peel and stick laminate tile with a marble looking finish. Very closed off. Maybe a little scary.
Entering the room was a shock. Although photos online do show the room, for some reason, it just does not accurately portray the size and condition of the room. The room was VERY small, especially for a beach room. The floor flexed in spots and you could feel someone walking in the room. Upon checking for creepy crawlers (as we do in EVERY HOTEL, which we frequent due to travel sports) we were pleased to have found none! The beds were clean. The bathroom was sanitized and clean. Upon checking the chair in the corner, there was what appeared to be black mold under the cushion. The coat rack had rust spots all over it. The lamp between the bed was rusted and rough, afraid to use it as I didn’t want to have to get a tetanus shot. The floor felt tacky when barefoot. Decided to wear crocs whenever in the room. In the bathroom, which hasn’t been updated since what seems like the 70s, the porcelain soap dish was chipped in a few places and the handicap bar in the shower was suctioned cupped on. Now that may be adequate but certainly seems like a temporary solution to meet building code. The bathroom door also didn’t close all the way.
Upon check out, I’m guessing the owner, confronted my wife about why her stay was “not as expected” and became defensive when told of the issues. He did offer 25% off for our next visit, but deep down, I think he knew we would not be back.
Now if you want to relive how Ocean City was in the 70s or 80s, certainly check out this place. Incredibly easy to get to the beach and parking was easy and a non-issue. I would just caution you that the reviews, pictures online, and the outside of the hotel really don’t match our experience.
Also have pictures to verify.

Carpet floors felt and smelled like dogs lived on them for 20 years. Bathroom floor smelled like wet dogs and was scummy. My family never took our slippers off while in the hotel. Wish I spent the extra 400 for something nice. Wasn’t the worst I’ve seen though.

It was a good experience. The manager upgraded our room so we can have more space as we had a baby with us. Sheets were clean, bathroom dated but functional, great location and the balcony access to the 3rd and 4th floor were very nice to just go and sit.
0 issues. Would stay with them again