Despite countless contributions to American culture, Baltimore, Maryland, has been associated with nothing more strongly than HBO drama The Wire over the past two decades. The street life depicted on the Emmy-winning series is often the only reference out-of-towners have when it comes to the culture of the city, which is crying shame, to say the least.

Locals and experienced travelers tell a different story, the story of a city that truly lives up to the “charm” of its nickname. From fine dining to family-friendly entertainment, Baltimore is a more-than-worthy stop when exploring the DMV, with Downtown’s Ivy Hotel providing luxurious accommodations in the heart of the city.

The Black-owned boutique hotel has been open only five years, yet it already has a strong-hold on hospitality in the city. Owners Eddie and Sylvia Brown met during college at Howard University in neighboring Washington D.C., sharing nearly 50 years of marriage by the time they acquired the property from the City of Baltimore in 2010. After years of renovations, the Browns opened the The Ivy in 2014.

The Ivy Hotel owners Eddie and Sylvia Brown
Ivy Hotel owners Eddie and Sylvia Brown

Taking cues from their own extensive travels, the Baltimore-based philanthropists ensured the historical property would offer premium amenities, lush decor and incomparable service, making it a destination all on its own rather than simply a place to lay your head when not exploring the diversity of attractions B-more has to offer.

Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne upon arrival before being escorted through the gorgeous foyer to rooms and suites that feel simultaneously cozy yet spacious. Each room is uniquely executed and eclectically designed, providing a feast for the eyes with every exquisite detail.

The Ivy Hotel Room

The Ivy Hotel has eight airy, light-filled suites and 19 beautiful bedrooms. Each room is fitted with dreamy 400-thread count Frette sheets, a gas fireplace and a lavish bathroom with a heated limestone floor. 

The property's bistro, Magdalena, is considered one of the city's premier restaurants, with its cross-cultural menu built upon the finest local ingredients and seasonal inspiration of award-winning executive chef Mark Levy.  Magdalena hosts what has been dubbed "the best hotel breakfast you can't have" by Food & Wine, featuring mouth-watering
lemon souffle pancakes, brioche french toast, smoked salmon and more, all included in the room rate and available only to hotel guests.

Lemon-blueberry souffle pancakes at The Ivy Hotel
Lemon-blueberry souffle pancakes are just one of many decadent breakfast options The Ivy Hotel offers exclusively to guests.

The hotel also features a small spa, a self-serve lobby bar, private car service and afternoon tea, perfect for mixing, mingling and getting to know your fellow travelers. Everything offered by The Ivy, except dinner and spa treatments, is included in the room rate.

Even with all the perks, what really makes the experience unforgettable is the immaculate level of service provided by the hotel staff. The extremely knowledgeable and courteous concierge crew will help create an ideal itinerary for your Baltimore stay, arrange travel and answer any questions in regard to the city they hold dear. From the attentive waitstaff to management, The Ivy makes it a point for every guest to feel welcome, comfy and well taken care of. Mission accomplished.

For more info and to book a room at the luxurious Ivy Hotel, visit TheIvyBaltimore.com.