Baltimore’s Inner Harbor: Marriott Waterfront Hotel

July 26, 2010 | Laura 5

On our June visit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, we stayed at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront hotel for two reasons: 1) its location in the center of the harbor ensured we had waterfront views and easy access to other attractions, and 2) it had a swimming pool, which is a must on any kid-friendly vacation.

We passed bellman and valets en route to the sweeping marble lobby where people of all nationalities stood, strolled, and chatted on cell phones.

What a bonus to find we were given a corner room on the 30th floor! After the apparently THRILLING elevator ride, the kids tumbled into the room, muttering ooh’s and ahh’s over the flatscreen TV.

But when we swung open the blinds, 270-degree views of blue skies and the sun-drenched harbor below blew us all away. We could see nearly everything—the Ampitheatre, the Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, American Visionary Art Museum, and harbor taxis criss-crossing the bay. This gave us a birds-eye, “I want to go THERE” perspective before we headed out on foot.

I had lugged my new Leica spotting scope to the room, fearing that it may get stolen if left in the car. Though it wasn’t much use for birding, what it did offer was a way for the kids to re-enact several gadgety James Bond scenes while spying on yachtsmen in the harbor below.

The kids insisted on a quick swim before heading over to the Aquarium.

The indoor salt-water pool was large and clean with sliding doors that open to a blazing hot sun balcony. The salty water was a new and unexpected for the kids. They didn’t enjoy it very much… even after we explained how it was more environmentally friendly than dousing a pool with chlorine. Go figure.

In addition to a pool and fitness room, the hotel features an upscale martini bar and a waterfront restaurant with American cuisine. A deli is available for quick bites though it is pricey (a few “lunch-type” things cost us $30).

Our “Double with a Harbor View” room was clean and comfortable. The beds were plush and offered a good night’s sleep. At $339 plus $24 in self-parking fees, standard rooms are not cheap, but consider that admission to an awesome view in a luxury hotel in the heart of the Inner Harbor.

If you visit the Aquarium, like we did, then the National Aquarium Package, which provides two tickets to the Aquarium, breakfast for two, and self-parking, may be a reasonable family option (rates range from $219 – $329).

If you go: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 | 800.228.9290. Be sure to ask for a room with a view. Special thanks to Marriott for hosting our room.