Baltimore wears its nickname “Charm City” well. It’s a place where cobblestone streets meet neon-lit art centers, and centuries-old brownstones mingle with modern cocktail lounges. Once a busy seaport that launched both Edgar Allan Poe’s literary career and the national anthem, this city has evolved into an ever-changing cultural capital, with a boutique hotel scene that reflects that. These stays channel the city’s past and present in equal measure, making them as much a reason to visit as the iconic harbor views as a plate of Old Bay–dusted crab cakes. Ahead, find the most above par stays.
The Ivy Hotel
Head to Mount Vernon to find a hotel that feels like checking into your own private mansion. This 19th-century estate is Relais & Châteaux property filled with fireplaces, four-poster beds, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. Each of the 17 rooms and suites is unique, with a mix of period architecture and very modern touches. The experience is all-inclusive, so breakfasts, afternoon tea, and nightly cocktails in the library are part of the package. The mansion once belonged to a prominent industrialist, and today it still channels that “Gilded Age” exclusivity. This is the spot for anyone who wants Baltimore at its most refined, with just the right touch of the city’s iconic charm.
Location: Mount Vernon, Baltimore // 5 Stars // Starting Rate: $795 // Room Count: 17 // Website
Pendry Baltimore
On Fell’s Point’s Recreation Pier, this Pendry stay is all about the waterfront. Originally built in 1914, this hotel has since been reborn as a contemporary space where exposed brick and steel play nicely with soft leathers and polished wood. Rooms come with harbor views, oversized windows, and sleek bathrooms, making it easy to stay in. Outside, the pool deck is a fan favorite, located over the water with cabanas and cocktails. The property also houses a chophouse and whiskey bar, giving it a buzzy, fun vibe.
Location: Fell's Point, Baltimore // 5 Stars // Starting Rate: $310 // Room Count: 127 // Website
Hotel Revival
Mount Vernon’s Hotel Revival is bold, colorful, and quintessentially Baltimore. Guest rooms are designed with jewel tones, funky furniture, and vintage touches that wink to the neighborhood’s artistic roots. Throughout the property, guests can find murals, installations, and a curated lineup of local artists that make the hotel feel like a gallery in its own right. The rooftop bar, Topside, is a scene, with skyline views, oysters, and cocktails that attract both travelers and locals. Downstairs, hidden karaoke rooms are a fun surprise.
Location: Mount Vernon, Baltimore // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $138 // Room Count: 107 // Website
Hotel Ulysses
If maximalism is an art, Hotel Ulysses is the masterpiece. Set in the historic Latrobe Building in Mount Vernon, this 116-room hotel is full of bright colors, pattern clashes, and velvet-clad touches. Rooms are covered in eccentric wallpaper, plush upholstery, and dramatic drapery, creating spaces that feel like stepping into a designer’s daydream. The ground-floor bar, Bloom’s, is one of the city’s most stylish, with stained glass, low lighting, and cocktails that belong in a European salon. For travelers who want a hotel that’s more than just a place to sleep, Ulysses is that.
Location: Mount Vernon, Baltimore // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $157 // Room Count: 116 // Website
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore
Housed in the grand Beaux-Arts former B&O Railroad headquarters, this hotel is both historic and playful. Rooms feature tall ceilings, bold patterns, spa bathrooms, and city views, while the building itself showcases marble staircases and details that date back to 1906. The in-house B&O American Brasserie is a must for foodies, with a menu full of modern takes on regional dishes. Just steps from the Inner Harbor, it’s a great place for design lovers who want history with their high thread count.
Location: Downtown Baltimore // 4 Stars // Starting Rate: $195 // Room Count: 202 // Website
Hotel Indigo Baltimore
Located in Mount Vernon, Hotel Indigo is a colorful, modern spot in the historic neighborhood. Its 162 rooms are bright and airy, with hardwood floors, spa-style bathrooms, and cozy reading nooks that make it a wonderful place to recharge. Murals and decor show off Baltimore’s literary past, with tributes to Poe and Mencken, while the lobby is fun for grabbing cocktails or coffee. Plus, there’s easy walking access to the Walters Art Museum and Peabody Institute, making it a culture-lover’s dream stay.
Location: Mount Vernon, Baltimore // 3 Stars // Starting Rate: $145 // Room Count: 162 // Website
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