Drive time: 2 hours.
Looking right at home in Baltimore’s artsy Mount Vernon neighborhood, this classy spot treats guests like royalty with an inclusive experience featuring valet parking, a glass of champagne upon arrival, English afternoon tea service, and a private car and driver to chauffeur you to the Inner Harbor and other city attractions. Housed in a lovingly restored late 19th-century mansion that was once the site of high society events and a home-away-from-home to visiting dignitaries, the Ivy Hotel offers 17 rooms and suites, a spa, and a sophisticated bistro-style restaurant with an award-winning wine list and impressive whiskey collection.
You’ll receive a warm welcome at the Ivy, from the gas fireplaces in the rooms to the heated limestone floors in the posh bathrooms. A bountiful, made-to-order breakfast (think lemon souffle pancakes) is included with your stay. There’s also a complimentary do-it-yourself open bar with a variety of fine wines, liquors and accoutrements and a selection of snacks to curb those midnight cravings.
Furry companions also receive top-notch service, including a dog bed, a personalized bowl, treats and snacks and, (if you wish) someone to take them on walks. Speaking of walking, Baltimore has quite a few walkable attractions. At the end of the day, you might want to reward your hard-working feet with the Uncle Nearest Hot Toddy Foot Ritual at the hotel spa. It includes a dram of whiskey for sipping.
Artistic Freedom: You’ll find thousands of works spanning centuries, continents, genres and media at two of Charm City’s free art museums. The Baltimore Museum of Art boasts the largest collection of Henri Matisse’s work (over 600 pieces) in a public museum, along with extensive exhibits focused on Egypt, 15th- through 19th-century Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and ancient America. Don’t miss the Native North American collection, with Plains beadwork, Arctic carved ivories, Navajo textiles and fiber arts from numerous tribes. The museum’s contemporary art collection is also extensive, and be sure to visit the two sculpture gardens.
The Walters Art Museum features archaeological works from the ancient Mediterranean world, including Roman sarcophagi, medieval European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance through the 19th century, contemporary Japanese ceramics, Ethiopian icons and a Russian collection with two Fabergé eggs. It also has two sculpture gardens.
March Rates: $690.
205 E. Biddle St., Baltimore, Maryland, (410) 514-6500, theivybaltimore.com.
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