202 E Pratt St, Baltimore, Maryland, United States | (410) 547-1200
Prime Inner Harbor location across tons of attractions such as the National Aquarium
Contemporary rooms with 37-inch flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
Excellent beds with pillow-tip mattresses and Frette linens
Nice pool
Two casual dining options
21 meetings rooms and an on-site FedEx
Many harbor-view rooms are obstructed
Fee for Wi-Fi (free in the lobby)
With just under 600 rooms and a location in the heart of Baltimore's main tourist center, the Renaissance Harborplace is a popular hotel for all types of travelers. Rooms are sleek and contemporary, if a bit generic, and great on-site features include extensive business facilities, a well-equipped gym, and a nice pool area. This hotel is a massive chain and feels like one -- there's even an adjoining mall -- but many travelers will appreciate the conveniences of this type of property.
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Scene
Popular with groups, this large property is constantly abuzz
The Renaissance mostly attracts business travelers, with its 31,000 square feet of meeting space and close proximity to the Convention Center. But families also opt for this Marriott option because of its safe, easy access to shopping and tons of kid-friendly attractions, such as the Aquarium and Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum across the street.
The hotel's lounge-like lobby is in a constantly buzz, with guests flowing in from the adjacent mall, conventions on the upper levels, or from the street-level Starbucks. Because of this, staff and security are always around, and always able to assist guests should they need help navigating the neighborhood -- or the 12-story property.
Location
Prime location for families and business travelers
The Renaissance has one of the best locations in the city for families or business travelers. The hotel is a across the street from the many major museums and attractions along the water, and has direct indoor access to the neighboring mall at The Gallery, filled with retail clothing shops and fast food joints. The Gallery also attaches to the Harborplace Mall across the street via walkway bridge. Inside Harborplace are restaurants (several of them waterfront) and shops.
In addition, the Baltimore Convention Center is about four block from the hotel. For easy access to other areas of the harbor, there is a water taxi located right across the street.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with excellent beds
Rooms are decorated in the same dark red, black, and brown tones found through rest of the property, but they're modern and have excellent beds featuring pillow-top mattresses and Frette linens. Though they're chain-like, a few details add a bit of character, such as the original area photography from a local artist. Headboard-mounted reading lights and outlets built into lamps are thoughtful conveniences.
Pool
Nice indoor pool
The building surrounds a fourth-floor courtyard, with the pool located indoors. The pool, also accessible from the hallway, has large windows and a spacious lounge area, as well as a hot tub and pool attendant.
All-Inclusive / Food
Two casual and convenient options
Watertable is a laid-back restaurant and lounge on the 12th floor with beautiful harbor views. The restaurant is located behind most of the ballrooms and meeting spaces, as well as one of the connecting areas to the mall, but the window tables and bar booths are removed from the pedestrian traffic so guests shouldn't feel disturbed by it. The restaurant serves American dishes for lunch and dinner and has a full bar.
The Ground Floor Cafe and Bar sell Starbucks coffee, as well as grab-and-go options such as sandwiches and wraps. It also has a full bar, open nightly, and several wall-mounted TVs playing local sports.
Business and Conventions
A prime location for business travelers
The hotel is a popular spot for business conventions and meetings, with over 31,000 square feet of event space, and is also a short walk from the Baltimore Convention Center.
