Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, occupies one of the best positions in the city, right on City Dock at the head of Ego Alley. From many rooms you can watch the boats come and go, and the front door opens onto the waterfront promenade, with restaurants, ice cream stands and the Market House all around. It is the most convenient choice for visitors who want a harbor view and a classic hotel setting.
The hotel is larger than the historic inns, with a spacious lobby, an on-site restaurant and bar, and rooms updated in a contemporary style. Harbor-view rooms carry a premium but are worth it for the scene, especially at sunset when the boat parade fills the dock. Other room categories look over the city and are quieter. Facilities such as a fitness room and meeting space make the hotel popular with business and wedding guests as well as leisure travelers.
Because it sits in the busiest part of town, expect some noise in summer and on weekends, with music and conversation drifting up from the dock. Light sleepers should request a higher floor or a room away from the water. The compensation is that everything is on foot: the State House is a short climb up Main Street, harbor cruises board nearby and the Naval Academy gate is a few minutes away.
Parking is typically available through the hotel or nearby garages, usually for a fee, so confirm details and charges when booking. Rates rise sharply for graduation week, boat show weekends and summer Saturdays, so plan early. Midweek and winter stays often offer the best value, and the harbor is beautiful in cold, clear weather.
Who it suits
Couples, families and groups who want a traditional hotel with service and a view. It offers more facilities than the small inns and a more modern feel than the colonial houses. If you want to be in the heart of the action and to see Annapolis from your window, the Waterfront Hotel is a strong candidate.
To make the most of the location, pair your stay with a harbor cruise that leaves from the dock nearby, and spend an evening watching the boat parade from the promenade. In the morning, take a coffee along the seawall before the crowds arrive. Ask about packages that include dining credits or parking, which sometimes offer better value than booking separately, and check whether the hotel is hosting a wedding or event on your dates, since lobby traffic can be heavy on busy weekends.
Why stay here
- ✓On City Dock at Ego Alley
- ✓Harbor-view rooms
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Meeting and event space
- ✓Walk to State House
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Parking nearby (confirm charges)
Good questions
Do rooms have harbor views?+
Some do. Harbor-view categories cost more, so choose when you book.
Is it noisy?+
The dock is lively in summer, so ask for a higher floor or a quieter side.
Is parking available?+
Parking is generally available for a fee at or near the hotel. Confirm charges when you book.
