Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island

Ashley Schroff

2024-03

My husband and I were looking for a little getaway for our baby moon and few friends recommended we try Wylder. We loved it here. The service was amazing. Very friendly staff especially the bartender! We took the bikes to the country store to get snacks, I went in the kayak even though it was cold out, we sat by the fire pit and made smores both nights we were there. The food was great!Few things I noticed that could have been a tiny bit better:-The breakfast was a little weak. It was continental, but not much to offer.-The water in the shower does smell, but from reading other comments it’s like that everywhere you go.-The rooms are a little small.Everything else was absolutely perfect! The rooms were clean. They let us bring our dog and she swam and had so much fun! The place was beautiful. I would go back again in the summer to enjoy all the perks with my family when our baby is older!

Leigh Lockard

2024-03

Loved our off-season stay at Wylder! We stayed in the waterfront suite which had incredible views and plenty of space for me/husband/our toddler. The staff was welcoming and helpful (especially Kristin and Izzy!). Location was great - quick drive to Saint Michaels for lots of shops/restaurants. Lastly, we found it family-friendly - our toddler loved the grounds (beach access, lawn games, and lots to explore!).

M K

2024-02

The Wylder is a little slice of paradise. We are just wrapping our third annual winter girls getaway here and we'll be back next year. The food is incredible, the views and property are gorgeous and the rooms are comfy and well maintained. We particularly appreciate the bartender, Keith, and the rest of the staff that help us make our trip memorable and lots of fun. Also really appreciate and enjoy the on-property events (live music, cocktail classes, etc.) and amenities (sauna, bikes).

Alec Jennison

2024-01

My fiancé and I recently had the unfortunate experience of booking our wedding at Wylder, and I feel compelled to share our deeply disappointing encounter.Initially drawn to the venue's charm, location, and potential, our excitement quickly turned to dismay as we discovered the severe neglect and substandard conditions during our subsequent visits. Despite a seemingly receptive management team, our concerns about the rundown state of the facilities, poor service, and lackluster food quality were met with excuses rather than solutions.The property, which we envisioned as the backdrop for our dream wedding, displayed visible signs of wear and tear, including rotting wood on railings, chipped exterior paint, and a pervasive mildew/musty smell in overnight rooms. These issues, coupled with the extremely noticeable inconsistencies in interior paint and bathrooms with broken hand dryers and unlatching stalls, highlighted a blatant lack of maintenance and care. (It should be noted that we visited multiple times over a 6-month period, and none of these issues were addressed in that time frame). For a venue with room rates comparable to a five-star hotel, we expected the property conditions to reflect a better standard.The management's attempt to justify the condition by attributing it to a previous event fell short of providing reassurance. If a venue cannot recover promptly and present its best foot forward for regular lunch service after a wedding, it raises serious doubts about its ability to host events seamlessly.Our concerns regarding the food quality were similarly dismissed with assurances of customization, but the initial disappointment left us questioning the integrity of their commitment to excellence.In light of these issues, coupled with the deplorable reviews we've seen from other guests, we decided that we simply could not subject our family and friends to these conditions, at these prices, in the name of celebrating our wedding. Nearly a year away from our wedding (341 days), we requested a full refund of our deposit, a reasonable request given the circumstances. Unfortunately, the management's response only deepened our disappointment, leaving us questioning the venue's dedication to customer satisfaction. They greedily kept our money saying they doubted that they could rebook that weekend a year in advance, and refused to offer a refund even if they did rebook.Our experience with Wylder has been nothing short of disheartening, and we feel compelled to share this cautionary tale with future couples considering this venue for their special day. As we continue our search for a venue that prioritizes excellence and customer satisfaction, we hope our experience serves as a warning to others navigating the wedding planning process and to stay away from the Wylder as your wedding venue.

