OCEAN CITY, Md. - The Beach Plaza Hotel on the Boardwalk has permanently closed. The Phillips Family, the owners of the hotel, say the goal of the hotel was to deliver simple Eastern Shore hospitality to their guests.
The hotel has stood on the boardwalk since 1967. The Phillips Family says they have now entered into contract for sale for the entire property.
"It's a sad moment. A lot of history here, I'm sure a lot of people have had fond memories and it's a shame it's closing,” said Paul Budnichuk from White Marsh, MD.
Joanna Phillips and Brice Phillips, the founder’s grandchildren, said in a statement, “With the necessary closure of Brice and Shirley Phillips’ estate, difficult decisions had to be made in order to distribute the various estate assets as required.”
"My parents used to stay here a lot before I was around actually, and they have a lot of memories of it, that I didn't have,” said Lou Catelli, a Baltimore Marylander who lives in Ocean City for the winter.
The Phillips Siblings also said, "The family’s business today is far different from what it was when the family acquired the hotel nearly 55 years ago, with a different focus and structure, and the family decided that selling the property was the best way to move forward.”
"I was kind of sad it's been there forever. It's an Ocean City landmark… It was unique because you could always ride by and see people rocking on the front porch. It reminded you of a time that went by years ago and it's not there anymore,” said Don Enste from Ocean Pines, Maryland.
The Phillips say the hotel was unique because it showed the personal touches of the owner and “was a step back into simpler times."
"I pass it 20 times a day, it's great architecture, you know it's a little older but it's a shame to lose a piece of history,” said Catelli.
Ocean 13, the restaurant inside the hotel, is currently looking for a new home.
The Phillips Family original Ocean City location, Phillips Crab House, is planning to reopen for weekends in the late spring.
The family is not sure what the new owner's plan is for the building, but it will be missed.
"Years ago they came out with a postcard book with the old landmarks of Ocean City. And it's nice to pick one up every once in a while and look at it to remember what used to be here and what's not there anymore,” said Enste.
The hotel has canceled existing reservations for 2021, and is issuing refunds.