Golfing in Baltimore, especially for convention visitors, often involves a quick visit to the 10 holes at the city's affordable, public Carroll Park Golf Course, two and one-half miles southwest of the city's Inner Harbor hotels. After a day on the links, the Inner Harbor beckons for a change of pace. Attractions include the USS Constellation, built in 1854, the National Aquarium, and riding the water taxis that shuttle into the waterfront neighborhoods. Visit the two Harborplace pavilions for seafood, casual dining, souvenir shopping and live entertainment in the outdoor amphitheater.
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
One of the first hotels built in the Inner Harbor as part of Baltimore's 1980 renaissance, the Hyatt still gains plaudits from tourists who appreciate its water views and amenities. Right at the Inner Harbor crossroads of Light and Pratt streets, the 488-room Hyatt connects via skyway to Harborplace, with its restaurants, snack stands and tourist tschotskes. A 10-minute walk brings you to Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, and in 20 minutes you'll be at the nearest entrance to the Ravens' football stadium. You can play basketball and tennis on the hotel's skyline deck, or soak in the seasonal outdoor pool. Eat on-site at Bistro 300, which serves a Maryland crab cake platter. Rooms feature granite baths and guest bathrobes. Packages focus on "Amour: Romance," "Awaken: Bed and Breakfast," and "Explore: Local Discovery." The Hyatt offers amenities for guests with young children, specials for seniors and appreciation packages for fans of the Orioles, Ravens and Baltimore Blast, or their visiting opponents.
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
300 Light St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-1234
baltimore.hyatt.com
InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore
You can't get much closer to Baltimore's Inner Harbor than the Harbor Court, which along with the Hyatt, two blocks to its north, anchors the harbor's western edge. Harbor Court, with 195 guest rooms and 22 suites, makes a pitch to attract travelers looking for romance and good eating, with special packages for couples and an restaurant onsite, Brighton's Orangerie. Some rooms feature a two- or four-poster bed with a view of the harbor. Suites provide king-size beds and marble soaking tubs. You can visit a health club on the rooftop and order spa services. Business travelers can also take advantage of 10 meeting rooms, including a theater.
InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore
550 Light St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(877) 270-1390
harborcourt.com
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
The Renaissance, cattycorner to the Hyatt and Harbor Court hotels, overlooks the north side of the Inner Harbor, and boasts 586 spacious guestrooms and 34 suites, some with harbor views. Rooms contain a king bed or two queens. The western side of the ground-floor lobby opens directly to the Gallery at Harborplace with four stories of shopping. The hotel's Watertable Restaurant and Watertable Lounge serve up Chesapeake-style cuisine. Head to the fitness center on the fourth floor to hit the cardio equipment and weights.
If you need to conduct an impromptu meeting, gather at a
communal table in the lobby and order food and beverage service.
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
202 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 547-1200
marriott.com
About The Author
Rogue Parrish has written two travel books and edited at the "The Baltimore Sun," "The Washington Post" and the Alaska Newspapers company. She began writing professionally in 1975. Parrish holds a summa cum laude Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Maryland.