A Wagner

2024-01

Overall it's not a bad place but the rooms are tiny and dated and the beds are not comfortable. I stayed here for a wedding a couple weeks ago. I was required to pay the entire balance when I booked the room two months earlier. The day before my arrival I was sent a "pre check-in" email that informed me that I owed another $77 for a (ridiculous) resort fee. I really had no choice at that point but to agree to this. Had I cancelled I would have lost the $400 that I paid in advance and of course would have no place to stay for the wedding. I complained to the front desk when I checked in and she apologized but said there was nothing she could do. This is completely unscrupulous, unethical and outrageous.Update: I do appreciate the immediate response from the owner, giving an extra star for that, however 1) if your "system" made a mistake that's entirely not my problem 2) I asked several other guests during the weekend if they were charged the extra fee and those I asked said they were not.With regard to the "breakfast" - that exquisite meal was composed of, in it's entirety, a bowl of oranges and a small tray of grocery-store quality bagels with packets of cream cheese sitting on the bar. And this is a location where there are few other options for food and also the idea is to not leave the property for the weekend. Any low-rate chain hotel in the country beats this breakfast and with no extra fee. Many of us went down the road and blew out the local diner creating a two hour wait. It was a fun weekend, the staff is great and the place has a ton of potential. Ok three stars. But if I come back and you still don't have a decent breakfast...

Cortney Donnalley-Roberts

2023-08

We had an absolutely wonderful two-night stay! Came with our two young kids and dog. Hotel graciously provided a pack & play so we could save the trunk space and our room was beautiful and comfortable. The waterfront location is gorgeous and the pool, lawn games and on-site restaurant were greatly appreciated. Absolutely best part was the warm welcome and hospitality we received from all the staff. Would love to come back in the fall!

Michael Abelev

2023-11

This place has so much potential, but in the end it was terrible.Pros:*The hotel is located in a beautiful area and the views are impressive*The restaurant was nice and did have good foodCons:*Our room and the hallway had a odd smell the moment we stepped in*Rooms were very outdated: all appliances are old (TV from the early 2000's/DishNetwork and no smart tv), carpet was old with staples sticking through, 2nd room TVs didnt even work*Room was not properly cleaned, had a spider living in its nest right next to the hottub*THE WATER WAS DISGUSTING, hottub and shower water was yellow and smelled like rotting eggs, stunk up the entire hotel roomAll this for a room that cost almost $700We contacted front desk and asked for their help, they told us to run the water for about 30 minutes and the color/smell would go away. We did and it never got better, only made the room smell so much worse. They offered to put us in a different room which we did, tried the hottub in the new room and had the same problem so we turned it off immediately and opened all the windows so we wouldnt be sleeping in a disgusting smelling room. We woke up and went to the front desk and demanded they give us a significant discount and all they did was charge us for a non-hottub room which was still about $500. We were so dissatisfied that we packed up and left the hotel immediately.Trust all of the 1 & 2 star reviews and avoid this place. There are so many better hotels in the area.

Jessica Human

2023-07

My family had such a great time at Wylder Hotel! It's such a beautiful, quaint area, but still lots to do. The food was amazing and being able to watch sunset over the bay each night was a highlight. We loved that it was dog friendly, they had free kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes for use, and of course my kids loved the saltwater pool. We will definitely visit again!

Rachel L

2024-04

Beautiful property. Loved our recent stay here and the food was SO GOOD. Already planning a return

Anlara Hoskins

2023-05

The Wylder on Tilghman Island is one of our favorite places in the world. As soon as we set foot on the property, we knew we wanted to get married there, and that it would hold a special place in our heart. The staff are incredible (Special shout out to Alyssa and Charles) and were so helpful, reliable, and made everything about our day so perfect. We love the quintessential Eastern Shore charm, and the view is breathtaking. We've never had a bad dish - we've eaten at the restaurant multiple times outside of our wedding day. The amenities are great, the robes are cozy, and the atmosphere is quaint. The entire island is quiet, laid back, and charming. We look forward to our next stay!

Sabrina Schroeder

2023-10

Upon check in the room was not ready to be occupied the carpet was soaked through and through. I went downstairs to report the damage noticing that the water from our room was leaking through out the building onto the stairs below the room. When notifying the desk they stated “oh it’s still not dry? The AC flooded in there earlier”. I asked if they can send someone to fix it and was they said they could call maintenance on call to see if they could do anything. They resolved the issue by putting a cheap rotating fan in the room. The moisture and the mold in the room was atrocious the bedding and the room itself was wet and cold. My husband and I got very sick from staying in the space. When checking out there was no one working the desk so we left the keys. I called them to ensure they had someone follow up regarding the wet carpet and make sure they got our keys. The desk attendant said “yup” and then hung up the phone. Aside from the horrible staff the building is falling apart, has tons of spiders, mold and smells just awful. The location is nice but the cost to stay for one night was 300+ and I honestly dont recommend it. The swing outside was the best part.

