Pendry Baltimore

Pendry Baltimore, formerly known as Sagamore Pendry, is the most stylish hotel in Baltimore and our splurge pick. It occupies the Recreation Pier, a grand historic pier building at the foot of Broadway in Fells Point that served the port for most of the 20th century and became famous to television viewers as a police headquarters in the series Homicide: Life on the Street. Restored and reopened as a luxury hotel, it combines the original architecture with a warm, contemporary interior, and it sits right on the cobblestones of Thames Street with the harbor on three sides. Dining is at the Rec Pier Chop House, an Italian chophouse with prime cuts and house-made pasta, and at The Cannon Room, an intimate whiskey bar. In the warmer months, The Pool at the end of the pier has a waterfront bar and grill, cabanas and views of the harbor and skyline. In-room dining runs around the clock. Expedia rates it five stars. For a special occasion, a romantic weekend or a stay where you want to step out into the best eating and drinking neighborhood in the city, this is the hotel to book.

Location and getting around: the hotel is at 1715 Thames Street in the heart of Fells Point, steps from the waterfront taverns, restaurants and the meeting points of the Fells Point food and ghost tours. Harbor East and its shops are a short walk west, and the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium and the historic ships are about 25 minutes on foot along the promenade, or a short rideshare. The hotel’s destination fee includes one round-trip Baltimore Water Taxi ride per stay, subject to the seasonal schedule, which is the most fun way to reach the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry.

Rooms: rooms and suites are spacious, with a mix of harbor and neighborhood views; ask for a water-view room when you book. Suites add separate living areas and are a good choice for longer stays.

Who it suits: couples on a special trip, food lovers who want Fells Point on the doorstep and travelers who want five-star polish. It is less suited to families on a budget.

Good to know: check-in is at 16:00 and check-out at 12:00. Breakfast is not included as standard, although the destination fee covers a morning coffee cart, a welcome cocktail and Wi-Fi. Valet parking is charged per night. The pool and its bar are seasonal and open in the warmer months. Pets are welcome for a fee per stay.