In need of hotel advice
My fiancee decided that a good birthday present for me would be a trip to Camden Yards for a couple of games in June (my birthday is Saturday, but since this is technically a vacation it's a plan ahead deal) against the Mariners, since I figure this is Griffey's last season and I'd rather see Ken Griffey than the fuckin' Yankees or whatever.
Anyhoo, I'm looking for hotel advice. The hotels.com reviews for the Days Inn Inner Harbor are pretty good and it's quite affordable, but I don't know the area so anything y'all might recommend would be helpful.
Thanks!
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51 comments
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Ive stayed at...
a ton of hotels in bmore. my fave is probably the sheraton inner harbor, but honestly my best advice is go to priceline and do the name your own price thing if you’re worried about money at all. you can focus ther area around the inner harbor or around the stadiums, whatever. Almost every time ive done it, I got the Sheraton center city, which is about 4-5 blocks from camden and a 4 star hotel. Ive gotten it for 70-90 bucks depending on time of year.
Honestly, ive been staying in different hotels there 3-7 times a year for the past 12 years. If you have any specific places in mind, feel free to email me. I gotta make up for the Springsteen thing somehow…
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on Mar 11, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it seems to me...
that unless you’re shelling out for totally swank digs, you’re going to kind of get gypped staying at the inner harbor. i stayed at the tremont plaza once for a convention. not a bad walk to the ballpark at all, pretty reasonable and kinda nice.
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Mar 11, 2009 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't know much about hotels
seeing as how I live here, but any place near the harbor should be nice. One hotel I have been in that I know is nice is the Hampton Inn Camden Yards. It’s literally next door to the stadium and it’s only a few years old. Some friends of mine stayed there last summer and it was super new and clean. It’s a smaller hotel. The new Hilton that is an eyesore to the previously lovely skyline view from Camden Yards is also brand new and pretty nice. You could probably even get a room with a view of the field. Both of those places are probably kinda pricey though.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 11, 2009 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am a big fan of all Hampton Inns
I’ve stayed in them all over the country — affordable, friendly staff, I get Hilton points, and most importantly, free breakfast with a wide variety of choices, both healthy and traditional.
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
by exitfare on Mar 11, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
They seem to be hit or miss to me. Although I did stay at the one by CY once, and it was probably one of the better ones I stayed at. And I think it was relatively cheap for the inner harbor.
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Mar 11, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another plus of that Hampton Inn by Camden Yards
It has one of those chairs that looks like a gigantic baseball glove! I mean, where else can you get that?
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 11, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not paradise
but definitely good for the money
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
by exitfare on Mar 11, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the only hamptons i've ever stayed in have been top-notch
so i give you a +1
PS – found the coffee cart you were talking about oh-so-long ago. you were right. top-notch coffee. it’s in cooper square, the one i found. it’s orange.
by pipkin on Mar 11, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally dude
Bright orange, Mud Truck, I think. good stuff for those that like their coffee strong
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
by exitfare on Mar 12, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The
Sheraton is really nice and well patrolled since its next to the park….
The owner of...... www.birdswatcher.com
by Michael18 on Mar 11, 2009 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hotwire.com, my friend. I’ve gotten good deals in Philly and Baltimore with it. If you haven’t used it, you pick the hotel from its description, including approximate location, and price, and then find out which one it is when you pay.
I got put at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center (which is not the Sheraton closes to the park, but was an easy walk from the ballpark and harbor attractions).
I stayed at the Harborplace Hotel (I think it’s a Renaissance now, but anyone here actually from baltimore will probably know) for a convention, and it was quite nice, too.
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
by BrianS on Mar 11, 2009 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
For hotels
I like hotels.com — every ten nights booked on the site, you get one free.
And while I am at it, kayak.com is the best spot to book air travel — it aggregates almost every site, both airlines sites and discount sites
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
by exitfare on Mar 12, 2009 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forgot about this, but my friends and I stayed at the Springhill Suites, and it was nice. A little farther from the park, but still not a bad walk.
They have a make your own waffle station at their free breakfast, which will get any hotel 5 stars from me.
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
by BrianS on Mar 11, 2009 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i had one of those at a staybridge inn and suites once
it was one of the best parts of the vacation, haha
by pipkin on Mar 11, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never really had to stay in a hotel, but from what I’ve heard from friends, the Sheraton is a good bet.
Anyway, you’re making a good decision by not coming against NY/BOS as those games are simply not fun as an O’s fan.
I’m frequently embarrassed by the people who get in cheering battles with Red Sox fans in August when we’ve literally been out if contention for months.
