Maryland DVC'ers: HELP with some ???'s

[5forDiz]

Hoping those of you who live near or know Baltimore area can offer some advice ( I posted this over on Community but didn't get many replies) :

Eldest DD and friends are going to baseball game at Camden Yards and now are thinking they'd like to stay in Baltimore night before; at moment Sheraton Inner Harbor is only location near CY with availability. Pricey but maybe best overall for them, at least they're close by and Inner Harbor area offers sights to see & Gallery Place for shopping. Any thoughts ?

Or should they try location outside the city , really don't even know where to begin on something outside the city - suburbs or corporate park location? ( the girls don't want to stay at an airport hotel, us parents think that this is probably wise decision ).

Oh how I wish DVC National Harbor was up and running right NOW
Even though that would be longer drive, I would feel a whole lot better if their stay was at "home".

Thanks for any suggestions, ideas, etc.
~Laura

 

[5forDiz]

bump

 

[Reddog1134]

I would say it's really about the money. The Sheraton is very convenient for getting to the ballpark and Inner Harbor but pricey.

If they have a car and want to save some money, they may want to look at some places outside the city.

There's a Crown Plaza hotel next to my office building that sits right off Interstate 83 which is about a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Baltimore.

 

[Carole]

I've done Priceline before looking for a 4* in the Inner Harbor area.

 

[JimMIA]

A popular way to get to Camden Yards is the light rail system. I taught at a seminar at the Maritime Institute out by the airport and used light rail to go to the ballgame. Hotel shuttles usually provide easy dropoff at the rail stations. Easy, inexpensive way to get to the ballpark and not have to worry about directions, traffic, or parking.

They'll love Camden Yards -- really a great ballpark! Tell them to be sure to sample Boog Powell's barbeque!

 

[SnowWhite2]

I would not want to be in the Inner Harbor area at night. They have been having problems there.

May I suggest a hotel at around the Arundel Mills mall? They have a Dave & Busters at the mall for night time entertainment. There are several hotels: Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, Element, etc. There is also a bunch of chain restaurants circling the mall. The mall is located in Hanover, MD I think.

This would also be an easy ride into the city via 295 and would take less than 10 minutes.

 

[5forDiz]

I would say it's really about the money. The Sheraton is very convenient for getting to the ballpark and Inner Harbor but pricey.

If they have a car and want to save some money, they may want to look at some places outside the city.

There's a Crown Plaza hotel next to my office building that sits right off Interstate 83 which is about a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Baltimore.

Thanks for the suggestion on Crowne Plaza. 10 - 15 minutes away is a reasonable drive.

I've done Priceline before looking for a 4* in the Inner Harbor area.

Good idea ! I'm a big fan of bidding for resorts on Hilton Head Island when we can't get into Disney resort on points

A popular way to get to Camden Yards is the light rail system. I taught at a seminar at the Maritime Institute out by the airport and used light rail to go to the ballgame. Hotel shuttles usually provide easy dropoff at the rail stations. Easy, inexpensive way to get to the ballpark and not have to worry about directions, traffic, or parking.

They'll love Camden Yards -- really a great ballpark! Tell them to be sure to sample Boog Powell's barbeque!

Thanks for the suggestion on light rail; that would help with their concerns regarding parking & finding their way into Baltimore if they stay outside city. Will tell them about Boog Powell's Have heard Camden Yards has great eats !

I would not want to be in the Inner Harbor area at night. They have been having problems there.

May I suggest a hotel at around the Arundel Mills mall? They have a Dave & Busters at the mall for night time entertainment. There are several hotels: Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, Element, etc. There is also a bunch of chain restaurants circling the mall. The mall is located in Hanover, MD I think.

This would also be an easy ride into the city via 295 and would take less than 10 minutes.

Good to know typical city-at-night type issues I'd think at Inner Harbor ? I don't think they plan to venture around too much in the evening if at all, but maybe they would prefer over by Arundel Mills Mall ( particularly because they can never get enough shopping ) & they might like the dining options better too because they were talking about just eating at hotel restaurant if they stay at Inner Harbor, & hotel restaurants usually end up meaning paying too much money for so-so food.


Thanks so much Reddog, Carole, Jim and Laurie. Will pass on your suggestions & thoughts to DD & friends
~ Laura

 

[HebeJebe]

There are a ton of things to do at the Inner Harbor including shopping & dining. Baltimore does have it's share of problems but it doesn't sound like your group is full of party animals. I think as long as they are responsible they will have a great time.
http://baltimore.org/about-baltimore/inner-harbor

That being said there is a giant Bass Pro Shops at Arundel Mills mall that many people love to visit in addition to all the other shopping & dining there.

