Where to Stay in Baltimore
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Baltimore's iconic waterfront district is the city's tourist epicenter, featuring the National Aquarium, historic ships, and Harborplace shopping pavilions. This area offers the highest concentration of hotels with water views and immediate access to major attractions. The promenade buzzes with activity day and night, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
- Walking distance to National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and historic ships
- Abundant dining and entertainment options within the immediate area
- Well-lit and heavily patrolled, feeling very safe at night
- Easy access to water taxis and tour boats
- Higher accommodation prices compared to other neighborhoods
- Can feel touristy and crowded during peak season
This historic waterfront neighborhood dates back to 1763 and features cobblestone streets, Belgian block roads, and beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings. Known for its vibrant nightlife, independent boutiques, and authentic local character, Fells Point offers a more neighborhood-oriented experience. The area has excellent waterfront dining and is popular with young professionals and visitors seeking Baltimore's authentic charm.
- Authentic Baltimore neighborhood atmosphere with local character
- Excellent selection of bars, restaurants, and live music venues
- Charming historic architecture and waterfront setting
- Water taxi connections to Inner Harbor and Canton
- Generally more affordable than Inner Harbor hotels
- Can be noisy on weekend nights due to active bar scene
- Limited hotel options compared to Inner Harbor
This upscale waterfront development represents Baltimore's modern luxury district, featuring high-end hotels, designer shopping, and acclaimed restaurants. The neighborhood seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with waterfront access, offering a more refined and quieter alternative to the Inner Harbor. Harbor East attracts business travelers and those seeking premium accommodations with sophisticated amenities.
- Upscale dining scene including Charleston and Azumi
- Modern, well-maintained hotels with premium amenities
- Safe, clean streets with beautiful waterfront promenade
- Close to both Inner Harbor attractions and Fells Point nightlife
- Higher price point for accommodations and dining
- Less authentic neighborhood character compared to historic districts
Baltimore's cultural heart, Mount Vernon is an elegant historic district centered around the Washington Monument. This neighborhood features stunning 19th-century architecture, world-class museums, performing arts venues, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. The area offers a sophisticated, residential feel with tree-lined streets and beautiful parks, attracting culture enthusiasts and those seeking a quieter base.
- Walking distance to Walters Art Museum, Peabody Conservatory, and theaters
- Beautiful historic architecture and pleasant walking streets
- Excellent variety of cafes, restaurants, and independent shops
- More affordable accommodation options including B&Bs
- Central location with easy access to Penn Station and light rail
- Some streets can feel quiet after dark
- Fewer hotel options, mostly B&Bs and small inns
A trendy waterfront neighborhood popular with young professionals, Canton offers a residential feel with excellent dining, shopping along O'Donnell Square, and a beautiful waterfront park. The area has transformed from an industrial district to one of Baltimore's most desirable neighborhoods, featuring renovated row homes and modern apartments. Canton provides an authentic local experience while remaining close to downtown attractions.
- Canton Waterfront Park perfect for jogging, walking, and kayaking
- Vibrant restaurant and bar scene with local favorites
- Safe, family-friendly atmosphere with residential character
- More spacious and modern vacation rental options available
- Fewer traditional hotels, mostly Airbnb and vacation rentals
- Requires water taxi or ride-share to reach Inner Harbor attractions
Baltimore's business and commercial core runs along Charles Street, offering convenient access to both Inner Harbor attractions and Mount Vernon's cultural sites. This area features numerous chain hotels catering primarily to business travelers and provides excellent public transportation connections. The district is practical rather than charming, with good value accommodations and proximity to major venues.
- Competitive hotel rates, especially on weekends
- Excellent public transportation access including light rail and metro
- Walking distance to both Inner Harbor and Mount Vernon
- Numerous dining options from budget to upscale
- Close to Baltimore Convention Center
- Less neighborhood character, more corporate feel
- Streets can feel empty on evenings and weekends
This historic residential neighborhood sits just south of the Inner Harbor, offering stunning skyline views from Federal Hill Park. The area features charming brick row homes, a thriving restaurant scene along Charles and Light Streets, and a mix of young professionals and families. Federal Hill provides easy access to downtown attractions while maintaining a distinct neighborhood identity.
