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The Ivy Hotel

by Sheryl Nance-Nash
Guest room at The Ivy Hotel
Photo: Guest room at The Ivy Hotel / Courtesy of The Ivy Hotel
by Sheryl Nance-Nash
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Tea room at The Ivy Hotel
Photo: Tea room at The Ivy Hotel / Courtesy of The Ivy Hotel
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The Ivy Hotel exterior
Photo: The Ivy Hotel exterior / Courtesy of The Ivy Hotel
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Bathroom at The Ivy Hotel
Photo: Bathroom at The Ivy Hotel / Courtesy of The Ivy Hotel
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It’s not often that you open your hotel suite and think twice about rushing off to explore the city. But you will at The Ivy Hotel. Here, the rooms are a destination —they are elegant with a gas fireplace, canopied beds, and carefully curated furniture — a blend of old and new. It’s a place fit for royalty and one with a regal past. This 19th-century restored mansion in the Mount Vernon historic district downtown became The Ivy in 2015. Before that, it was the private home of banker and industrialist John Gilman, as well as inventor William Painter and his wife, Harriet. The Ivy Hotel was where Baltimore’s business leaders and glitterati gathered for galas and events. Read on for our full review of this mansion-turned-luxury hotel. 

What You Need to Know

The Look of The Ivy Hotel

It's All in the Details

Interior designer Joszi Meskan created an eclectic, sophisticated, and global aesthetic within the property. Here, guests are enveloped in history, walking through a time when sophisticated elegance reigned supreme. The artwork is incredible and the décor is stately, but not stuffy. There are colorful ceilings in two of the hotel’s powder rooms constructed of panels carved and painted by an artist in Morocco. The Ivy’s design is inspired by the building’s original innate charm, as well as modern touches and amenities; each room is different. 

The Vibe at The Ivy Hotel

The work of local artists and artisans are featured in the mural walls and elsewhere throughout the hotel. You feel comfortable amid the elegance, and much of that comes from the attentive staff that fusses over you, making sure that no need goes unmet. Make yourself a drink at the Mansion Bar, relax in the garden, play a game of pool, select a book from the library, and cozy up to a fireplace in your room. 

Who Will Love The Ivy Hotel

The Ivy Hotel is ideal for business travelers, couples seeking a romantic retreat, or families — especially those who want to bring along their pet. Dogs under 25 pounds are welcome for an additional fee of $50 per night. This fee includes a dog bed, personalized dog bowl, treats, snacks, and waste bags. Additionally, the hotel can personalize an itinerary for families by providing guidance on attractions, arranging babysitting, and offering a selection of toys, books, and special activities. The property also has rollaway beds and cribs. History buffs will be chuffed being so centrally located to historic sites like the Washington Monument and eye-catching 19th-century architecture.

Who Might Not Love The Ivy Hotel

If you’re looking for a quiet, remote setting, this is not the place for you. The Ivy Hotel is located downtown, close to all the action of the city. Those who aren’t keen on canines might not be charmed by pups on the premises.

Best Amenity at The Ivy Hotel

Every day from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., you can enjoy afternoon tea service. Choose from a curated selection of teas from Rare Tea Cellars, finger sandwiches, and sweet treats. 

Money Matters

What’s Included at The Ivy Hotel

The nightly rate includes breakfast, unlimited access to the Mansion Bar, afternoon tea service, valet parking, in-room minibar snacks, concierge assistance, plush robe and slippers, fitness center, two in-room movies, and car service within three miles of the hotel.

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at The Ivy Hotel

Dinner at Magdalena (the restaurant is not open for lunch and but is open to all hotel guests for breakfast). Treatments and services at the Spa at The Ivy are offered to guests at extra charges. Non-hotel guests are also welcome to book dinner and spa reservations. As mentioned before, there is a charge of $50 per night to bring a dog (must be under 25 pounds)

How to Get a Deal at The Ivy Hotel

Check out the hotel’s website offers page

Getting There

In the Neighborhood of The Ivy Hotel

Mount Vernon is the cultural epicenter of Baltimore. You’ll find plenty in the way of arts, dining, and nightlife. The Ivy Hotel is in close proximity to the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall where the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs, the Walters Art Museum, the George Peabody Library, the Maryland Historical Society, and restaurants like the ever-popular Ida B’s Table, which pays homage to journalist and abolitionist Ida B. Wells. 

Nearest Airport to The Ivy Hotel

BWI Marshall Airport is about a 30-minute taxi ride to the hotel. Guests who arrive via Amtrak can arrange for a complimentary pickup from Baltimore Penn Station, which is five minutes away.

The Bottom Line

You will feel at home in this grand, warm, and cozy property. Because it quickly feels familiar, you might find yourself leaving with mixed emotions — happy for the time you had there, sorry to say goodbye.

It's All in the Details