Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

The Four Seasons Baltimore opened in 2011 in the recently developed area of Harbor East. The hotel sits at the tip of a cul-de-sac overlooking a pristine marina and harbor. The hotel bills itself as an urban retreat, and this is is a fitting description, thanks to the hotel's relaxed location, outdoor pool deck, and enormous luxury spa.

Inside the hotel, hand-blown chandeliers and an expansive art collection -- the largest in Baltimore outside of a gallery -- help create a sophisticated vibe. The towering glass building allows for incredible harbor views from most of the guestrooms and facilities, and they're particularly stunning from the rooftop pool deck.

The Four Seasons is located between rows of high-end shops and fine dining in the recently developed East Harbor area. The hotel sits just in front of a marina and overlooks a harbor; on the other side of the water, visitors will find older warehouses and factories as well as touristy museums and attractions. While the immediate area is extremely developed, the historic Fell's Point neighborhood and the restaurant district of Little Italy are within walking distance.

Because of the hotel's waterfront location, water taxis are available a few blocks from the hotel, an easy way to get across the harbor and right to the center of the action.

• 5-minute drive to the Maryland Science Center
• 6-minute walk to Pier Six Pavilion
• 6-minute drive to the Baltimore Convention Center
• 7-minutes to the American Visionary Arts Museum
• 7-minute drive to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles
• 8-minute drive to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens
• 11-minute walk to the National Aquarium
• 11-minute drive to the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
• 19-minute drive to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Rooms start a a spacious 500 square feet, but feel even larger thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and understated design. Almost every room has at least partial water views, and those that don't look out over the city. Even though some may find the room decor a bit generic, the large marble bathrooms are a highlight, featuring soaking tubs, walk-in rainfall showers, and mirror TVs.

• Large LCD flat-screen TVs with media hubs and Blu-Ray players
• Deep soaking tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers
• L'Occitane bath products
• Bathroom mirrors embedded with HDTV
• Work desks with ergonomic chairs
• Free newspaper delivered daily
• Terry cloth robes
• iPod docks
• Wi-Fi, for a fee
• Stocked mini-fridges
• Nespresso machines
• Harbor and/or city views

The Four Seasons' bi-level, outdoor pool deck -- known as Harbor Terrace -- has stunning views of harbor and city skyline. The large infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs, and the adjacent Splash Pool Bar and Grill serves light fare and cocktails seasonally.

On the second level of the outdoor deck, cabanas are available for rent, and each features free non-alcoholic drinks, chaise lounges, and a refrigerator. There are also plenty lounge chairs on the second level, as well as a three-inch-deep reflection pool. A lovely infinity hot tub looks out over the harbor, and a gorgeous stone fireplace provides a physical divider from the cabanas.

The 24-hour fitness center is well-equipped with cardiovascular machines, strength training machines, and free weights. Most machines have harbor views and personal TVs. Towels, refreshments, and headphones are available.

The spa at the Four Seasons is a sprawling, luxurious facility, with over 10,000 square feet of space, 11 treatment rooms, an outdoor terrace off the relaxation room, and a full salon.

• 11 treatment rooms
• Tea Lounge waiting room
• Aroma steam room, which releases aroma therapy oils into the air
• Finnish rock sauna
• Ice fountain, used to increase blood circulation between heat treatments

Celeb chef and Michelin-star winner Michael Mina has made a name for himself on the West Coast with his seafood restaurants in San Francisco and his two Michelin-starred restaurants in Las Vegas. The Mina Group, which he heads with tennis star Andre Agassi, operate the three distinct on-site restaurants, all popular with both hotel guests and locals.

• Wit + Wisdom serves New American cuisine in an industrial tavern setting, centered around a live-fire grill. The restaurant has outdoor seating, with great sunset views over the water, as well as a private dining space. The wood fire smell penetrates the entire building, even into the spa.
• Lamill Coffee, which extends into Wit + Wisdom toward the front of the hotel, serves grab-and-go deli items as well as European-style coffees.
• Pabu is sushi and Japanese-style pub (pabu translates to "pub"), with a lively bar scene and Asian-inspired cocktails. The restaurant features large ceramic sake flask accent decorations and bamboo ceilings.

In addition to a 24-hour business center, the hotel has over 20,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes ballrooms, boardrooms, and a large, private pre-function reception area with great harbor views.

The Baltimore Convention Center is about a six-minute drive from the the hotel.