A variety of notable people have called the largest city in Maryland home, from singer Billie Holiday to director John Waters to abolitionist and writer Frederick Douglass. Accordingly, it’s steeped in history, with more historic buildings on the National Register than any other US city. Fort McHenry is a popular monument, and there are numerous art museums to keep you entertained (including the very unique American Visionary Art Museum).
Looking to be charmed by Charm City? Here are five properties in the Maryland metropolis that offer exceptional value, comfort and quality.
Days Inn Inner Harbor
From $108 / night
Located within the Inner Harbor area, this property is close to numerous points of interest: the Baltimore Convention Center, Oriole Park and even Edgar Allen Poe’s grave site. A Starbucks and several restaurants (seafood, stake, pub fare) are all within a mile. If you don’t feel like wandering, the on-site Harbor Grill serves up American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Past specials have included a crabmeat quesadilla or pineapple glazed chicken. For more casual fare, you can pick up a coffee or snack at Java Café. You can start your day off right with a breakfast buffet for an additional charge. Feeling bloated? Wait a while and then get to work in the gym or (seasonal) outdoor pool.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor
From $146 / night
Located in Baltimore’s city center, this property is close to numerous attractions, from downtown Baltimore and the Baltimore Convention Center to the Lexington Market, Edgar Allen Poe Museum or National Aquarium. It’s an attractive hotel, outfitted with a bar and restaurants (TellTale and Zeke’s). Past guests have rated this non-smoking lodging highly, and they’ve praised the cleanliness and comfort in particular. You can expect super-comfy beds here, which should be perfect given the amount of activities you’ll likely be enjoying throughout the day.
Sleep Inn & Suites Downtown Inner Harbor
From $112 / night
An affordable option with high ratings from previous visitors, this Sleep Inn has received top marks online for its cleanliness, staff and comfort. An eco-friendly property situated in the bustle of Baltimore’s downtown area, it’s about a half-mile from Johns Hopkins Hospital, the National Aquarium or Lexington Market. The Shot Tower Metro Station is also close by, providing access to the city’s other excitements. A gym is available on-site, as are laundry facilities. Planning on traveling with furry friends? Pets are allowed here, for an additional charge.
Best Western Plus BWI Airport North
From $98/ night
For Baltimore visitors arriving by air, this is a good property to consider. There’s complimentary shuttle service to the airport available 24 hours a day. Also gratis: wifi, parking and a hot breakfast buffet each morning. It’s about four or five miles from anything of interest —such as Oriole Park, Maryland Science Center or the American Visionary Art Museum—so thankfully there’s a gym, business center and mini mart to keep you occupied on the property. Also a plus: the staff sounds promising. As one past guest wrote in a flattering review: “The front desk is beyond your wildest dreams. The staff is like some fantasy.”
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore/Woodlawn
From $148/night
It’s less than a 20-minute drive to the Baltimore City Center —not the closest to downtown action, but this Hampton Inn makes up for it with affordable pricing. (What is close is Martin’s West, an event facility popular for weddings.) There’s shuttle service to nearby attractions to help narrow the distance. The staples are included with your stay: free wifi and parking, an in-room fridge, ironing supplies and air conditioning. An indoor pool and gym add some excitement to the property. The front desk is open 24 hours, and guests have marked the staff behind it as one of the better features of this hotel.