Vinny Delesandro

2024-01

Two thumbs down.Beware of booking any event here. Once the contract is inked the staff is unhelpful and unresponsive at times. Property gets run through like a muddy football field. Not as charming when you do a double take.

Kim S

2023-07

The website and Google photos are definitely misleading, especially for the price. We were really disappointed at the state of our room - door doesn't fit the door frame so you have to shove your way in, only a window air conditioning unit in a window that leaked along with another window that leaked, shower had visible bacteria, multiple carpet stains, walls in poor repair, toothpick on the chair upon arrival, and a slanted floor... It was kinda laughable at a certain point (if it hadn't cost so much per night).The server at the on-premise restaurant was friendly, the view was nice, and the bedding looked nice, but I would not recommend this place. 👎

Shelby Hoefling

2023-08

Overall has a great time at the Wylder. They had bikes, kayakes, cornhole, a pool, bocce ball, and delicious food at the Tickler. There were a few disappointments: for the price we paid for our room, the bed is not comfortable by any means. I’d think $300 a night would give you a nicer room and more comfortable bed. Our shower would trickle out water, which made it practically impossible to use. We informed the front desk, they said they’d send maintenance and maintenance never came. They also said, that’s normal for water to come out slow in the morning… it was like that all day, but that also shouldn’t be normal. Our door to our bathroom didn’t fit the frame, so couldn’t be shut without jamming it and bits of door are coming off. It was promised there would be a variety of activities that we did not see. The live music advertised online did not take place. The breakfast is NOT worth the price, I recommend to anyone staying there to go into town for breakfast for that price! Many spots locally will offer more for that price. Overall, pretty expensive for what you get. But love the area, love the options of things to do, and I’m sure as long as you’re there with a great group of people, you will have a fantastic time! Not wylder’s fault entirely - recommend anyone visiting, bring bug spray!!!!

Keely H

2023-05

Beautiful bay-cation spot to unwind on island time at a slow pace in this charming little fishing village. The views are idyllic. Grounds are gorgeous. Design & decor are impeccably thought out. Bathrooms could use a little more of a luxurious update (the shower water did have a funky smell & was hard to operate & our toilet made a lingering loud noise when flushing in Bungalow 5) . Bungalow rooms are a bit small for a family of 4, but with so much to do outside, no need to spend time in the room other than sleeping. As an early riser, waiting till 7am for coffee had me biking down to the Country Store (which is just a delight & has such tasty breakfast & lunch sandwiches!). Especially convenient as the sort of continental breakfast option was not our jam & no lunch is served on site currently. Biking around this little island on the resort-provided bikes was fun & relaxing. The saltwater pool was so pretty & the music around the property was perfect. Lawn games, hammock & tree swing provided hours of family fun. *Bring bug spray if out at dusk! Suggest a mosquito treatment for the property, but other than that, everything was wonderful! Last but not least, the staff was INCREDIBLE, everyone was so friendly, helpful & thoughtful & obviously genuinely cared about their job & the guests’ experience.

Chris Roth

2023-08

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Mitchell Gold

2023-05

VERY PEACEFUL! Although we did not use many of the amenities during our stay, we found this resort to be exceptionally beautiful and peaceful. A perfect respite for an overworked and harried person. The VIEWS from our room were spectacular. The service was top notch. And most importantly, our room was clean and modern with all the appointments one would require for a first class stay.

