DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis worth the stay
One of my favorite places to visit is Annapolis. For one thing, it’s very convenient and for another there are so many things to do and see it warrants an overnight, even though a daytrip is workable.
During my last visit there I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis, 210 Holiday Court off Riva Road. It is a very comfortable place to stay and ideal for a family. It has 219 rooms with free internet. That seems to be very important these days. It has been designated 3 stars by AAA.
Upon check in you get a warm chocolate chip cookie. That along should seal the deal. My experience with check in was quick and efficient. A bad experience when checking in can ruin your visit. I’m sure we all have had those.
Walking in you pass the Navy Room with video of the Naval Academy. I walked in for a few minutes and wind up staying fifteen, the film is that good.
Heading further back is the main lobby with chairs, a TV and a gas fireplace. Actually the hotel is bigger than you would think when first arriving. Further back are the meeting rooms. The hotel offers 12,000 square feet of space, two ballrooms and a full banquet staff.
Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an outside pool, that free internet I mentioned, free parking, a 24 hour cafe near the front desk for snacks, an in room coffee maker, iron and hair dryer. By the way, free parking to me is a big deal. Also, you can hop a free ride to downtown Annapolis (5 miles away) with their shuttle.
When those hunger pangs arrive get yourself into Ports of Call Restaurant offering all three meals. I had the grilled salmon with wilted spinach and corn relish and it was excellent. My companion tried with equal delight the Rockfish Annapolitan with jumbo crab imperial gratinee.
I had a chance to chat with the Executive Chef Charles McKnew and I can tell you this is one guy dedicated to turning out the best possible meals for all diners. He told me in my future visits I should try the crab cake, the stuffed shrimp or the beef tenderloin. I plan to do just that.
There is also a bar for your liquid refreshments or for dining. Two private rooms available too.
Room rates currently run between $119 and $159. Call them at 410-224-3150 or go to doubletreeannapolis.com.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.