Hotels in Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore Hotels

Baltimore, set in central Maryland, is a huge bustling port city full of museums, galleries, and historic sights. Among its glittering high-rise skyline and within its buzzing central streets, you’ll find glitzy shopping centers, a thriving performing arts scene, and - thanks to the nearby Chesapeake Bay - sumptuous seafood restaurants. The city also boasts a leafy, academic atmosphere, being home to a handful of universities and colleges.

Things to see

Before you immerse yourself in Baltimore’s rich high culture, spend a laid-back morning soaking in this magical city sight. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, based beside the glistening Inner Harbor, showcases a staggering 17,000 specimens, ranging from emerald-green Boa snakes to friendly Bottlenose dolphins. Be sure to stop by Shark Alley to watch gargantuan tiger sharks swim before your eyes. After, enjoy a tranquil visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art. Set in a bold, Romanesque-revival building, this museum houses thousands of prime works of art from diverse cultures across the world. The museum’s pride and joy is surely its stellar collection of European masterpieces, which include works from Picasso, Van Gogh, and an immense collection of Matisse marvels. As the afternoon rolls around, get to grips with Baltimore's riveting history at Fort McHenry. This seafront star-shaped fort successfully repelled a British attack in 1812, giving Francis Scott Key the inspiration to write the American national anthem.

Hotels in Baltimore

City explorers looking for affordable accommodation should stay in one of the 2-star budget hotels in Baltimore. These hotels, motels, and inns offer cozy, no-frills comfort and handy amenities like free WiFi. You’ll also enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts. For something slightly more upscale, stay in a 3-star Baltimore hotel, and benefit from larger rooms with convenient kitchenettes - great if you’re traveling with kids - and in-house restaurants. Luxury-seekers will be pleased to find a handful of 4-star hotels in Baltimore, which sing with outdoor pools and sublime spa services.

Where to stay

Most folks will want to stay in the Inner Harbor district of Baltimore. This friendly waterfront area holds most of the city’s key sights - including the aquarium - and provides a safe, family-free vibe. There are plenty of ritzy shopping opportunities here too. The Inner Harbor can get busy during summer, so if you’re the kind of traveler that wants to stick away from the tourist spots and find hip local hangouts, head to North Baltimore, where John Hopkins University is based. Here you’ll find quirky cafes, cool bars, and independent boutiques. Meanwhile, those that love an authentic performing arts scene should stay in Midtown, and visit the traditional and contemporary theaters.

How to get to Baltimore

The city is served by Baltimore-Washington International Airport, based just 9 miles away from the center. This active airport is one of the key gateways to the Washington-Baltimore area, serving dozens of domestic flights from cities like New York, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles. It also serves international flights from European destinations like London, with seasonal flights from Frankfurt. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the center. If hiring a car, be aware that a shuttle will have to whizz you offsite for pick-up. In the city, bus, light rail, and taxi cabs provide great ways to get around.