If there’s a Four Seasons in a city, no doubt, you’d want to try it out if you were passing through but not every destination has one. We were lucky to find one that had availability in the middle of a busy summer week in Baltimore on a recent trip back east last month. Let’s start with the most memorable part about the hotel experience.
If you’re able to make it there in summer or early fall while the weather is still warm, there’s no question, the outdoor infinity pool with killer views of the harbor is the biggest draw. While Baltimore is clearly a beautiful harbor city with plenty of stunning boats as far as the eye can see, you don’t actually feel like you’re in a city when you’re basking in their pool or sitting on the deck sipping a Margarita.
And of course, the weather was perfect. It was the first time we took out my new Olympus waterproof camera which I’ll be doing a review of later this month. The shot below was taken on the Olympus whereas the one below it was taken on my Canon 7D and while the clarity isn’t as sharp, I was able to swim with the device. Let’s just say that it was a boat loada fun!
What’s even more unique is that there’s another level above the pool, where there’s a lounge area and a hut tub with even more spectacular views — at times I felt like I was on a cruise line. Have a look at the view of the pool and the harbor beyond the hotel from the upper level.
They have private areas where you can lounge as a group on comfy outdoor couches, which you can leave open to take in the views or draw the curtains for more privacy. Order yourself a bottle of champagne, a plate of fruit and a delicious caesar salad with shrimp on it. It’s luxury and pampering at its best, but in the heart of an American urban center.
More sun-baked fun.
Another stunning view from a different angle.
There’s a glorious hot tub tucked away in the corner of the upper level. C’mon, does it get much better than this? I spent the chunk of my time at the pool once I discovered it, which I didn’t do until the second day. My only suggestion is that despite how fabulous the pool is when the weather is grand (which it is often in Baltimore from June – September), it can be very crowded on July and August weekends. We had a wait for chairs on a Saturday morning, so if you’re keen to bake by the pool on a weekend summer day, be sure to reserve a chair in advance, especially if you have limited time.
Another nice thing about the pool is the bar, fun and vibrant by day and dreamy and romantic by night. The Splash Pool Bar & Grill has a number of classic cocktails and signature creations, including classic Pina Coladas and Margaritas of course.
They also have a great gym which we used every day. Unlike most hotel gyms, you get top notch views from its wide massive windows which face the harbor, whether you’re using the weight machines, a treadmill or in my case, getting my calorie burn on the Elliptical trainer.
While it’s an East Coast 5 star, this Four Seasons property has plenty of modern influences and creativity throughout the hotel, including the art in the lobby. I fell in love with this glass piece as you enter the lobby — the color, the light and the design (all of it). Perfecto!
The other thing about the hotel is its convenient location — centrally positioned and downtown, you’re surrounded by water on all sides. A stone’s throw from the hotel, you can catch the Water Taxi to various points around Baltimore, including older historical areas, classic tourist stops like Fell’s Point, Captain James Landing and Harbor East, which is close to the hotel property. The Aquarium is also nearby as is Federal Hill and you can either take a short drive or the Water Taxi to Fort McHenry and Locust Point.
The standard rooms are simple and classic but elegant and most offer harbor views. The modern art motif is extended through the hotel rooms and bathrooms.
Aside from the fabulous views, the bathrooms were my favorite part about the room. While I’m not much of a TV watcher, I have to admit that I was “taken” by the embedded TV inside the main mirror of the bathroom in front of the sinks. When off, it simply looks like a smaller rectangular mirror which has been embedded inside the wall, but when on, it turns into a full blown TV. We were able to listen to the news while getting ready for dinner, but because the feng shui and ambiance of the rest of the bathroom itself and hotel was so calming and relaxing, having the TV on didn’t seem like “noise clutter” somehow.
If you have time to book a spa appointment, you should — the amenities at the spa on-site is luxurious and has all the trimmings you want and need to purely relax. Ambiance matters as much as service when it comes to a spa, but at a 5 star, both carry equal weight. Be sure to read my write-up on the spa for more details.
Above 5 photos courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel, Baltimore.
Two more things worth noting. On the ground floor is their top notch restaurant Wit & Wisdom where we dined one night. Because it was summer, we opted to sit outside and people watch which I’d highly recommend – inside, part of the restaurant turns into a bustling and very trendy bar scene, where you can people watch and socialize to an extensive list of wine and cocktails. Be sure to read my write-up.
Above 5 photos courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel, Baltimore.
Secondly, they have launched a Four Seasons mobile app, which allows you to request a wake-up call in the morning using the ‘Hotel Services’ feature, pre-order a room service breakfast at a desired time using the ‘Dining’ function or simply order room service at another time of day. You can also use it to send a message to ‘Housekeeping’ through Hotel Services, even while you’re off property, whether it’s to clean the room or to bring an item you need to the room. You can even use it to book a spa appointment.
It’s useful especially if you stay at Four Seasons frequently. Their hashtags? They have a few, but “inbedwithFS” and “wakeupwithFS” are a couple worth noting – how fun is that? Simply search for it on your device, download for free and give it a try next time you’re at a Four Seasons property.
DETAILS:
Four Seasons Baltimore
200 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202
410.576.5800
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
