Baltimanual :: Places to Stay

Finding a place to stay in this town is not without its challenges--it's not that it's tough to find a hotel. It's more that it's tough to choose the right one. If you choose a place that's not at the Inner Harbor, for instance, will you still find enough to do in and around the hotel you've selected? If you pick a hotel that's at the Inner Harbor, will you be getting cookie-cutter Holiday Inn accommodations or a cool and eclectic environment that'll put a little polish on your family vacation? We've put together a list below of hotels we like and included a brief description of what we think makes them unique. From creaky Mount Vernon inn to sophisticated Inner Harbor spa, we've visited all of these places ourselves, and rest assured: These are the places we'd send our own families to stay.

Top: Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations; Left: Hilton Garden Inn

A couple of pointers, though: If you stay at the Inner Harbor, call ahead to check prices for parking. It can get spendy down there. If you choose to stay at a Mount Vernon location, and you want to visit the Inner Harbor, you can walk, but it'll take you about 20 minutes and we don't recommend you walk back to your hotel alone after dark. Cabs or buses might be a better option.

Luxury

InterContinental Hotel

550 Light St., (410) 234-0550, intercontinental.com

Well-appointed European-style hotel located across the street from the Inner Harbor. Walk to the waterfront, aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and Federal Hill neighborhood. Spa services available.

Amenities: Rooftop health club, indoor pool, convenience store on site.

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel

202 E. Pratt St., (410) 547-1200, marriott.com

You could do far worse than stay at this pleasantly appointed Marriott right on the Inner Harbor. Pretty views of the city and the waterfront, super-convenient location within walking distance to all of downtown's touristy attractions.

Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, pay wi-fi, free shoeshine service.

Pier 5 Hotel

711 Eastern Ave., (410) 539-2000, harbormagic.com

Vibrant, fun décor and a matching atmosphere are the hallmark of this waterfront hotel. Convenient to tourist attractions but also boasting some attractions of its own, including two restaurants and a "crabby hour" at which guests can make their own crab dip.

Amenities: Harbor Magic shuttle, free guest passes to MAC Wellness health club, pet-friendly rooms.

Inn at 2920

2920 Elliott St., (410) 342-4450, theinnat2920.com

This upscale B&B in the heart of the Canton neighborhood-well known for its bars and nightlife on O'Donnell Square-is chic and sophisticated. Modern décor, Jacuzzi tubs, and a betta fish in every room.

Amenities: Wi-fi, breakfast, and parking are all free.

Admiral Fell Inn

888 S. Broadway, (410) 522-7377, harbormagic.com

Dignified but comfortable accommodations in the heart of Fells Point. Step out the front door and stroll cobblestone streets to visit the shops, bars, and restaurants of a historic waterfront neighborhood.

Amenities: Free wi-fi with business packages, Jacuzzis and balconies available, free guest passes to MAC Wellness health club, Harbor Magic shuttle, afternoon tea parties in the lobby on Saturdays, pet-friendly rooms.

A Good Deal

Peabody Court Hotel

612 Cathedral St., (410) 727-7101, peabodycourthotel.com

Boutique-style hotel decorated with antique furnishings, art, and dramatic lobby chandelier. Convenient to all Mount Vernon has to offer. Offers a LGBT Pride Package during Baltimore's Pride Week.

Amenities: Free wi-fi, 24-hour exercise facilities.

Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys

5100 Falls Road, (410) 532-6900, Radisson.com

This North Baltimore hotel offers a reasonably priced, relaxing place to stay far from the Inner Harbor hubbub. Located in a wooded, residential area with shops and restaurants on-site, close to Loyola College and Johns Hopkins University. Free shuttle to the Inner Harbor makes sightseeing easy.

Amenities: Free high-speed internet access, outdoor pool, fitness room, tennis club, trails, restaurant, and lounge-style lobby bar.

Inn at the Colonnade

4 W. University Parkway, (410) 235-5400, colonnadebaltimore.com

Affordable, comfortable, and ridiculously convenient to Johns Hopkins University-it's right across the street. Beautifully renovated pool, located in an indoor solarium.

Amenities: On-site spa, indoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms.

Hilton Garden Inn, Inner Harbor

625 S. President St., (410) 234-0065, hiltongardeninn.com

Trendy-looking hotel with some unusually 1970s rec-room-inspired decor, it's reasonably priced, comfortable, and convenient to all the Inner Harbor and Harbor East have to offer: shopping, restaurants, water views, and tourist attractions.

Amenities: Fitness room, indoor pool, squash, free high-speed internet access, coin laundry.

Biltmore Suites

205 W. Madison St., (410) 728-6550, biltmoresuites.com

Quirky little hotel located in a historic building in the Mount Vernon cultural district, just a couple of blocks from the Washington Monument and within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. Not many on-site amenities and it may be a little threadbare for those accustomed to higher-end chain hotels.

Amenities: Free high-speed internet, free breakfast, $3 parking within walking distance.

Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations

58 W. Biddle St., (410) 244-7227, abacrombie.net

An attractive and unique B&B-style inn with a fantastic restaurant on premises, located in a historic building in the Mount Vernon cultural district. If you're traveling on a budget, rooms with twin beds can be had for less than $100, continental breakfast included. Walking distance to restaurants, museums, shops, and the Lyric Opera House, among other things.

Amenities: Free parking, breakfast, and cable TV in some rooms.

Mount Vernon Hotel

24 W. Franklin St., (410) 727-2000, mountvernonbaltimore.com

Affordable hotel located just a few blocks from Mount Vernon's Washington Monument. Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Located within walking distance to some of Mount Vernon's best restaurants.

Amenities: On-site laundry, free breakfast buffet and wi-fi.

A Steal

HI Baltimore Hostel

17 W. Mulberry St., (410) 576-8880, baltimorehostel.org

Cool, funky, cheerful hostel conveniently located in a historic mansion between the Mount Vernon cultural district and downtown. Guests can choose to stay in dorms or private rooms and take advantage of activities such as films, art openings, $3 pasta dinners on Thursday evenings, and more.

Amenities: Large common room with TV, outdoor deck and patio, modern kitchen for guests' use, free wi-fi and lockers, coin laundry, en-suite bathrooms, 24-hour access.1506