Although the beautiful city of Annapolis is a very short drive from my house, I’m guilty of a travel sin committed by millions of us. I do a very poor job of visiting amazing places close to home, which is why I decided to make the short drive recently to spend some time in this beautiful waterfront community. Annapolis has been a beautiful place to visit for a very long time; at one point it was even the capital of the United States. Today much of that colonial history and charm has been lovingly preserved, with some modern additions of course. One of the best modern additions is also the premier hotel in the city, the luxurious Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. Long an institution, it has recently gone throw a massive refurbishment and is even part of Marriott’s esteemed Autograph Collection, which is why I decided to stay there during my time in the city. I wanted to see the changes for myself and to experience the luxury amenities offered by all Autograph properties. Although my time at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel was brief, it was certainly memorable for these reasons and more.
Perfect Annapolis Location
Annapolis is truly one of the country’s great underrated cities and I’m not sure why that is exactly. An easy drive from Washington, DC, it’s a stress-free daytrip for visitors to our nation’s capital or for those of us who call the region home. This wasn’t my first time in Annapolis, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do and see, but there are many ways to enjoy a few days in the city by the Bay. That’s actually the first experience I enjoyed, a short cruise out on the water. Home to the US Naval Academy and a centuries old maritime culture, Annapolis is made to be seen from the water, which is exactly how I enjoyed a beautiful early summer’s day on a quick and easy 40-minute jaunt out on the water. With views of the city, the Naval Academy and even the massive Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the distance, it was the perfect way to reacquaint myself with the city. There’s plenty of other experiences to enjoy though and if it’s your first time in the city, then a walking tour highlighting Annapolis’ history is a must-do. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy the city, one thing is for certain, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel enjoys the perfect position to enjoy the best Annapolis that has to offer. The only hotel on the waterfront, it’s an empirical fact that there’s no better located property in town and this fantastic location made my own exploration of Annapolis easy and convenient.
Fantastic Food Options
In recent years, food offerings at hotels and resorts have been increasingly more important as guests once again rediscover great hotel restaurants, bistros and cafes. To their credit, hotels are stepping up to these expectations and at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, they too excel when it comes time to find either a casual drink or a more robust meal. The star of the foodie show at the hotel is Pusser’s Caribbean Grille. Originating in the British Virgin Islands, it’s of course named after that signature rum many of us have come to know and love – sometimes a little too much. Naturally, their signature cocktails are a must try, but the food offered either on the dock or in their dining room keeps pace with the tropical feel and taste of the islands. It wasn’t what I expected to find in Annapolis, where pubs and crab cakes usually rule the day, and it was one of many pleasant surprises from my amazing stay at the hotel.
Modern and Luxurious
Although the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel has a long history in the city, it’s recently gone through a comprehensive refurbishment and is even part of Marriott’s acclaimed Autograph Collection of hotels. This is the company’s curated portfolio of independent properties around the world, known for celebrating their individuality. Each one has something special to offer, while at the same time guaranteeing a certain level of quality and luxury offerings. That certainly holds true for the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and from the moment I arrived, I knew my experience would be unique and relaxing. With just 150 rooms, the hotel feels like a boutique getaway, but with all of the amenities one would expect from a much larger hotel. Its smaller size also guarantees a high level of service, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed during my stay.
The star of the hotel are its views, sweeping panoramas of Annapolis Harbor and the historic downtown. The rooms themselves bring the easy breezy attitude of the city indoors, with luxury linens and a color palette inspired by the Bay itself. While the rooms are a retreat in their own right, so are the public spaces and I was really impressed by the small touches designed to enhance the guest experience. A massive outdoor patio featuring those breathtaking views and even fire pits and casual seating groups encourage pleasant evenings full of cheer and good times. At every turn the hotel hits the mark and I know it won’t be my last time relaxing in this beautiful getaway.
Annapolis has a lot to offer, especially if you decide to spend a few days exploring the city and of course relaxing a little as well. I’ve stayed at a couple of different properties in the area but I know I’ll never stay anywhere else other than the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel again. The hotel really does have it all and it’s a highlight in a city known for its hospitality.