Regardless of where you choose, stay away from that damn Hilton.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 11, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You can
stay with me for $150 a nite ;-)
The owner of...... www.birdswatcher.com
by Michael18 on Mar 11, 2009 9:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Days Inn is your price range, I think you're set
You’re not getting much closer to the ballpark than that and if you don’t find things getting any cheaper as you spread farther out, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that choice. Sure, it’s a Days Inn, but you know what you’re getting there. I don’t think you’re going to find a truly bad experience at any chain that’s around downtown. Going for price shouldn’t hurt you.
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on Mar 11, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
SC, I’m just curious, but do you visit Camden Yards often? It must be a pretty cool experience if you’re not at the Park frequently.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 11, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
have never been
I’ve exclusively watched on TV my entire life. Isn’t that awful?
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 11, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh that's so exciting!
Your first time! I’m so happy for you!!
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 11, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats, then.
Seriously, I have no frame of reference for being a fan from afar. I think this will ingrain the team with you even more.
Do you have a list of “must do”s while you’re here? Because I’m sure we can give you quite a few things to do, if not…
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Mar 12, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My first time...
was last year. The two things I took away from it were the rats running across the streets at night (I really haven’t seen a lot of rats in my lifetime) and the bums sleeping on benches across from the convention center.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Mar 12, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's pretty much par for the course in any large city
Anywhere in the world, for that matter
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
by exitfare on Mar 12, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rats are everywhere.
Besides, what do you think squirrels are? Rats with fluffy tails, that’s what.
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Mar 12, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm more
comfortable with squirrels. Except the squirrels at this particular golf course that jump in your cart and steal your snack while you are on the tee box. Those squirrels blow. OKC is more geographically spread out so I guess the rats hide better. I don’t know. I swear I thought a small dog was running across the road. I told my wife…I think a small dog or cat just jumped down that gutter gutter. Next thing I know two more bail off in there.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Mar 12, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Squirrels taste better though.
Rat is too gamey for my taste.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
by rebop on Mar 12, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A bum on a bench is a take away?
I can’t resist… How about all those tall buildings way up in the sky?
by drj on Mar 12, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i actually
responded but decided to cancel.
Yep, thems the biggest darned buildin’s I’s evah did see.
asshole.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Mar 16, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think drj meant to imply you’re some kind of bumpkin (or maybe he did, what do I know), but can you at least understand how it’s a little disheartening if not insulting to hear someone describe a city we grew up in/live in/love being memorable only for rats and bums? I personally think it’s a shame you visited this great town and only have that as an enduring memory.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 16, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm....
I’d say Days Inn is okay. It’s not the best hotel and to be honest the neighborhood changes kinda quickly over there on the West Side of downtown. It’s at best a dead business district at night and on weekends and at worst a little dicey. Not awful though mind you, that’s about 10-15 blocks west. But you will be close to the ballpark.
There’s a new Hilton that just opened up literally right next to the ballpark. It actually fucked up the view out of he stadium semi-royally. But for convenience to the park it can’t be beat. The Sheraton is also not too far on the other side of the park. Then right by the Harbor you have the Hyatt and Intercontinental, the latter of which is the nicest hotel in town and bound to be pricey.
You might want to look into the Marriott in Harbor East, on Aliceanna Street, though…which is a long walk from the ballpark, but through the Inner Harbor, which is always fun before and after a game as you’ll be part of an O’s herd. The reason I suggest this place is the location is more central to things you’d want to do before and after the game. There are several neighborhoods nearby – Harbor East, Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Fell’s Point, that are good for restaurants, bars etc. Hope this helps.
by Jonny Pops on Mar 11, 2009 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That Marriott in Harbor East is really nice
good call. Harbor East is a nice place to stay.
The Sheraton would be good location-wise as well. It’s between the Harbor and the stadium and just a close walk to Federal Hill. I’ve stopped there to pee a few times when walking from Federal Hill back to my house. Same for that Hyatt on Light Street. The good location I mean, not the stopping to pee.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 11, 2009 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harbor East is awesome.
It’s a nice place to be in the city, brand-new & shiny.
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Mar 12, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just stayed there for work....
excellent hotel – great views – and just far enough away from the pavillions.
Thinking your mind was my own in a dream.What would you wonder
and how would it seem? Neil Young - 'words'
by breweyboy18 on Mar 12, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I'm an out-of-town O's fan
I’m not supporting that Hilton in any way, shape, or form. Not only did they kill the skyline view, but they’ve also been known to sell shirts that say stuff like “Fenway South” to Boston transplants. Fuck ’em.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 11, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What???