If they do decide to go with a hotel outside of the city it would be easier to use the light rail because traffic can be tricky getting in and out of the city for a game.

 

[5forDiz]

There are a ton of things to do at the Inner Harbor including shopping & dining. Baltimore does have it's share of problems but it doesn't sound like your group is full of party animals. I think as long as they are responsible they will have a great time.
http://baltimore.org/about-baltimore/inner-harbor

That being said there is a giant Bass Pro Shops at Arundel Mills mall that many people love to visit in addition to all the other shopping & dining there.

If they do decide to go with a hotel outside of the city it would be easier to use the light rail because traffic can be tricky getting in and out of the city for a game.

Yes they are more interested in shopping and seeing some sights although they most likely won't have all that much free time, Sunday they'll just be attending baseball game & then heading home.

A colleague of my DH just suggested Columbia, MD. Any opinions on this location ? I just did a quick look up on it there looks to be a fabulous new mall here.

thanks

~Laura

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Life long Maryland resident here. My advice, stay out of Baltimore until the game starts! Stay in Annapolis, Md. the day before. Nice quaint town. Easy drive into Baltimore.

Hoping those of you who live near or know Baltimore area can offer some advice ( I posted this over on Community but didn't get many replies) :

Eldest DD and friends are going to baseball game at Camden Yards and now are thinking they'd like to stay in Baltimore night before; at moment Sheraton Inner Harbor is only location near CY with availability. Pricey but maybe best overall for them, at least they're close by and Inner Harbor area offers sights to see & Gallery Place for shopping. Any thoughts ?

Or should they try location outside the city , really don't even know where to begin on something outside the city - suburbs or corporate park location? ( the girls don't want to stay at an airport hotel, us parents think that this is probably wise decision ).

Oh how I wish DVC National Harbor was up and running right NOW
Even though that would be longer drive, I would feel a whole lot better if their stay was at "home".

Thanks for any suggestions, ideas, etc.
~Laura

 

[wildernessDad]

If you like Greek food, make sure you hit Samos, but bring cash as they do not take cards. And expect to wait for a table.

 

[5forDiz]

Life long Maryland resident here. My advice, stay out of Baltimore until the game starts! Stay in Annapolis, Md. the day before. Nice quaint town. Easy drive into Baltimore.

Would that be more than 30 minutes away? The girls want to stay within 30 minute drive. They are not looking for club or bar scene, is there anything for them to do in this area for a bit in evening besides dining, like shops, etc. thanks

If you like Greek food, make sure you hit Samos, but bring cash as they do not take cards. And expect to wait for a table.

DH & I would go in a heartbeat, we Greek food; not entirely sure if DD & friends do all that much but will pass it along to them

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Plenty to do in Annapolis. A mall is there. Annapolis is located on the water. They can walk around the town. Lots of cultural things to see, the Naval Academy is there. Also a famous restaraunt that hosts many famous singers. Google Rams Head.

 

[5forDiz]

Plenty to do in Annapolis. A mall is there. Annapolis is located on the water. They can walk around the town. Lots of cultural things to see, the Naval Academy is there. Also a famous restaraunt that hosts many famous singers. Google Rams Head.

Okay thanks so much, they are looking over everything now

And they are really happy for all the suggestions theyve got from here on the DIS us parents too, believe me ! maybe we will all actually sleep at night while they are away It's fun though to see them growing up & getting out there in the world on their own, loved going away with friends back in my younger days & now understand the nail biting my parents went through.


~Laura

 

[Doug7856]

Annapolis is great, I work on Church Circle and it is a beautiful city. The fall is a busy time and hotels are pricey there. Try the Sheraton (across from the mall). I think the Westin looks like a great hotel and in easy walking distance to downtown.

In Baltimore, we've used Priceline and gotten the Marriott Inner Harbor for $58 (winter & spring) and the Hyatt for $75 (amazing price, also in the winter).

Personally, I don't feel there are safety issues around the Inner Harbor at night, but don't go anywhere else. It is an easy area to walk around.

 

[5forDiz]

Annapolis is great, I work on Church Circle and it is a beautiful city. The fall is a busy time and hotels are pricey there. Try the Sheraton (across from the mall). I think the Westin looks like a great hotel and in easy walking distance to downtown.

In Baltimore, we've used Priceline and gotten the Marriott Inner Harbor for $58 (winter & spring) and the Hyatt for $75 (amazing price, also in the winter).

Personally, I don't feel there are safety issues around the Inner Harbor at night, but don't go anywhere else. It is an easy area to walk around.

Thanks ! ( read this on day you posted but didn't get back to say so until now, appreciate your suggestions )