Updated on April 25, 2024 by Julie McCool
Head to The Ivy Hotel for a luxury Baltimore getaway full of romance and pampering in a historic Maryland neighborhood. The boutique hotel is housed in a lavishly restored 19th-century mansion that offers a sophisticated but relaxed escape from everyday life.
After your stay at The Ivy, check out our round-up of other Romantic Getaways near Washington DC.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.
The Ivy Hotel Service and Style
Attentive service takes over the minute you arrive at The Ivy. We were charmed by a scrabble tile welcome, a glass of champagne, and a tour of the historic property on arrival.
The vibe is more home than hotel, though it's the kind of home we usually experience as a museum, not a place to stay.
The public rooms downstairs include a music room and library filled with cozy spaces and beautiful architectural touches.
Enjoy a glass of champagne while you work on the Stave puzzle. Or read from the extensive collection in the library.
Ask for a peek at the lovely stained glass windows in the boardroom.
Outside, the ivy-clad building surrounds a pretty courtyard with comfy seating and a grassy lawn. At night, fire pits and strings of lights make the space ideal for a relaxing nightcap.
Steep prices are offset by extensive inclusive amenities at The Ivy. Stays include a full, made-to-order breakfast in Magdalena, the excellent on-site restaurant. and a beautiful afternoon tea.
The Ivy prides itself on service and that shows throughout your stay. We loved our afternoon tea featuring a selection of exotic teas, tasty scones, and dainty sandwiches.
A full, open bar is available in the common area, while rooms are stocked with sweet and salty treats and a fridge full of juices and other drinks. Bathrooms feature a basket filled with amenities by Nature Bisse, a welcome touch when you've forgotten an essential.
When you're ready to explore, a private driver will help you make the most of your luxury Baltimore getaway.
Check the Ivy hotel website for updates on the latest special offers.
Rooms and Decor at The Ivy Hotel
The Ivy delivers a unique but consistently luxurious experience in every room. There are 18 guest rooms upstairs, including nine suites. As you would expect in a historic mansion, every room has a unique layout and decor.
We stayed in an octagon suite with views over the courtyard. A comfy couch and chairs in our living room faced a fireplace. In the bedroom, a plush four-poster bed and a beautiful built-in wardrobe made us wish our luxury Baltimore getaway would last all week.
A huge bathroom with heated floors, walk-in shower, and deep soaking tub completed the space.
Things to Do During Your Luxury Baltimore Getaway
The Ivy Hotel is located in historic Mount Vernon, a walkable neighborhood with interesting architecture.
It's a short walk to Mount Vernon Place, where you can visit the original Washington Monument. The first monument in the country to honor George Washington was designed by Robert Mills.
Mills later designed its more famous counterpart in Washington DC. The monument has been renovated and you can climb to the top for beautiful views of the city.
After all that climbing, relax with a local craft beer at The Brewer's Art. Big windows and a lively scene make the front bar a nice spot to hang out, or you can enjoy a meal in the dining room.
When you tire of walking, ask The Ivy's private driver to take you to another Baltimore neighborhood. The Inner Harbor may be touristy, but it's a fun place to visit. Escape the crowds and get a different view from the water taxi. You could head to another popular area like Fells Point, or just enjoy a ride around the harbor.
North of The Ivy is the historic Green Mountain Cemetery. While the inscription is gone, it's not hard to tell which gravestone belongs to John Wilkes Booth.
Further north is expansive Druid Hill Park, a great place to walk or bike. We enjoyed lunch at the nearby R House, a warehouse space filled with unique food options.
There are many more things to do on a luxury Baltimore getaway, but we kept exploring to a minimum so we could spend more time enjoying our mansion away from home. Check the Visit Baltimore website for more ideas and itineraries.
The only Relais and Chateaux property in Maryland, The Ivy Hotel is a worthy splurge for a uniquely luxurious escape. Check current rates at The Ivy Hotel here.
Follow Fun in Fairfax VA on Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Threads
Our lodging was hosted by The Ivy Hotel and lunch at R House was hosted by Visit Baltimore. All opinions and photos are our own.