Where did you hear that?
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Mar 12, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At one point
They literally sold the shirts inside the Hilton, but I haven’t been inside since, and to my knowledge they’re sold on the streets right outside now.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 12, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like
I’ve got some street carts to overturn a la Jesus Christ.
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Mar 12, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They also had New York shirts
“Yankee Universe” or something.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 12, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All of the vendors sell Yankees and Red Sox stuff
They have to make a living, after all. The “Fenway South” is a touch offensive, but I’ve never seen it personally. But the rest of the Yankees and Red Sox stuff being sold outside of Camden Yards is a result of vendors not being able to sell O’s stuff (which they of course also have). That is, of course, the vendors that are left. They are hardly any these days, which is just sad.
The City of Baltimore is the source of blame for that monstrosity of a hotel, given that the entire thing was their idea. I think that if it had been done in a more aesthetically pleasing way and taken into account its proximity to the stadium it could have been a really nice addition to the neighborhood, unfortunately that wasn’t taken into consideration.
That area used to be a parking lot which is a pretty bad use of such a primo location. It’s a shame they put something so hideous there.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 12, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and no.
Turning it into a giant wall in left center field actually is the fault of the University of MD’s flight path for Medivac. The original plans called for a less intrusive tower that would have disrupted the flight path, so the plans were changed.
The design of the silver wall is atrocious. It looks like a prison.
BUT, at street level, the hotel is actually very nice. Traffic flows well around it, there’s a lot of pedestrian activity for something that doesn’t actually house retail, and the brick/metal/glass scheme looks great.
My rule for the hotel is: just don’t look up.
In a similar design tangent, the city has officially begun the Pratt Street redevelopment. The berms have been removed from certain blocks already. It’s amazing how wide the street looks without them there. That’s really going to be quite the boulevard when they’re finished.
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Mar 12, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah it's the silver
The area the bottom is nice, especially the grass and such over near the light rail. But the silver is just awful, which unfortunately is the only thing you can see from the stadium.
I didn’t know about the flight path, that’s interesting.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 12, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is, of course, the vendors that are left. They are hardly any these days, which is just sad.
I was wondering what was up last summer. We made two laps around the stadium before the game hoping there were some vendors that were just late. We did end up finding a couple of shirts but I ended up buying a tshirt in the stadium.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Mar 12, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'd have found better luck after the game
Scalpers are obviously more common beforehand.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 12, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never fathomed the offensiveness of the hotel until it was close to complete. When the structure was mere beams, I wasn’t a huge fan as it was obviously built for out of town fans of opposing teams, but I never realized how “in your face” the building would turn out to be.
Street vendors selling “Fenway South” shirts do not bother me as they’re generally very poor gentlemen trying to make a living. I am, however, bothered by the fact that a hotel that was allowed to reap the benefits of Camden Yards would go to extreme lengths to appeal to the Boston and New York followers. It was to be expected, but nonetheless irritating.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 12, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was built for the Convention Center
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 12, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't mean that the hotel owners actually built it for their fans
Just that the final product turned out would welcome them.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
by Baltimo on Mar 12, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what he said about Harbor East
The day life: the yard, Sports Legends, Inner Harbor, and a slight trek to Lexington Market are west of the Harbor, while the better night life is to the East. Seattle games are at night, so it depends how much you plan on doing during the day vs. at night after the games. You can also take the water taxi from the Inner Harbor to Fells Point (or Fort McHenry) just for the hell of it if you go during the day. I think one of them overturned years back. That would be a memory!
This is all assuming you have no wheels.
by drj on Mar 12, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hyatt
The fiancee’s paying, right?
Game Over T-shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/beltwaysports
by CStoneNo37 on Mar 12, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
MARRIOTT.....if
the fiancee’s paying for it!!!!!!
Can’t go wrong with the Marriott and there are alot to choose from in the area.
Thinking your mind was my own in a dream.What would you wonder
and how would it seem? Neil Young - 'words'
by breweyboy18 on Mar 12, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There are a bunch of hotels in Linthicum, by BWI Airport. I have no clue what their prices are or what they are like since I live right by them. But I know alot of Red Sox and Yankees fans stay there when they come to town. Those would be a nice alternative if you didn’t want to stay in the city. The light rail is not far and I think some of the hotels may offer transportation to the stadium (I’m not sure though, I’m just assuming since I always see an Orioles hotel van for one of the hotels always riding around).
by edsachs1 on Mar 12, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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