The Ivy Hotel is one of Baltimore’s premier establishments
Recently I had the honor of spending the night at The Ivy Hotel, which is located in downtown Baltimore at 204 East Biddle Street and Calvert. The hotel opened in June of 2015, in a house that was built in 1889.
However, the property has expanded significantly since then and now consists of three buildings.
The main building was purchased by local businessman Eddie Brown in 2008. It has 18 rooms, 9 of which are suites. I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the entire operation: From the staff to the finely appointed rooms, the public areas and the attention to design throughout.
I can tell you there was no penny pinching here.
For example, on some areas of the floor you’ll find limestone imported from France. The artwork is first class and the murals are magnificent. The front doors are original and the fireplaces add a warm cozy feeling.
The Ivy is also the first Relais Chateau Hotel in Maryland.
There are about 550 worldwide, with about 20% in France. The French do know elegance. And elegance is definitely an adjective to be used here.
Additionally, The Ivy is a no gratuity hotel. That means you don’t have to tip the bellman or the guy who parks and retrieves your car. In short, no one. So no fretting on how much to tip.
To enter, you ring a bell, someone collects you, you go into an elevator and exit in an area called the Mansion Bar. And guess what you’ll find here? An open bar accessible anytime!
You can also enjoy complimentary High Tea from 2 to 4, and a complimentary full breakfast.
During warmer months many people take advantage of the courtyard and veranda. Inside the there’s the Library and Billiards Room to spend some leisure time.
In short, this is a destination experience. As a staff member told me, checking in is like going to a rich friend’s house.
Rates run from $475 to $1395.
The Ivy is a definite plus for the city, a huge plus.
Reach them at 410-514-6500 or theivybaltimore.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.