Henderson's Wharf

One of our beloved hotels right here in Baltimore has been named one of the top 25 hotels in the world. Yes, the world.

Henderson's Wharf, an inn and conference center in Fells Point, ranked number 20 in the world and number 2 in the United States, according to TripAdvisor's Travel Choice Awards in 2011. No other hotel in the Mid-Atlantic region was named to either of those lists.

The average stay will set you back $200 a night (that price includes parking, breakfast and internet) but who can pass up the opportunity to stay at a world renowned hotel? Especially seeing as how it's practically nestled in our backyard.

3 Inns in 3 Months: Inn at Perry Cabin

This is the third in a series of three posts about visits to local Inns.

Elizabeth writes: It was November and I was packing my bags again this time for a trip to The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s Maryland.

This was a birthday trip for me and I had spent hours on the internet searching for the perfect retreat for the get away. It is comical that after months of researching where I would go, I actually ended up reserving my room (whispering on the phone during a wedding) less than 18 hours before check-in. The Inn met all my requirements: comfortable, private, a spa, a waterview, and within driving distance. Best of all, they were having a wonderful Fall promotion with discounted room rates. It was all I needed.

I had THE BEST time ever! Each day was filled with shopping at boutiques and antique stores in the quaint towns of Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford, eating fabulous food and just plain relaxing. The Inn also offers an afternoon tea each day but I was never back in time to experience the tea.

My sleeping room was in the historic part of the manor house and was furnished with American antiques and lovely accessories. The bathroom was tiled with Italian marble and all the linens were Frette! The view was amazing as the room’s large windows faced directly on The Miles River. Each morning the lawn and the water would be filled with geese as they paused on the river during their migration south.

The staff at The Inn were kind, professional, friendly and accommodating. The small touches like filling the ice bucket in the room twice a day, bringing warm, homemade cookies to the room before bedtime during turn-down service and supplying Molton and Brown (delish) oatmeal bath soap did not go unnoticed. The housekeeping staff even noticed that I was drinking all the bottled (free!) water they supplied in the room and left me extra the next day. I love that kind of attention to detail.

The weather had turned very cold while I was there and it was so comforting to be at a place with a fireplace at every turn. One of my favorite things to do there was sitting in the Pub at The Inn in front of the roaring fireplace with a cocktail. I really could live there.

The Linden Spa is located at The Inn and was very nice. I have been to many spas over the years and I really felt this one was superior to some of the more expensive and well-known spas I have visited. The spa flip flops they provided were so great that I purchased a new pair before leaving.

This trip was so perfect that I honestly had to pinch myself. I did not want to leave and can’t wait to return for another St. Michael’s get-away. This Inn gets my highest recommendation and more information can be found on www.perrycabin.com.

The Inn at Perry Cabin is part of the fine Orient-Express hotel group and has 78 sleeping rooms. Some of their accolades:

Conde Nast Traveler “The World’s Best Places To Stay” – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008
AAA Four Diamond 1994 - 2004
Travel + Leisure "T+L 500 - The World's Best Hotels" - 2007
"Top 100 Hotels: Continental US and Canada" - 2007
Zagat’s“Travel Top Hotel in the State of Maryland” - 1997, 2003, 2004
Mobil Awards 1992 - 2005
Wine Spectator“Award of Excellence” - 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006
The Food Network"Best of Water Front Tables" – 2004
AAA Four Diamond Award
Mobil Four Star
The Baltimore Sun"Four Stars for Food and Beverages"

3 Inns in 3 Months: Gramercy Mansion

This Fall Elizabeth was fortunate enough to be able to visit three of the areas finest Inns. In this first of three posts: Gramercy Mansion. In September she combined a wonderful Wine Dinner with an overnight stay at Gramery in lovely Green Spring Valley.

The Wine Dinners held often at Gramercy are hosted by Jerry Edwards of Chef's Expressions. Jerry is a well known chef and wine connoisseur. Jerry and his staff prepared a delicious meal at which each course was accompanied by a fabulous wine. Jerry would speak to the diners (about 100) between each course to get feedback on the previous course and introduce the wine and food for the next course. There were new people to meet and old friends to greet and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Instead of taking to the road after so much wine, Elizabeth and Mr. B reserved a room at the Inn which is decorated with eclectic furnishings. The most impressive thing at this B and B is all the small comforts offered to their guests. The rooms are stocked with cold bottled drinks, a microwave and of course microwave popcorn. There is an entire library of DVDs and books at the ready for an evening of relaxing. For those staying at Gramercy during the warmer months of the year, there is an outdoor swimming pool, walking trails, and lots of gardens in which to wander. What a nice get away right in the middle of where we live and work. It was surprising private and the staff was accommodating and kind.

Breakfast was an amazing offering of fresh baked goodies along with hot traditional-with-a-twist food too.

Gramercy Mansion is a wonderful place for a wedding, a rehearsal dinner, a bridal shower or just a relaxing weekend away. For more photos and information, visit www.gramercymansion.com.

Jennifer + Jan

Jennifer and Jan were married on Sunday in a gorgeous ceremony at the Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel.  They were married under a chuppah designed by Shelly Baker and then made their way over to the cocktail hour.

Guests stopped to pick up their framed seated cards and enjoyed drinks and conversation while listening to classics on the piano.  The room was accented with photos of Jen and Jan over the years, which provided a personal touch.

The Ballroom was a gorgeous in shade of white with touches of burgundy in the floral, menu cards, and table numbers.

The band Encore kept the guests on the dance floor all night.  During the evening the Adesso guest book received a lot of attention.  The book of Polaroid photos and notes from friends and family will be a real treat for Jennifer and Jan when they come back from their honeymoon.

At the end of the evening guests were sent home with a sweet treat of chocolate covered Oreos and milk. The perfect snack for the drive home.

Congratulations Jennifer and Jan!

A Home Run

Baltimore area hotels are constantly changing and we love to see the results.  We were invited to see all of the renovations at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards and they look terrific!

Karen Russell and Heather Al-Zein treated us to a tour of the ballroom spaces, lounge, restaurant, guest rooms, and concierge level.

We loved the new decor in the ballrooms and nearly snuggled into the cozy looking beds.  We also saw two different kinds of suites that would be perfect for hair and makeup on wedding day.

Thank you Karen and Heather for the warm welcome and the great conversation!

We Love to Luncheon

Many thanks to Ann Arnett at the Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore for hosting a terrific wedding planner luncheon on Thursday.  The chefs prepared a delicious menu and presented everything so beautifully.

We love to socialize with other local planners and industry professionals.  The intimate luncheon followed by a site tour of the Lord Baltimore was just perfect.

The recent renovations at the hotel are nearing completion and are just gorgeous.  Wonderful attention to detail while still maintaining the period details.