Flanders Hotel Swings into Spring

By Tim Kelly With its restaurants, guest rooms, shops, spa, and a wide array of special events humming along, the Flanders Hotel, at 719 11th Street, sometimes resembles its own city. It’s especially evident this time of year. “That’s a good way of putting it,” said Director of Operations Peter Voudouris of the 95-year-old landmark. “We’re all that and more. We’re a full-service resort hotel with a 20,000-square-foot banquet hall. That’s what we are.” After a winter season of hosting holiday events, business meetings, weddings, award banquets and the like, the Flanders wasted no time hitting the warmer months running. “Easter was an absolute grand slam,” Voudouris said, referring to a high occupancy rate and a huge business in holiday meal functions. “We wound up serving 915 meals. Mother’s Day on May 12 is expected to be another big day, with a goal of serving 750 meals. However, mom’s special day also means a big uptick in business at the Shoppes at the Flanders, which offers clothing, accessories and jewelry, and visits to Divine Images Salon and Spa. “We expect to be very busy again, (on Mother’s Day) and it is going to be truly special,” Voudouris promised. If the Flanders is a small city within a city, Peter Voudouris, director of operations, is its mayor. On Saturday, May 11, there will be a special “pre-Mother’s Day” High Tea at 1 p.m. that will include special menu choices and desserts, and a gift for every mom in attendance. Mother’s Day will feature a brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A buffet will include an omelet station and wide range of other breakfast items and pastries. There will also be choices of hot and cold soups and a variety of salads. A carving station will be serving up roasted turkey and roasted strip loin of beef. As for entrees, how does a choice of seared chicken breast, seared salmon and Lobster Sacchetti sound? There can’t be mothers without the kids, and the small ones are not forgotten with their own children’s menu. Attendees are advised to save room for the pie a la mode and dessert station. For more information and reservations, visit www.theflandershotel.com or call 609-399-1000. Once Voudouris and his staff make it through Mother’s Day, they will be gearing up for the traditional Memorial Day arrival of the bulk of Ocean City’s seasonal visitors. “We’re doing something different at Emily’s Ocean Room this season,” he said. “Each night will have its own specialty night for dinner.” Voudouris said every Sunday, Monday and Thursday night will offer all-you-can-eat crab legs. Tuesday is Prime Rib Night, Wednesday is Family Night, with kids eating for free, and Friday and Saturday will be Steak and Seafood Night. One of the Flanders’ luxury suites. Many visitors also book rooms at the hotel for Mother’s Day and make the Flanders a one-stop destination to celebrate the holiday. Even locals sometimes choose this option, allowing the Flanders professionals to ensure a perfect event for mom. Those who do stay also enjoy such amenities as a gym-fitness center, business center, coffee shop and more. Of course, the Flanders lobby is an attraction in its own right, with dozens of historic works of art and pieces of authentic Ocean City memorabilia. Voudouris will be the first to admit to a bit of prejudicial thinking on this topic, and who can blame him? “It’s a great place,” he said, “to fulfill all your vacation and holiday plans and to build great memories.”