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.

The post Awesome Staycation at The Vibrant Ivy Hotel first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Are you in the DMV area and want a quick 1-2 day getaway? If you are thinking of going to the National Harbor, let me provide you with 5 reasons to make this your quick destination and some items you need to consider.

Proximity

One of the reasons, the National Harbor is so enticing is because of its proximity to the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). Usually, you can get there within 30 – 45 minutes if you are within the DMV area. With all of the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan area, this is a nice quick outlet that doesn’t require you to get on a plane or be in the car for a long period of time. 

Easy to Access

The National Harbor is a stand-alone area. You don’t have to worry about it being in the middle of a business sector or a university. It’s rather easy to see and get to. If are coming off of the 495 Beltway, you will cross a bridge and then see the whole area off to your right. Plus the big iconic Ferris Wheel will let you know that you are in the right place.

Parking

If you are one of those individuals that don’t go to a certain place because of lack of parking or you need to have impeccable parallel parking skills, then consider going to the National Harbor. There are a few big parking garages that are available for $24 for 24 hours. Please check the cost before you go. 

Everything is within Walking Distance

Once you have parked your car, just leave it. You’ll be able to walk to various restaurants, stores, displays, and of course the Waterfront area. There is a lot to walk to, so make sure you have on some comfortable shoes because you can potentially walk more than you anticipated. The only area I would not recommend walking to is the MGM National Harbor side because it is separate from the Waterfront side and it’s about a 25-minute walk. 

Restaurants/Shopping

With over 30 shops and over 40 restaurants to choose from, you won’t have to worry about finding something to eat or a great item to buy for yourself or a friend. The Tanger Outlets are also close by if by chance the shopping in the Waterfront district doesn’t give you what you are looking for. 

Now if you decide to eat at a restaurant that is part of a hotel, just be prepared that the prices will be more than what you would typically pay for the same type of food. You are paying for atmosphere and convenience.

Main Attraction

The main attraction or the one that gets noticed from a distance is the giant Ferris Wheel or the proper name is the Capital Wheel. Here is your chance to go 180 feet in the air with great views of the Potomac River and the DMV. Plus it’s relaxing and the inside of the cabins are climate controlled. And while you’re waiting for your turn to go on the Capital Wheel, you can partake in food and drink at the Flight Deck.

New Year’s Eve celebration

If you like to be in the mix with thousands of your closest friends, then this area would be perfect for New Year’s Eve. Just be prepared for traffic and waiting. Last New Year’s Eve, there were so many people that all the hotels in the resort including the MGM hotel were maxed out. If you are thinking of celebrating here for the upcoming new year, make sure you have your hotel accommodations secured. 

Go Visit

The National Harbor Resort has plenty to do for families, couples, young adults, retirees, and more. Whether you want to take a quick weekend getaway or just do a day trip during the middle of the week, it has everything you need for the staycation feeling. Make this year your spontaneous year and experience what the area has to offer.

The post 5 Reasons to visit the National Harbor first appeared on Angela P. Banks.