Days Inn by Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor

From the outside, the nine-story brick hotel is imposing, but plain. Built in 1883 as a bank, it is surrounded by buildings that are taller, more elegant, or more modern. However, once inside, guests find a warm, welcoming atmosphere and contemporary design. The lobby is done in ivory tones with some deep-orange, green, and blue accents. Colorful, patterned area rugs and a bubbly, white chandelier over the entryway bring in a touch of whimsy. The arched doorway into the restaurant is a striking throwback with brick pillars and a fanciful pediment. Conservatory seating is lovely, though most travelers dine outside the hotel. Business travelers are the primary clientele, but tourists are also drawn here for the excellent location and decent list of amenities that make it a convenient place to stay when visiting downtown Baltimore. 

One of the biggest draws of this hotel is its location in the heart of downtown Baltimore, within walking distance of major attractions and businesses. Royal Farms Arena is practically across the street, a two-minute walk to the front door, where guests can catch sporting events and musical performances. The Baltimore Convention Center is also two-minute walk from the hotel, and the University of Maryland is a 10-minute walk away. From the hotel, it is a seven-minute walk to the Inner Harbor, where guests can visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the iconic National Aquarium, a fantastic children’s museum, and the USS Constellation. There are two public bus stops within a minutes’ walk of the hotel, for sites farther away. Horseshoe Casino is a six-minute drive away, and the hotel offers a free shuttle from late-afternoon through late-night every day. BWI (Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall) Airport as a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Standard rooms are generic and design is simple, but they are contemporary and pleasant. Pear-green accents blend well with the brown and beige base, and a few touches of black add sophistication. They are clean and comfortable, offering options for double, queen, and king-size beds. The work desk sports an ergonomic chair to appeal to business travelers, and there’s a comfortable chair of sofa for kicking back, as well. All rooms have a 37-inch flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, safe, and iron. Upgraded rooms offer larger sitting areas and some include coffeemakers. Bathrooms are tight, equipped with either a shower stall or a shower/tub combo, hairdryer, and free toiletries that include soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. On the downside, some guests have complained of noise reaching rooms.

A few decent extras give add appeal for budget travelers. Harbor Grill offers tasty meals in a basic indoor space with televisions, or in a charming sun room that looks out on the courtyard. The restaurant's bar features seating accented with colored lighting and a few more TVs. Three meals are served daily, though the breakfast buffet is not included in the room rate. The hotel also has a coffee shop with brand-name snacks like chips, pretzels, and ice cream.The outdoor pool is small, but a nice spot to cool off on a hot day. It is heated, but only open in the summer season. It sits on a pleasant brick courtyard with a few trees, and a wall adds privacy from passersby on the busy street. The fitness room is small, but adequate, consisting of a few machines for cardio and weight training. Parking is available in the adjacent garage, for a daily fee. Reliable Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.