Kenneth
Portland
Going to be in Baltimore for work and need suggestions on which areas to avoid and where the best hotels are located? Budget isn't an issue, just want a nice, clean, and safe place to stay. I'd like to be close to some good nightlife options and restaurants.
My office is in the Inner Harbor, and colleagues often use Priceline to get great deals on hotels in that area and in nearby neighborhoods of Fells Point, Canton and Harbor East. Good restaurants are walkable in any of these locations, but I'd recommend Fells Point, Canton Harbor Harbor East (the priciest of the three) for the best nightlife options.
Baltimore Water Taxican get you across the Harbor during the day if needed and is way faster than driving/bus/cab. You can get an unlimited pass for the day and some routes are even free. Check out the Charm City Circulator for clean, safe, free transportation throughout downtown.
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Try the Hyatt Regency Baltimore if budget isn't an issue. It's a very nice hotel, right on the water, and walking distance to everywhere you'd want to go in your free time. Even if it's not this hotel (the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront is very nice too), stick to being on the water for the best and safest experience.
In terms of places to stick to when you go out, I wouldn't go outside of Locust Point, Federal Hill Park
Outside of those areas, you'll probably get into some sketchy areas and there's nothing really to see anyways, unless you need to get to the Johns Hopkins campus.
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If budget isn't an issue, stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimorein Harbor East. Harbor East and Fells Point are very close with tons of restaurants and bars. Thames Street Oyster House is one of my favorites. There are also many bars & restaurants on Thames St and streets off Thames. Ouzo Bay on 1000 Lancaster was a great spot also. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is a good spot close by also. For a younger crowd, Cross St in Federal Hill ParkFederal Hill-Montgomery has a good scene, but think it's mostly college age kids at night. On Football Sunday's, Mother's Federal Hill Grille has the party if the Ravens are at home.
Stay out of west Baltimore and Stay south of Canton Square (also full of bars and restaurants and worth a beer or 2). Uber it and you'll be fine. Don't worry, be happy.
Baltimore has a bad rap, but anything close to the water (inner harbor) is as safe as most other city's like Chicago, NY,DC etc.
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Kenneth
