Need Inner Harbor/Baltimore Info . .

[TZMOM]

I've just decided to take an overnight trip w/my DS (14) to the Inner Harbor at the end of June. We're not too far from Baltimore, so it won't be a bad drive - just need advice/opinions on a hotel. We'll be staying overnight so I would rather have the hotel w/in walking distance of the aquarium which is the major attraction we'll be hitting.

Thanks for any help you can give!!!

Jane

 

[Breezy_Carol]

The Hyatt is right in the Inner Harbor. There are several hotels right in the area. If you name them I can tell where they are. Anything right around the harbor and convention center and stadium would be fine.

 

[stacilee]

I am not trashing Baltimore in any way and in fact, spent most of my life there (born AND raised there). BUT, I cannot stress to you enough the importance of personal safety.

The "Inner Harbor" was a fantastic idea brought to life in thelate '70's/early 80's by the legendary former Mayor, William Donald Schafer. It was a sparkling gem, the showcase of downtown Baltimore, the birth of a rejeuvenation project that gained momentum and continued for a decade or more. After Mayor Schafer's departure, downtown Baltimore lost it's luster.

Incoming politicians forgot that it needed to be nurtured to thrive and survive. The ugly face of crime which Mayor Schaefer had beaten back with a stick, became bold again and began to sneak back up the alleys and creep around the corners. So empowered and brazen now that crime has become, that it is no longer just a creature of the night.

Sadly, "The Harbor" just isn't what it used to be. The attractions themselves are very nice- I highly recommend the aquarium, but just be cognizant of your surroundings as you travel from you hotel to whatever venue you are visiting. If it were me I would:
a.) NOT carry a purse or backpack -ID, credit card, and $ in front pocket.
b.) Valet park at my hotel, no matter what the cost.
c.) Plan on being back by dark or travel by taxi.

From one mom to another, Just be careful.

The Walter's Art Museum at 600 N. Charles Street www.thewalters.org and the Baltimore Museum of Art North Charles Street at 31st Street on Art Museum Drive (www.artbma.org) are two places within a short drive of the Inner Harbor that are definitely worth your time, and that your son would enjoy if you have a second day to fill. You would have to pick only one though as they are both galleries worthy of a several hour-long visit.
and as the say in Bawlmer "Hey hon, have a good one!"

 

[jx3smom]

If you like crab cakes, I would highly recommend going to Phillips for dinner. They are the best I've ever had.

 

[my3kids]

Marriott Waterfront on Aliceanna St. There is a Marriott Harborfront also, but the Waterfront is new and VERY nice. Most all the rooms have a view of the Harbor.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...e_Marriott_Waterfront-Baltimore_Maryland.html This has a lot of reviews from past guests.

 

[izzy]

I'm going in late June, too. I ended up bidding for a 4* hotel on Priceline, and I got the Marriott Waterfront that my3kids suggested. I was really happy because I got it for $80 a night, and if I had booked through the Marriott website, it would have been $279 a night.

The last weekend in June will probably be busy, because the Atlanta Braves will be playing the Orioles that weekend, so you'll probably want to get a hotel room sooner rather than later.

 

[TZMOM]

Thanks for your replies - I'll watch out when we're there. I've never tried Priceline before - will give it a go.

Thanks Again!!

 

[TZMOM]

Tried Priceline & got Hyatt Regency for $80 - I'm guessing that's a good price since their website has the room for $259. Also looking into going to the Orioles game that night. Anyone know if the ball park is within walking distance from that hotel?

 

[Yardbird]

The Hyatt is within walking distance to Camden Yards, but like Stacilee said, it isn't really safe to walk downtown after dark.
Unfortunately, Baltimore is known for a large problem with heroin addiction. Crime and addiction go hand in hand. I'm not trying to scare you away from Baltimore. I attended the University of Maryland, located downtown and though I was cautious, I had no problems walking around downtown. You will more than likely be approached for handouts, in a variety of ways. Don't fall for whatever story you are told, some of them are good! I always just carried a travel top wallet with a strap across my body/wallet in front of me.

The Cheesecake Factory at the inner harbor is my favorite! Have fun!

 

[melmel]

The hyatt is within walking distance of the stadium. And other then panhandlers, I wouldn't be in fear of walking from there back to the hotel. When a game lets out everyone leaves by walking as there is almost no stadium parking everyone goes in many directions back to the parking garages, so you should have a decient sized group to walk with. And while Baltimore isn't Disney World, I would treat visiting it the same as I would going to New York. Don't wander around oblivious to your surroundings, and don't take any unnessicary risks. As long as you stay close to the hotel area (the main tourist area) you'll be fine.

 

[HollyJoy]

Definately Phillips for dinner... gotta have that Maryland Crabcake! and Cheesecake Factory in the little shops on the waterfront.

 

[Barb D]

The Aquarium is REALLY cool. And there's a new "underwater" motion simulator ride in the strip of shops with Barnes and Noble, as you're heading toward the back of the aquarium. Warning: my kids are usually fine on motion simulators, but this one made them pretty nauseated. (I rode in the non-motion seats with my timid 4yo.)

You'll be fine as long as you stay in the touristy areas (Harborplace, the Gallery, etc.) There's a parking garage right under the Hyatt.

 

[solotraveler]

In addition to the aquarium (which is very cool), I would also recommend the MD science center, also in the Inner Harbor.

I agree that as long as you stay in the touristy areas you will be fine, just exersice the same caution you would in any large city. Now, that said, if you find someplace that you will be driving to/walking to within the city, make sure you have good directions before you go. Baltimore is a city where you could be in a nicer neighborhood, turn a corner and be in a very not-so-nice area. I grew up in DC and lived in NYC and Boston for a while-- but I was NOTORIOUS for getting lost in Ballmur. Good directions will help!

Have a GREAT time!
Solotraveler