The Best Hotels to Book Near Pimlico Park Race Course

Would it be crazy to visit Baltimore and not leave the Ivy Hotel? Some may say so, but once you check into a cozy suite, prepare to lounge like there’s no tomorrow. If you can find the will to sneak out of your room – a spacious yet snug space that may have a canopied bed, fireplace and soaking tub – you’ll have the whole hotel to explore. Walk your fingers along the keys of the piano or the felt of the billiards table – letting time tick by until you retreat back to your suite with a board game, jigsaw puzzle or well-read novel from the library.

The waterfront views from the Four Seasons are undoubtedly as intoxicating as the luxurious harbor-view rooms themselves. The executive suite is a lively space to entertain guests or retreat for those who prefer a little privacy. The panoramic views of the harbor and marina will wash over you, creating a craving to get out onto the water. While the hotel may not have a ship ready to board, the spa and rooftop pool will make your stay smooth sailing all the same.

Even if you’re not a seafarer, salty dog or shipbuilder with sailor tattoos along your arms, you’ll still find safe harbor at the Admiral Fell Inn. Be warned though: this centuries-old haunt for nautical guests has a few that may have never left. You may not encounter any spirit, save for a bourbon or gin at the Tavern, but we can’t be so sure that it’s the harbor breeze sending shivers up your spine as you stand on your suite’s balcony.

Live as luxuriously as your lordship desires at the 440-room Lord Baltimore Hotel, with a stay in one of four coveted 3,000sqft (280sqm) penthouse suites. The panoramic views are just as good from the open-air LB Skybar – should your budget be better suited to a baron. To be honest, you won’t be denied the fitness center or concierge services if your room is reserved under the title of count or marquis, though a few cocktails at the LB Tavern will make you feel royal all the same.

DoubleTree by Hilton understands that just because you’re on vacation, that doesn’t mean your swing can take time off. Not only are they minutes from Woodholme Country Club and the Suburban Club, but your stay also includes access to the Coppermine Racquet & Fitness Club. A Serta Perfect Sleeper Suite Dreams mattress is exactly where you’ll want to recoup after a long day spent hitting balls on the links or on the court.

No need to book a rental car when you’re locking in your stay at Hampton Inn and Suites. Whether you’re heading down to the Inner Harbor or the Pimlico Park Race Course, you’re never more than a quick cab ride away. There’s even a light rail close by that connects you to the airport. With all of that gas money saved – not to mention the extra coin kept with the free breakfast – you can splurge on an upgrade to the king studio suite with its very own wet bar.

There’s no need to race from the Sheraton over to Pimlico Park Race Course. You won’t miss a moment of the Preakness Stakes when your bed is a mere 9mi (14km) from the racetrack. Ask for an extra shot of espresso when you hit the Coffee Corner in the lobby if you need a pick-me-up – but we have a feeling that the plush beds in the Club Lounge suites will be enough to give you the solid sleep you need.

The hand-painted domed ceiling in the Inn at the Colonnade’s lobby will leave your jaw dropped – which is convenient because the concierge will promptly stick a warm chocolate chip cookie into your open mouth. Located across from Johns Hopkins University, you’re free to take your cookie on a walk through campus, cleaning your hands of the crumbs before popping into the Baltimore Museum of Art. Head back to the hotel for comfort food favorites at Alizee American Bistro – and another chocolate chip cookie or two.

There’s something fishy going on at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront – this Harbor East hotel will send you swimming into a school of Inner Harbor shops and restaurants. A stop at the National Aquarium is also a must – just don’t get caught in the sea of things to do in the city. The Marriott has its own current of comfort to enjoy, like deep soaking tubs, harbor views and fresh seafood delivered right to your suite.