Price Key

Best Grand Hotel: It’s hard to top the InterContinental Baltimore ($$$) for opulence (check out the enormous floral bouquet in the lobby), size, location, and the wonderful Explorer’s Lounge that overlooks the Inner Harbor.

Best Fell’s Point Hotel: If you want to stay in this charming waterfront neighborhood, head for The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf ($$$), a small independent hotel in a huge old warehouse (it’s mostly condos now) at the far east end of Fell Street.

Best-Located Boutique Waterfront Hotel: When you pull up in front of the tucked-away Pier 5 Hotel ($$), you’ll be happy to be just off the beaten path of the bustling waterfront — but still a short walk to the Inner Harbor, Little Italy, and Fell’s Point.

Best Contemporary Boutique Hotel: Just a block off of Canton’s busy O’Donnell Square is a plain-looking corner row house with an intriguing green door. Behind it lies a modern, cozy, five-room mini-hotel: the Inn at 2920 ($$).

Best Historic Inn: If you’re planning on spending a lot of time among the cultural wonders of Mount Vernon, plan on staying at the historic 4 East Madison Inn ($$), a massive 1845 townhome full of mahogany, stained glass, and period furniture.