550 Light St, Baltimore, Maryland, United States | (410) 234-0550
Convenient Inner Harbor location; some rooms have harbor views
Big rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges
Modern rooftop health club with pool, sauna, and whirlpool
Racquetball and tennis courts
Brightons Restaurant and Explorers lounge both have harbor views
Full-service business center
Impressive art collection
Bee apiary with 30,000 honeybees
Free Wi-Fi
Dog-friendly (for a fee)
In-room coffeemakers only upon request
Some may find room decor a bit dated
The 195-room Royal Sonesta draws visitors with its grand common spaces, convenient Inner harbor location, and impressive rooftop health club, complete with pool, whirlpool, and sauna. Rooms are notable for their size (they start at 420 square feet) and, in some, their harbor views, but the decor feels slightly dated (particularly the busy carpets). Still, the hotel's extensive features and location help make this one of the city's better four-pearl options.
Scene
Grand common spaces and harbor views -- but slight datedness in the (big) rooms
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court makes a grand first impression with the lobby, which features a sweeping staircase, marble floors, and chandelier. And indeed, it's the common spaces that are where this hotel truly shines. Explorers, a stylish lounge serving cognac, cocktails, and wine, is a highlight, with clubby safari-inspired decor featuring rich colors and antiques. But most impressive is the rooftop health club, which offers modern machines, an attractive indoor pool, a whirlpool, a sauna, and a yoga studio.The decor in the rooms isn't quite as impressive -- the style is traditional, but the busy fabrics feel slightly dated. The size is notable, however, as rooms start at a generous 420 square feet.
Location
Convenient Inner Harbor location
The Royal Sonesta has a prime Inner Harbor location near popular sights.- 5-minute walk to Maryland Science Center