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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Maryland, USA

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Mainly in Baltimore, hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or those seeking a social atmosphere, with dormitory-style or private rooms.

  • Motels

    Common along major highways, motels are convenient and often budget-friendly, suitable for road trippers.

  • Hotels

    A wide range of hotels, from major chains like IHG Hotels to independent boutiques, are available across all price points in cities and tourist towns. Explore options on Booking.com and Agoda.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) / Inns

    Popular in historic towns, B&Bs provide a personalized lodging experience in restored homes, with charm and home-cooked breakfasts.

Further Accommodation Details

  • Luxury Hotels & Resorts

    High-end options are located in prime spots like Baltimore's Inner Harbor and historic Annapolis, featuring fine dining and spas.

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Historic Inns and Waterfront Properties offer distinct experiences. Vacation rentals via Vrbo or Airbnb offer more space and privacy.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Airbnb private rooms within resident homes invite cultural exchange. Also consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Maryland State Parks and private campgrounds offer tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins. Reservations are highly recommended.

Neighborhood Guide

The Chesapeake Bay area presents diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and benefits.

Annapolis Historic Downtown

Benefits
  • Highly walkable, rich in history
  • Lively dining options
  • Direct access to the water
  • Generally very safe
Considerations
  • Can be costly, especially B&Bs
  • Parking presents challenges
  • Crowded during peak season
  • Can be lively/noisy on weekends

Baltimore Inner Harbor / Fells Point / Federal Hill

Benefits
  • Many attractions within walking distance
  • Excellent dining and nightlife
  • Good public transport links
  • Generally safe in tourist areas
Considerations
  • Can be noisy in busy areas
  • Some areas outside tourist zones require caution
  • Fells Point and Inner Harbor can be loud
  • Urban environment requires standard precautions

Eastern Shore St. Michaels / Easton / Oxford

Benefits
  • Relaxed, tranquil atmosphere
  • Direct access to water activities
  • Known for fresh seafood
  • Very safe, low crime rates
Considerations
  • Requires a car for exploration
  • Public transport is nearly absent
  • Quiet in off-season
  • Some businesses operate reduced hours off-season

Southern Maryland Solomons Island / Calvert County

Benefits:

Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, quieter than northern Bay areas. Access to unique natural attractions. Very safe.

Considerations:

More spread out, necessitating a car. Limited dining and shopping compared to larger towns.

Booking Strategies

Careful booking strategies secure optimal accommodation for your visit, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (Summer, Fall Foliage, Major Events): Book 3-6 months ahead. Expect the highest prices.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring, Late Fall): Book 1-2 months ahead. Good selection and often better rates.
  • Low Season (Winter): 2-4 weeks ahead is typically fine for most options, often with good deals.
  • Trusted Platforms: Online Travel Agencies (Booking.com, Expedia), vacation rentals (VRBO, Airbnb).

Booking Considerations

  • Direct Booking: For B&Bs and independent inns, booking via their official websites can sometimes offer better rates or perks.
  • Camping: Reserve Maryland State Parks camping through the Maryland DNR Parks website early due to high demand.
  • Negotiation: Negotiation for walk-in rates is generally not customary at U.S. hotels. Online advance booking typically secures favorable rates.
  • Policies: Always review deposit and cancellation policies. Vacation rentals may have stricter, non-refundable terms.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Demand Periods:
  • Summer, major festivals (e.g., Maryland Seafood Festival)
  • Special events (e.g., Annapolis Boat Shows, Navy graduations, large Baltimore conventions)
  • Expect significantly higher prices during these times.
Lower Demand Periods:
  • Prices are generally lower in winter.
  • Exceptions apply for holiday periods.
  • Consider traveling during shoulder or low seasons for budget considerations.

Important Advice for Booking

Check Reviews:

Before booking, always check recent guest reviews for insights into property quality and service.

Location Matters:

Consider proximity to attractions, dining, and transportation based on your itinerary.

Special Requests:

Communicate any specific needs (e.g., accessibility, pet-friendly) directly with the property or platform.

Accommodation Recommendations

This guide outlines accommodation options, with suggestions for various budget levels and travel preferences.

Budget and Mid-Range Options

Budget Hostels, Basic Motels, Camping

Range: $25 - $80 per night.

  • Hostels: Baltimore. Hostelworld offers listings.
  • Motels: Along US-50 and I-97.
  • Camping: Maryland State Parks (e.g., Elk Neck State Park, Point Lookout State Park).
Mid-Range Chain Hotels, B&Bs, Vacation Rentals

Range: $100 - $250 per night. Provides good value, comfort, and often favorable locations.

  • Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis, Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor.
  • B&Bs: The Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels - higher end), Gibson's Lodging (Annapolis).
  • VRBO/Airbnb: Broad availability for apartments and cottages.

Luxury and Specific Traveler Options

Luxury Boutique Hotels, Resorts, Upscale Rentals

Range: $250 - $800+ per night. Premium amenities and exceptional service.

  • The Ivy Hotel (Baltimore).
  • The Historic Inns of Annapolis.
  • Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina (Cambridge).
  • Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels).
Family-Friendly Options

Chain hotels offer family suites and pools. Vacation rentals provide space and kitchens. Maryland State Parks camping. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay offers extensive recreational activities.

  • Consider hotels with pools.
  • Vacation rentals offer kitchens.
  • State park cabins are family options.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels in Baltimore

    Offer a social environment and budget-friendly options, making connections with other travelers easy.

  • B&Bs

    Present a welcoming, intimate atmosphere where solo travelers might interact with innkeepers or other guests.

  • Smaller Boutique Hotels

    In walkable towns like Annapolis or St. Michaels, these hotels offer a sense of security and easy access to attractions.

  • Camping

    For nature-focused solo travelers, state park campgrounds offer quietude and outdoor access.

Long-Stay and Historically Significant Accommodations

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) are ideal for long stays (e.g., a month or more), reducing costs compared to hotels and providing a more residential experience with full kitchens.

  • Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

    The Historic Inns of Annapolis: A collection of three historic properties in downtown Annapolis, steeped in colonial history.

  • The Ivy Hotel (Baltimore)

    A luxurious boutique hotel in a restored historic mansion in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood.

  • B&Bs on the Eastern Shore

    Many charming B&Bs in towns like Chestertown, Easton, and Oxford are in historic homes, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Image Spotlight

The Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels

This image highlights a picturesque view of the Inn at Perry Cabin, an acclaimed luxury resort located in St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Why this location is recommended

The Inn at Perry Cabin offers a comprehensive resort experience with waterfront access, fine dining, and a spa, making it a premier choice for luxury stays in the Chesapeake Bay region.

  • Waterfront access
  • Exceptional amenities
  • Historical charm
  • Luxury experience

Other Accommodation Types

Vacation Rentals

Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer private rooms, apartments, and entire homes, popular for families or groups desiring more space and kitchen facilities.

Historic Inns

Staying in a renovated colonial-era home in Annapolis or 19th-century inns on the Eastern Shore delivers an immersive historical experience.

Waterfront Properties

Many hotels and vacation rentals present direct Bay access or waterfront views, appealing to those prioritizing water activities or scenic vistas.