Tell me about Baltimore

[hentob]

I posted this on the DIS on 12/31/05--I hope it helps-------->



"Well, we went to see the Australia Exhibit this week. I have to agree with the others. I was not very impressed. The Member's Entrance is a waste, since it is not very big and it winds outside. FAR outside. It was so backed up. Non Members were admitted faster. Also, the exhibit is very narrow and, well, while the scenery is beautiful, the attractions are quite boring. I saw one lizard. I thought they would focus on some other animals from the region. Of course they had fish, but really, not much different from the other aquatic creatures in the main aquarium.


Our highlight of our trip was the Maryland Science Center. Someone asked about it in this thread and I will say, we needed a full day to do everything. Our children LOVED it!! They currently have a circus exhibit and the kids got to walk a tightrope (with a harness of course). It was fabulous. It wasn't a large exhibit, but the children had so much fun dressing up like clowns and guessing which animals belonged to what poop (Um, yes, you read that right! ). It was so much fun.

We did all the ships, the lighthouse and the submarine. Nice employees on all!

We saw Santa Vs. The Snowman on IMAX--Beyond cute!!!

We stayed at the Hyatt (the mirrored hotel that overlooks the harbor) and got bumped to their Regency Club Level! We got connecting rooms, one for DH and I and one for the kids and we only paid $70 per room via Priceline! When we were bumped at check in, they told us that the lounge was closed for rehab, but they gave us vouchers for free drinks and appetizers at the Bistro 300 restaurant and bar located on the third floor. We were pleasantly surprised to say the least.

Also, although they are chain restaurants, our two favorite meals came from Legal Seafood and McCormick & Schmidt. Both were very accommodating to children and both had fabulous specials. We did the obligatory rounds to Hard Rock and ESPN, and the meals were just so-so, but the kids loved the atmosphere, so that made it worthwhile. Edo Sushi (in the Light Street Pavilion, I think) was just ok, but the service was wonderful. The breakfast buffet at the hotel was very nice, but the service was poor.

We go to Baltimore once a year and this was probably our best trip yet. The kids are getting older (6,6,7) and easier to travel with. They seemed to appreciate the tours more and, again, the Maryland Science Center was a big hit!

Sorry this post is so long, but I hope it helps others that may want to visit Baltimore. "

 

[Mercy]

I'm looking at this package:

Five Attractions. Two Nights. One Package. Harbor Magic is proud to offer a getaway featuring the Inner Harbor’s top attractions in one convenient package…

Take in all the city has to offer with 360-degree panoramic views at the Top of the World Observation Level. Discover over 11,000 marine and fresh water animals at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Get up close and personal with more than a dozen full-size dinosaurs and explore everything from the workings of the human body to the wonders of outer space at the Maryland Science Center. Ignite your creativity and imagination at Port Discovery. Cruise the Inner Harbor on Ed Kane’s Water Taxi and enjoy the best view of Baltimore’s skyline. A great value and the most convenient way to see the Harbor’s top attractions.

Your Ultimate Inner Harbor Experience Includes:

Two nights of accommodations at the Harbor Magic Hotel of your Choice
One of our Breakfast Experiences:
- Pier 5 Hotel- Continental breakfast at the hip, waterfront Peacock Café
- Admiral Fell Inn- Regional, seasonal & wholesome offerings
- Brookshire Suites- Hot American breakfast buffet in the Cloud Club
Two tickets to the following attractions:
- National Aquarium in Baltimore
- Maryland Science Center
- Port Discovery, The Kid-Powered Museum
- Top of the World Observation Level
- Ed Kane’s Water Taxi.

$700 for the package (for 2 people at Pier 5 Hotel). That sounds pretty good, no? It's $975 for 3 nights.

Well, that sounds high to me. I'm tellin' you, you should try using priceline for your hotel, you can get a great deal thru them. When you go to the priceline site, just make sure you check Inner Harbor only and 4 star. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com and you can see what people have gotten with priceline bids for Baltimore, MD.

I would just purchase my tickets to attractions separately. The zoo is not in the inner Harbor area so you would have to take a taxi, the zoo is not in the best area. Not sure how old your son is, 15 I think? Port Discovery may be too young for him, I thought it was geared toward younger children. The Science Center and the Aquarium are good, also Camden Yards is right there also.

 

[sweet angel]

Thanks everyone!

 

[laurabelle]

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/230366

Travel zoo shows a special for March and April:
Special Offer from Hyatt Regency Baltimore:


$99 -- Baltimore 4-Diamond Hyatt at 70% OFF *
Baltimore, Maryland
Travel dates: Select dates in March & April
Top 20 deal - sells out quickly!
The 4-Diamond Hyatt Regency Baltimore is offering rooms on select March and April dates for just $99 -- at a time when their going rate is as much as $349!

This special offer is available on the following dates:

March 16, 19-21, 26-28, 31
April 9, 11-12, 16-21, 30

 

[sweet angel]

Thanks for the heads up on that. Great deal, but unfortunately not for the dates we were looking at.

May not be able to go now anyway...no one to let my dogs out.