The Perfect Staycation
What’s the point of summer if there is no travel? If you have seen the prices of summer flights (especially out of the country) and airline issues like cancellations, delays, and lost luggage, booking a last-minute vacation is not appealing.
So let’s talk Staycations. For our 19th anniversary, I wanted to do something. I didn’t want to go far away from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, but I came across a boutique hotel in Baltimore about 40 miles away.
The Ivy Hotel is a Black-owned luxury boutique hotel, offering an inclusive experience to guests. From top-shelf alcohol to tea time, games, and even car service, they have thought of everything. There is an on-site restaurant that is not included in the price, but you don’t have to leave the premises if you don’t want to.
Our stay was for two nights during the low season. I’ve been told that it picks up around September. So the hotel stay was relatively quiet in the mansion.
Arrival
Before we arrived I received an email from the hotel inquiring about any special occasions, dietary restrictions, and arrival time. When we pulled up the staff was waiting to take our bags and car away. At the Ivy, there is valet parking that comes with the stay.
Once we entered the main part of the hotel, another staff member greeted us by name and handed us a glass of champagne. Normally when we go to a hotel in the States, there is not a free welcoming drink. I only see that in an all-inclusive resort in another country. During that time, our guide gave us the history of the various rooms and how everything is run in the mansion.
The hotel was very warm and inviting. It felt like you were at a family member’s house. The furniture was amazing to sit on in the common areas. And as noted previously, this is an inclusive hotel. That means guests can indulge in all the alcohol during normal hours.
Sweet 16
After our tour of the downstairs, we went to our room, #16. Each of the rooms in the mansion was slightly different. There are 4 suites and the rest are bedrooms. What impressed me the most was the attention to detail in the rooms. It may be an older home, but the renovations were amazing.
On a small table was a wine and cheese plate for our pleasure with a bottle of wine. It was a nice addition to help us celebrate our anniversary. And the bed was top tier. Lots of pillows and very comfortable.
In the mini-fridge were various snacks that were replenished daily along with water, champagne, and various beers. How many times have you been at a hotel and got hungry when everything was closed but you had to go searching for a snack machine? Well, not here, just open up the drawer and it’s covered.
I love a place that has books especially as I’m on my journey to 12 new books in a year, so in the room, there were several books to choose from. The closet had everything you needed. I really appreciated how they attached the ironing board to the door and included starch and a heavy-duty iron. The closet included an extension cord which came in handy when we wanted to charge additional laptops but still use them on the bed.
Of course, the bathroom was amazing. It was spacious and the shower was like giving your head a massage. Room #16 was pretty quiet. The view from the bedroom was of additional buildings in the area. Keep in mind this is located in downtown Baltimore.
Magdalena – Onsite Restaurant
Both Ivy Hotel guests and the public can visit the onsite restaurant for dinner. Magdalena can get busy so it’s always good to have a reservation. The hotel staff will make the reservations for you. This dinner is not included in the price of your stay, however, Ivy guests receive a complimentary breakfast.
The food and drinks were on par but you also will get what you pay for. I would recommend eating there at least once but be ready to pay.
Tea Time & More
This was my first time experiencing tea time. I don’t even remember pretending to have it as a kid. However tea time is 1.5 hours every day and the Ivy provides a selection of sandwiches, sweets, and teas. You can get as many as you want. The display was amazing and the food was outstanding. As I mentioned before, it felt like you were at home while eating and relaxing. Of course, if you don’t want tea, you can always pour some whiskey or brandy on the house.
Relax and Enjoy
One of the reasons I booked this stay was to relax, not have to worry about anything, and be in luxury. Since we didn’t have our car handy, the staff had a car to drive you within a 3-mile radius. We went for an early dinner at a restaurant in the National Harbor. The best part is we were dropped off and picked up at a specified time and didn’t have to deal with parking.
After coming back from our early dinner, we relaxed on the terrace and also hung out in the room with the pool table before heading back to our room.
I would recommend staying at least 2 nights to enjoy a full day at the Ivy. We enjoyed the downtime and the chance to try something new. This was our first boutique hotel and after doing this, I’m not sure if going back to chain hotels will be my first choice anymore. If you are ever in Baltimore, please check out the Ivy Hotel.
If you enjoy staycations, check out my post about our trip to the National Harbor.