- Federal Hill Park offers the best panoramic views of Baltimore's skyline
- Excellent restaurant scene with diverse cuisines
- Walking distance to Inner Harbor via pedestrian bridge
- Charming residential streets with historic character
- Good selection of vacation rentals and B&Bs
- Limited traditional hotel options
- Parking can be challenging on residential streets
Located near Baltimore-Washington International Airport, this area offers convenient accommodation for early flights, late arrivals, or those with rental cars exploring the broader region. While lacking in tourist attractions, the area provides excellent value with numerous chain hotels offering free airport shuttles and parking. This location works well for travelers using Baltimore as a base to explore Maryland and Washington D.C.
- Most affordable accommodation rates in the Baltimore area
- Free airport shuttle services at most hotels
- Free parking typically included
- Easy highway access to Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington D.C.
- Numerous dining options along hotel corridors
- No walkable attractions or neighborhood character
- Requires car or expensive ride-shares to reach Baltimore attractions
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Baltimore's full-service hotels concentrate around the Inner Harbor, Harbor East, and downtown, offering amenities like restaurants, fitness centers, and concierge services. Major chains and upscale properties dominate this category.
Best for: Business travelers, families wanting convenience, first-time visitors
Baltimore has a growing boutique hotel scene, particularly in Mount Vernon and Harbor East, offering unique design, personalized service, and local character. These properties often occupy historic buildings with modern renovations.
Best for: Couples, luxury seekers, those wanting unique experiences
Historic B&Bs are found primarily in Mount Vernon, Fells Point, and Federal Hill, often in beautifully restored 19th-century townhouses. These offer intimate settings with homemade breakfasts and local insider knowledge.
Best for: Romantic getaways, history enthusiasts, travelers seeking personal attention
Airbnb and VRBO properties are abundant in Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Locust Point, ranging from studios to entire historic row homes. This option provides the most authentic neighborhood experience.
Best for: Families, groups, extended stays, those wanting kitchen facilities
National budget chains are located primarily near BWI Airport and along I-95 corridors, offering basic but clean accommodations with limited services. Some budget options exist in the downtown periphery.
Best for: Budget travelers, road trippers, early/late flights
Several extended stay properties serve Baltimore's Inner Harbor and downtown areas, offering kitchenettes and more space for longer visits or those wanting to save on dining costs.
Best for: Extended stays, families, business travelers on long assignments
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Baltimore hotel rates spike during major events like Preakness Stakes, Orioles playoff games, Ravens home games, and Artscape. Check the city's event calendar before selecting dates, as shifting your visit by even a few days can result in significant savings. Convention center events also drive up downtown prices on weekdays.
Baltimore's compact size and good public transportation mean staying in neighborhoods like Fells Point, Canton, or Federal Hill can offer better value and more authentic experiences than premium Inner Harbor locations. Water taxis, Charm City Circulator (free bus), and ride-shares make it easy to reach attractions from any neighborhood.
Downtown and Inner Harbor hotels typically charge $25-40 per night for parking, which can add significantly to your total cost. Consider staying in neighborhoods with free street parking or near public transit if you're not planning extensive driving. Many neighborhood B&Bs and vacation rentals include free parking.
Booking directly with hotels often provides better cancellation policies, room upgrade opportunities, and included amenities like breakfast or parking. Many Baltimore hotels price-match third-party sites while offering additional benefits for direct bookings. Smaller properties and B&Bs may offer discounts for direct bookings or extended stays.
Business-oriented hotels in downtown and Harbor East offer substantial weekend discounts, sometimes 40-50% lower than weekday rates. Conversely, leisure-focused neighborhoods like Fells Point may have higher weekend rates. Time your visit based on your hotel choice to maximize savings.
Many Baltimore hotels offer packages including National Aquarium tickets, restaurant credits, or parking that provide better value than booking separately. The Visit Baltimore website often features hotel packages with added benefits. Packages are especially valuable during shoulder season when hotels are more competitive.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 6-8 weeks in advance for summer visits (June-August) and major events. Preakness Stakes weekend requires 3-6 months advance booking. Prices are highest but availability is most limited during this period.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and reasonable rates. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for good selection. This is the ideal time for value-conscious travelers.
Winter months (November-March, excluding holidays) offer the lowest rates and last-minute deals are common. You can often book just 1-2 weeks ahead and still find excellent availability. Some hotels offer rates 30-50% below peak season.
Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance for best selection and rates. Monitor prices after booking as many hotels allow free cancellation, enabling you to rebook if prices drop. Tuesday and Wednesday bookings sometimes offer slightly better rates than weekend bookings.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.