Heather Haines

2023-06

While the Wylder Hotel is an adorable property with considerable "Gram-worthy" opportunities--bikes available for touring the island, kayaks, and a salt water pool--but worth noting that you're paying extravagantly for the experience. The rooms are tiny--like, Manhattan-sized, hard-to-negotiate-two-people-and-dogs-tiny. And speaking of dogs--while the hotel is "dog friendly," there are few indications of such (i.e. poop stations available) and many scowls. Oh, and a $55 fee per pet for "deep cleaning." While the idea of a "bonfire experience" at $25 per person seems super charming, our $50 / 2 included, wait for it, a baggie with two marshmallows, graham crackers and a couple of slabs of Hersey's. And two sticks. :) I resent-ate mine in our room rather than at the crowded fire pit downstairs. Lastly, while staff was warm and lovely, they weren't exactly problem solvers. I called in advance, referencing our disabled dog who uses a wheelchair -- yet we were given a room on the second level, with some 20 narrow stairs to negotiate (and of course no elevator), and with no recourse when we mentioned how difficult it was to navigate. Still, at the risk of sounding like a Karen, I will note the views are unparalleled, the food is divine, and there's much to love here. Just be prepared to pay through the nose for it all! (And forego the s'more experience!)

Daniel Logan

2023-08

I rarely write reviews. When I do, I try to be balanced. It's difficult to be objective when you are locked out of the hotel and have no means of contacting the hotel staff. When it seems like one's only options are sleeping outside or calling the police for assistance, it tends to color one's judgement. Wylder, why is there no way that guests can get in touch with staff after 8PM? I'll explain in greater detail below.In short, the Wylder has potential, but as other reviewers have noted, there is an overall lack of care and/or thought put into the guest experience. I'll list the pros and cons.Pros:- Tickler's Crab Shack: I echo the sentiments of others that the food is good, as is the view from the patio.- Location: There is a view of the bay from most parts of the hotel.- Dog Friendly: There were plenty of dogs on the property and they generally felt welcome.Cons:- Rooms: Although our room was updated to provide a nautical feel, the bathroom fixtures appear to be original, the TV is miniscule and lacked basic channels (such as ESPN), and the room was incredibly cramped.- The Pool: For a hotel of its size, the Wylder's pool is very modestly sized, located far away from any restrooms, and was overcrowded. I estimate that there are roughly 15 beach chairs, which were always occupied.- The Service: The reception is only manned from 8 AM - 8 PM, after which, hotel staff are unreachable. The main hotel line is only answered during those hours. If you have a problem outside of these hours (for instance, a toilet clogging, or A/C failing) there is NO way to get in touch with staff. I've never encountered this at a hotel, and it was unlikely to be relevant absent a mishap. Unfortunately, we DID have a mishap.While most rooms have exterior facing doors, the room to which we were assigned was in the main building above the lobby. When we were taken to our room, we were brought through the interior of the lobby and up stairs. The staffer who checked us in did not inform us of any other methods of entry. We figured that, like most hotels, the lobby would remain open 24 hours. Around 11 PM that evening, we were enjoying one of the firepits outside with our dog. Numerous guests were out and about, but Tickler's had closed and there were no visible staff on the grounds.Ready to turn in for the night, we found that ALL of the main level floor doors had been locked, leaving us with no apparent way to get back into the main building and access our hotel room. We could not locate any staff on site. The provided room key (or amenity key) did not work on any of the main floor locks. No staff member had come around to tell us that they were locking up the main floor, nor did anyone inform us of any other entry points. Further, there was no main floor signage indicating how to obtain access to our rooms.Typically, hotels have a security guard or other staffer at the main desk or on the property at all times - not the case at the Wylder.I called the hotel main line at 11:30PM, found it was unmanned after 8PM and never received a call back. Faced with the prospect of sleeping outside, we were fairly upset and on the verge of calling the police. Around midnight, my enterprising partner, through trial and error, found another entrance (which required going up stairs on the front of the property, going inside through a side building and back out again, through private balconies on the back side of the property and back around to the front side of the property). It seemed that the Wylder had a policy in place of leaving only a hard-to-reach second floor door unlocked for after hours access to our block of rooms. However, we were never informed of this policy and there was no readily visible signage making this clear.This is unacceptable for any hotel, let alone one that markets itself as upscale (with prices to match). While we ultimately made it back to our hotel room after an hour or so, the experience just underlined the overall sense I got that the guest experience is not a priority for the Wylder.

