Hotel Spotlight

Impeccable Glamour Returns to Baltimore at The Ivy Hotel

by Danielle Austin
All photos courtesy of The Ivy Baltimore.

The Ivy Hotel
Mount Vernon, Baltimore
Classic, $$$$

BALTIMORE – On a leafy street corner in Baltimore's historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, an ivy-covered, rosy brick mansion is an unassuming front for Gilded Age fantasy, the kind of place where men once smoked cigars in the library and women sipped libations in the conservatory. A former private home, The Ivy exudes grandeur through its original, century-old architectural bones; carved wood wainscoting, green marble, and a three-story spiral staircase provide a base for reclaimed one-of-kind antique pieces. The service seems salvaged from another era as well — at your whim, call downstairs for a pot of tea, glass of wine, or a drawn bath. Luxe contemporary amenities and overflowing champagne amp up the luxury.

At A Glance

Vibe: Romantic and charmingly traditional, rich in Baltimore history.

Standout Detail: You can leave your wallet at home — once you've paid for your room everything else is included: chef-made breakfasts, round-the-clock room service snacks, the mini bar goodies, champagne and self-service cocktails, nightly turndown and a private car service. Employees won't even accept tips.

This Place Is Perfect For: A romantic adults getaway — sophisticated couples looking for a little culture and a lot of pampering.

Rooms: Eighteen guest quarters, nine suites, and nine rooms, including a two-story suite located in the turreted tower for those wanting the complete fairytale experience. Although each space is uniquely designed, all come with a feature fireplace. Complimentary WiFi, 400-thread count Frette sheets, and an in-room entertainment system that includes two free movies per day make it hard to leave the bedroom, except perhaps to partake in a bubble bath in the oversized soaking tubs with Natura Bisse products in the spa-like bathroom.

On Site: With five public spaces, there’s something for everyone; ever-flowing champagne and a central fireplace in the Conservatory; mural covered walls and a daily high tea service in the Tea Room; leather-covered walls and an extensive book collection in the Library; a billiards table, several card tables, and an 18k gold-covered ceiling in the Game Room; and the fully-stocked, self-service Mansion Bar, where guests to pour their own classic cocktails. An on-site spa creates personalized treatment packages including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments in the spa or en suite.

Food and Drink: Magdelena Restaurant offers five dining areas, including a tasting room and the Treasury, where sterling and crystal were once kept under lock and key. Award-winning executive chef Mark Levy’s focus on local produce means a seasonally changing menu in the elegant, laid-back space. Sample superb small production American wines in the Wine Cellar, or one of the extensive malt whiskeys or craft beers that complement the cross-cultural menu. Complimentary breakfast is served looking out onto the sun-filled courtyard.

Book It

Rates change seasonally and typically start at $525 depending on the room type. Click here for reservations. Or get in touch with the Fathom Travel Desk, and we can plan your trip for you.

What to Do Nearby

As hard as it will be to tear yourself away from your room, Mount Vernon's cobblestone streets deserve to be walked. The historic neighborhood is the perfect backdrop to The Ivy's classic facade, and the best arts and dining scene of Baltimore awaits you. Nearby Baby's On Fire serves up a full menu of coffee and pastries to get your morning started, alongside rare and vintage vinyl for sale (and since owners David and Shirlé Koslowski have been involved in the Baltimore music scene since the early '90s there are sure to be some great finds). Mount Vernon has a surprising boutique scene; add some sustainable retro prints to your wardrobe at Keepers Vintage and buy tribal-influenced goods handcrafted by Napalese women at A People United (and know that proceeds support schools in Nepal!). The Walters Art Museum, Maryland Historical Society, and Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center all call Mount Vernon home, while also within walking distance is Baltimore's vibrant waterfront Inner Harbor, a hub for museums and dining options. 

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