You should rent a house - agree with PP that hotel options are not great, and neither are the restaurants for that matter. Try Taylor Made vacation rentals. If you want to save $$, you can find something not quite on the water but just off of it, but make sure you're in a quiet location (i.e., not on top of Garrett Highway). If you want to rent a boat for the week, you'll need a boat slip, but otherwise you can do a daily rental or just get jet skis or whatever.

We love DCL and go up all the time - it is great in August, when DC is boiling hot. Highs will often be in the 70s and the lake is a nice temp. Enjoy!

Are you familiar with the area? Have you ruled out all the other close proximity options?

IMO Deep Creek is SERIOUSLY lacking in about every way. Especially in terms of short term lodging (since you said < 1 week). We have stayed at the only decent hotel-type accommodation around (Suites at Silver Tree, and it wasn't gross, but for $200-300 per night for the big family suites, not that great).

are you going to rent a boat/watercraft?

We are trying to do a low key vacation this year due to sports, early orientation for middle school and lack of leave. We are thinking about Deep Creek and have no idea where to start since we've never been. I don't need a week, just about 5 days. Can anyone suggest what real estate company to use or are there any suite hotels around? Any other info would be appreciated. Thanks.