Marley Wilson

2023-05

Amazing location with laid-back vibe! If you're looking to get away, go outside, and unplug, WYLDER IS THE PLACE! Spent a weekend away with my S/O at Wylder and had the most amazing time! We had read some reviews before we booked and are so happy we went for it and booked!!Knowing it is a historic property, the room renovations surpassed all of our expectations! We were expecting more of an old B&B with thinking of it as a historic property, but it was really a minimal, nautical beach vibe. We loved the basics and had everything we needed for comfort! Also, having so much to do outside on the property was amazing so we were only in our room to sleep.The water does have a smell, but when I asked the front desk about it they explained that it is how most water in the area is. We experienced the same water at a few other places we visited during our trip, so it was nothing against the hotel. I was curious about the water since I've never been to the area before and my S/O was embarrassed I asked the hotel about it. But, they were understanding and offered an explanation without making me feel like a Karen for asking!Every time we approached a staff member, they were so helpful! From stopping and grabbing ice for us (and even filling a small cooler bag!) to personally bringing us fresh towels when we called later at night because housekeeping had left for the day. This, again, was not the experience we were expecting based on some of the reviews so we were blown away by their service. Sorry for those people who caught the staff on an off-day, but we had amazing experiences the whole time we were here. Definitely recommend!

Tatiana Cicchinelli

2022-05

my family always enjoys our stay at this gorgeous location! The bungalows are always clean and ready for us and it is never an issue to have a fridge or other things they offer brought to our room. The dock is awesome and the sunset boat cruise was a highlight for me! They have a general store very close that you can walk or bike to and views are unmatched! We come back every year and do not plan on stopping anytime soon!

Amber Hegseth

2023-05

This place was okay but definitely not worth the amount of money they charge for a room. We were fooled by the beautiful website into thinking this was a luxury property, but the rooms need some serious updating. There was a jetted tub in the bedroom that we wanted to use but the water smelled like hard boiled eggs and stunk up our entire suite. The staff was nice and the restaurant was good (but overpriced). Unfortunately, we didn't get to use the pool or kayaks because the weather didn't cooperate. I'd consider staying here again if it cost half as much as we paid.

Mikayla Moore

2023-05

First 2 days felt low key relaxing. We were greeted with champagne, and staff to escort us to our bungalow and explain the property accommodations. All of the chairs around the property were very cozy and we relaxed by the fire pits at night. Restaurant and bar staff were very friendly and helpful. Food and drinks were delicious. The pool staff were fun, checked on us frequently, and kept the drinks coming, which was appreciated. The water sport equipment was a fun inclusion however there were more kayaks than paddles available and the paddles were broken. People had to use SUP paddles for kayaks and it was awkward. It would be helpful if the equipment was more thoroughly checked and replaced as needed so guests can use as intended. On our final morning, we reserved spots for the yoga class and a time slot for sauna use. Unfortunately both were a flop. The front staff didn’t seem to show any initiative when multiple groups asked for follow up about the yoga instructor’s late arrival/ no show or location for class. Then when we went to our reserved time for the sauna, it was completely off. Front staff turned on and said “5 minutes” however an hour passed and the sauna was still not ready for use. Unfortunately our checkout time came, ending our stay here and we were unable to use the sauna. I expressed my concerns with the receptionist at checkout and they responded with a frowny face and “oh” before taking a phone call. No attempt for service recovery unfortunately so we left feeling disappointed. I think Wylder’s boutique hotel has an amazing vision but it felt more like dream vs reality. I would recommend, following up with staff before reservations to ensure follow through and execution of the events and amenities, so other plans are not delayed throughout your day. I just want future guests to have a full experience.

Erin Henley

2023-05

I am confused by the high ratings. Maybe we just had a bad room?Pros:PoolOutdoor activitiesHotel staffRestaurant foodView of bayDog friendlyCons:Room was dirty(we had a full bed and twin bed-no water view)Felt like a cheap motel and not a resortRoom smelledWater in bathroom smelled like sulfurCarpet oldMoldy shower curtainA bug came out of the sink drainDark lightingAir conditioner felt like a swamp cooler-we could hear water gurgling noises and the room was more damp than the outside air.Bed was hardNot enough chairs around pool so people were lounging in the grassRestaurant the second night was super slow the server never came around to fill drinks or finish the order, we were just given appetizers(after 35 minutes) and never asked for mealRestaurant very priceyBe aware there was no fridge in our roomOnly one bench to put luggage, not enough room for everyone.We ended up leaving 2 days early, we booked with the “no cancellations discount” so we didn’t get a refund for the days we left early. The pictures make the rooms seem so much better. Overpriced for what you get. I rarely get time off work, so I was pretty disappointed feeling like I waisted my time off staying here. Feeling uncomfortable in the room outweighed the pros.

