The Ivy Hotel

This past summer, hubby and I celebrated his birthday with alfresco dining in the Ivy-walled courtyard at The Ivy Hotel. I’m back again at The Ivy Hotel on a Sunday when the restaurant is typically closed to experience the elegance of Afternoon Tea. Our tea expert, Emma, took the time to provide detailed information about the loose teas available and the savory bites. We amplified our tea experience with a bottle of Rose. Thank you, Emma, for your attention to detail; we appreciate your knowledge. Typically, only the Ivy Hotel guests can access all the beautiful rooms inside the historic mansion. Our group of four was treated to a tour of all the main rooms and an unoccupied guest room. All I can say is how fabulous the astonishing mansion character is maintained. The Ivy Hotel recently received Michelin’s two key recognitions for its Excellence in dining, accommodations, and Spa. Finally: 1. for reservations, contact the hotel directly or utilize the Open Table App 2. Cost $75 per person; gratuity and valet parking included in the $75 3. Alcohol: additional cost per glass or bottle

Seriously, absolute perfection, from staff, food, decor, amenities , nothing, and nowhere comes close. From the moment you pull up, you are welcomed and pampered as if you are royalty coming home to your castle. It's truly perfect. I held my 70th birthday at The Ivy, treated all 29 guests to an overnight, magical, meaningful experience- starting with the high tea (which is included in every guests stay, as is alcohol and all beverages as well as your fully stocked fridge in each room). Each room , each space, is decorated with such elegance, style, comfort, and care. As an interior designer myself, this matters. There are no two rooms alike. After tea, guests had time for pool puzzles, museums, or the on-site spa until dinner. I then set a stage or plan in motion to surprise my guests, gifting each room with venetian style masks and the staff was so accommodating they humored me by wearing masks as they delivered the gold bags with the masks for guests, to each room. ( We also placed framed photos of my life and memories made with the guests throughout the hotel)This all built enthusiasm. Then we met at the bar for a toast, masked! The staff serving my guests played great music and even streamed a slideshow I had formatted of all my guests, people I wanted to thank for being in my life. Family and family like friends. We were then escorted to their fabulous restaurant, Magdalena, where the remarkable Terry Watson, director of Sales and events, had agreed to stage the tables with portraits I painted for each of my guests. Again, the restaurant staff was excellent the food offerings, one after another along with an awardwinning wine list..truly stunning. After the lavish, delicious , dinner, where every bite, from lobster to filet mignon, was cooked to perfection for each person...we went back up for dancing to a Playlist I had asked the hotel to use. Next morning we had the scrumptious gourmet breakfast which is also part of the stay. The muffins and baked goods jewels , every bite. We were all so skillfully taken care of by a tremendous staff that work to create the finest experience for their guests. It was the most wonderful 24 hours of my life and by all accounts, the most exquisite party, food, ambiance, place, ever, as stated by every guest as well. We are all extremely well traveled, and do not say this lightly. Because this type of personal care, while still feeling relaxed and welcomed, every wim answered with a yes, even in the world of 5* Relais and Chateaux- is unmatched. The Ivy is an experience out of every league, truly a league of their own.

The grounds and structure are unique and well maintained. That said everything else was just average and the service is poor. No clue how they got two Michelin keys. The restaurant was just okay and while we had 8:30 dinner reservation we never actually got seated (we waited 20 minutes then ate at the bar). The rooms were dated with old iPhone chargers (20-pin connectors), they charged us extra for bath salts, they usually had only one person staffing the hotel desk (or none at all), and not super helpful. The hotel is expensive but in no world is it worth it.

A most wonderful experience. The hotel is lovely. My room was beautiful. The staff is extremely helpful. I used their complimentary car service. Breakfast and tea are included as well as all amenities and drinks, snacks in room. The Magdalena restaurant was charnibg and delicious. Highly recommend.

From the ambience, to the welcome drink, tea service, and more, I am in love with The Ivy. My room was expertly crafted and adorned with some of the best items to support relaxation. The snacks in the room are wonderful, and I really appreciated folks knowing my name. It was the perfect touch, When I want to get away, this is my spot.

Absolutely fantastic! One of the best hotels we've stayed at. Perfect for a romantic getaway. The staff were superb, the hotel is beautiful. All the little extras made a big difference.

Exceeds all expectations! I have lived down the street from The Ivy for years and was intimidated to come in because it looked so nice. I’m so glad I finally did. My husband gifted us a night here for my birthday and it was absolutely incredible. The service was beyond and you truly feel like you’re their most important guest. We then decided to host our wedding here and it was excellent as well. Very pleasant to work with their team and plan, and they were able to be flexible with potentially bad weather. Between our families we had about six rooms and everyone raved about their experiences. We’re blessed to have such a special place in Baltimore!

We have stayed at this hotel four times including this stay. We had the executive suite which was absolutely gorgeous. The rooms and decor at this hotel is top notch. It’s the attention to details which are sadly below standard to include: 1. Valet is just awful. It was confusing everyday that we stayed there. 2. Our heat in the room didn’t work well. They gave a space heater which worked well. 🥴 3. The elevator was broken. However, huge shout out to Christy and Grayson who were wonderful and really made this hotel wonderful. We will stay again and I hope that they fix the issues noted above.