See The All-New Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort

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CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — Rod ‘N’ Reel has been part of the Chesapeake Beach community for decades. The Donovan family first opened Rod ‘N’ Reel as a restaurant and marina in 1946, to bring together locals who loved to fish and eat local food.

The resort has been undergoing major changes for the last five years, resulting in a renovation that brings together the old and new. Phase one of the renovations started with the new 1936 Bar and Grill. Since then, the resort has renovated the main building, the rooms and more, and includes several beautiful outdoor and indoor spots that encompass what makes the Chesapeake Bay so special.

The BayNet got the chance to tour the resort and check out everything from the rooms to the restaurants to the casino. The result is a great spot for locals and travelers alike to enjoy, and a unique design that ties together history and luxury.

There is plenty to see and enjoy — including seasonal offerings like the rooftop pool, which was of course closed for the winter, and the outdoor spaces like the bandshell and adjacent bar. Here are some of the highlights from our tour:

Renovated Main Lobby

The original Rod ‘N’ Reel was taken down to make room for this stunning new building. The lobby is marble with high archways and glass windows showing views of the bay. There’s also a fireplace and water features, which help capture the serenity of the Chesapeake just outside the door. The building is reminiscent of a train station. As many locals know, the Chesapeake Beach Railway ran from D.C. to Southern Maryland for 35 years in the early 19th century. The new building ties that history in and creates a truly unique space.

Event Sales Coordinator Amber Shields said that Gerald Donovan, who has since passed away, had a vision for the resort that incorporated all of these elements.

“He had a vision, and he created something magical,” Shields said.

Renovated Rooms

The rooms in the renovated building have also undergone a complete refresh. They’re sleek and continue the nautical influence. Not all of the rooms have a water view like the one we saw, but they all share the same relaxing decor and super comfy beds.

Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant

The restaurant was moved back to its original location overlooking Fishing Creek. Again, like the rest of the resort, this spot is all about the views. The restaurant is expansive with plenty of room for big groups and has a beautiful, separate bar area for quicker meals or meeting with friends for drinks while you watch a game.

See a glimpse of the menu below.

Second-Floor Lounge Area

The second-floor lounge area was one of our favorite spots. For one, it had views for days. Second, it really incorporated the railroad theme. In addition to being beautiful, it felt like we were transported back in time to Grand Central Station, waiting for a train to take us on a glamorous adventure. The wraparound space overlooked the main lobby and also featured a snack and coffee bar. Shields said that it was a popular spot for meetups and for locals looking for a spot to work remotely — they’ve also hosted events there, and it’s meant to be versatile.

Casino

Of course, one of the main draws of Rod ‘N’ Reel is the casino. The casino is two stories, stocked with digital games and was packed with people enjoying some Friday morning gaming. The casino is a popular spot for people to pass the time or meet up with friends.

Rod ‘N’ Reel is still undergoing renovations and will tackle another building soon to match the design you see above — and Shields says Donovan’s vision still guides the way.

“What I love about this hotel is they designed it to really make sure there were great views everywhere and they draw you outside,” Shields said. It aligns with the spirit of the local community on Chesapeake Bay and the outdoor lifestyle of the place so many call home.

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