Caroline Morrow

2021-05

Great family atmosphere, wish there was more shade to hang out outside, but my daughter loved the pool and it was easy to take a kayak out with her. She got to swing in a hammock for the first time and enjoyed watching all the friendly dogs. The restaurant staff were great, friendly and adhered to social Distancing. The food was very good, best crab cakes I have had in a long long time! The room was a good beach room, big enough for my 15 month old daughter and me, however it was right by a light outside so it didn't get as dark as we like it to be while we sleep. I would definitely go back to enjoy the Chesapeake here though!

J Brown

2023-05

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Ashley Glazer

2022-05

What a lovely place to relax and explore the eastern shore. My fiance and our dog stayed here for two nights and it was such a wonderful little getaway. There's no shortage of places to sit and relax by the water, lots of fun lawn games, free bikes and kayaks to use. Since we came in October we didn't get a chance to use the pool, but it had the comfiest looking chairs to sit and sunbathe in the Summer. The food at Tickler's was out of this world! I got the surf n' turf, which was cooked to perfection. The crab dip shouldn't be missed either. It's also only a short drive to the town of St. Michael's where there are shops and restaurants. I've already told my mom this is where we should have our next family reunion. All-in-all, just lovely!

Faron Smith

2023-05

If you are looking for a beautiful, classic Chesapeake Bay venue on the water with the most kind and helpful staff, THIS is your place. My husband and I were married here on November 19, 2022, with about 60 guests in attendance. We had our rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception, and Sunday morning brunch at the Wylder. We cannot say enough about the positive experience we had with Wylder, particularly due to Alyssa Gunderson (Wedding and Event Coordinator) and her team. From the time we toured the venue until we said goodbye the day after our wedding, Alyssa was attentive, caring, thoughtful, and fun throughout the entire wedding process. She not only made sure our guests were accommodated throughout the wedding process, she particularly made sure my husband and I were taken care of from start to finish. Before the big day, so many people told my husband and I that we wouldn’t get to enjoy our cocktail hour because everything just goes by so fast - but that was not the case for us. I specifically remember walking into the reception area after the ceremony and was immediately greeted by Alyssa, who said “You all did great – what can I get you to drink?” We even had our own plate of hors d'oeuvres that only my husband and I were allowed to touch (not even my mother-in-law who paid for the entire wedding!) while we finished photos with the photographers during the cocktail hour. The Wylder is very accommodating to the food items you want for your wedding weekend (we even had a late-night french fry bar during the reception!) and works with you every step of the way to make sure your wedding details are exactly the way that you want. Charles, the head wait staff, was absolutely incredible at making sure my husband and I were taken care of throughout the night. We did not get a chance to use the free bikes, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc. that Wylder allows for guests because it was cold the weekend we were there, but we can’t wait to go back during the summer to enjoy the pool and these great accommodations! THANK YOU to the Wylder Team for making everything smooth and painless – we honestly cannot have imagined a better, more perfect place to get married.Faron & Kayla

Kevin Luong

2023-05

Amazing customer service. I happened upon this Inn while dealing with some car issues. Chey was amazingly kind and helped me and my friends with any problem we had and treated us with the utmost car and respect. If this is any indication of how Wylder runs, I'd recommend this place to anyone. I was able to see one of the units and it is such a cute room.Amazing!

Christina Lavin

2021-05

No coffee in rooms, I have never stayed anywhere that did not have a coffee maker in the room. I did request a refrigerator and they were very accommodating as I needed it for my medication. There were ants all around the window in our room so was not thrilled about thatThe staff were great and the view was even better. The activities available at the hotel were nice but there is nothing open so unless you go into St. Michael's you don't have many options foodwise. Great if you are looking for very low key and just staying put on the island. There were only 2 places to get food and they close pretty early so if you prefer to eat later you need to drive 15 miles to St Michael's