Baltimore's Hottest Hotel: The Revival Awaits!
Revival Awaits! Baltimore's Best? Let's Get Real. (A Review That Actually Feels Like a Stay)
Okay, so, the Revival Hotel. You’ve heard the hype, right? "Baltimore's Hottest Hotel!" – blah, blah, blah. Well, I’m here to tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (with maybe a tiny, tiny bit of dramatic flair). Forget the glossy brochures and the perfect Instagram pics, because this is where things get… personal. Let's dive in, shall we? And yeah, I’m hitting the SEO keywords, but trust me, it’s not gonna be just about that.
First Impressions and Accessibility: A Mixed Bag.
The building itself? Gorgeous. Seriously, that Beaux-Arts architecture will make your jaw drop. It’s got that old-school charm that I love. But here's the first hiccup, and a major one for some: Accessibility. The lobby, thankfully, seemed pretty good. Elevator access is available, which is a HUGE win. But navigating the hotel… well, let's just say I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did notice some areas that might present challenges. I'd definitely recommend contacting the hotel before booking and getting a real lowdown on the specifics if accessibility is a major concern. They claim facilities for disabled guests are available, but how available is the question. That's gotta be their weak spot.
Rooms: Stylish, but Spotty.
The room? I had the deluxe version (because, you know, I’m fancy). It had that "boutique hotel" vibe – think cool lighting, funky art, and a seriously comfy bed. The bathrobes? Heaven! And I swear, that hair dryer actually worked! (Which, believe me, is a rarity.) Air conditioning blasted like a champ (a must for Baltimore summers), and the blackout curtains were glorious for sleeping in.
Now, the imperfections. My room, while stylish, had a couple of annoying things.
- The Internet: They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and yes it was free and fast. There was also Internet access [LAN] which I didn't bother with. I was so glad to chill with my laptop workspace.
- The Extras: The coffee/tea maker was great. The mini bar was loaded (and expensive, naturally). I utilized the refrigerator. Everything was pretty good, and I really enjoyed the complimentary tea.
- The Small Stuff: No, the window that opens didn't open at all (a pet peeve!). The desk was a bit small for working. And the soundproofing was… okay. I could still hear the muffled thrum of the city at night.
- The Bathroom Bliss (or Blunders): The separate shower/bathtub was lovely. The toiletries were decent. But the water pressure in the shower was, at times, pathetically weak. And honestly, I'm not a fan of the additional toilet. Just felt like a waste of space if anyone is asking.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Good).
Okay, this is where the Revival really shines, or at least, where it tries to. There are multiple restaurants and bars (and a coffee shop!), all with different vibes.
- The "Topside" Bar: This is where the magic happens. That Pool with view is breathtaking! You can sit up here and nurse a cocktail while watching Baltimore shimmer. Total Instagram-worthy moment! It's also a great place to get a salad in restaurant. They offer Happy hour, which is a must-try. Pure bliss.
- The "Baba" Restaurant: Asian cuisine in restaurant, a bit pricey. It's trendy and sleek, and the cocktails were divine. I had the soup in restaurant and the salad in restaurant and they were delicious. I also snagged a dessert in restaurant.
- The Bar: I had the bottle of water and some snacks, and chilled out.
- Room Service: The 24-hour Room service [24-hour] was pretty quick, and nice to have!
- Breakfast: I had Breakfast [buffet], but I also peeped the Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast in room. Foodie heaven or foodie hell, depending on your mood (and wallet!).
- Takeaway: Grabbed the Breakfast takeaway service one morning; very convenient!
Relaxation and Those All-Important "Things to Do"
So, are you a chill person or a fitness guru? You have choices! They've got a Spa/sauna! and a Fitness center too.
- The Spa: Oh, the spa. They offer Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap. I didn't get a chance to visit the Sauna, but maybe next time.
- The Pool: This is the real winner. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, and the Poolside bar is a vibe.
- Fitness: I didn't hit the Gym/fitness, and therefore wasn't able to try the Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Shuffle (and Why It Matters)
This is where things get serious. COVID-19 has changed everything, and I’m all about seeing how hotels are handling it. The Revival? They’re trying. They highlight:
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Rooms sanitized between stays!
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Safe dining setup.
Do I trust it all? Well, I'm not a germaphobe, but I appreciated the efforts. I did notice the individually-wrapped food options. I also liked the Cashless payment service. The staff were wearing masks, and I saw them wiping things down constantly. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available so that's a win.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful, especially for finding local restaurants.
- Laundry: They offer Dry cleaning and Laundry service.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless, really.
- Elevator: Big plus.
- Security: Feel safe with the Security [24-hour].
- Parking: They have Car park [free of charge] which is good!
- Business Facilities: I got some work done in the Business facilities. There wasn't a Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids?
They are Family/child friendly but I didn't have any kids, so I can't speak to that.
Getting Around
- Taxi service is available.
- Airport transfer is an option.
The Verdict… and My Quirky Recommendation:
Look, the Revival Hotel is definitely a step up from your average chain. It’s got style, it's got ambition, and it's got some truly stellar moments. But it's not perfect. Embrace the imperfections.
My Recommendation:
- Book the "deluxe" room.
- Indulge in a poolside cocktail at "Topside".
- Be prepared to spend a bit more than you budgeted for.
- Embrace the little quirks!
SEO-Tastic Conclusion (But Actually Useful):
If you’re looking for a chic, stylish hotel in Baltimore with killer views, a vibrant social scene, and a commitment (largely) to safety, then the Revival is worth considering. Be sure to call ahead about accessibility specifics, be aware of the costs (it’s not cheap), and prepare to have a memorable stay.
Book Now and Get:
- Special introductory rates for first-time guests.
- A complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival.
- A chance to experience the hottest hotel in Baltimore!
So, yes, the Revival Awaits! But let's be real, it's waiting with a few little bumps and bruises. Either way, I'd go back. And you probably should too. Just maybe lower those expectations a smidge. And try to snag a room with a view. You won't regret it.
**Makati's Hidden Gem: Private Room 09 Awaits!**
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this "itinerary" for Hotel Revival Baltimore is less a schedule and more a descent into my own chaotic Baltimore experience. Trust me, it'll be more fun than a perfectly planned spreadsheet. And yes, there will be feelings. Lots and lots of feelings.
Hotel Revival Baltimore: My (Likely Disastrous) Adventure - A Stream of Consciousness
Day 1: Arrival & The Grand Entrance…and a Humbling Revelation
1:00 PM - Arrival & Hotel Hype: Right, so arriving. I picture myself, effortlessly gliding into the lobby of Hotel Revival, a vision of chic Baltimore-ness. In reality? I'm schlepping a suitcase that’s seen better decades, probably looking like I wrestled a bear on the way in. "Welcome to Baltimore!" the doorman chirps, and I realize the hotel's actually in a really fab area, Mount Vernon, a neighborhood I wouldn’t be caught dead in if I wasn’t visiting this hotel. Already feeling the pressure to act cool.
1:30 PM - Check-In Shenanigans: My reservation is… found! Thank god. As I’m handed the key card, I briefly imagine a life change, a new identity, a life where I actually look like I know what I'm doing. My ID pic will always be a mess.
2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Initial Gratification: Okay, room. Hoping for a view that's not a brick wall. YES! It's got a view! A gorgeous, slightly faded view of the Washington Monument and the city. This is genuinely stunning, and my initial 'meh' attitude vanishes. I suddenly want to run around the room like a toddler who's discovered a new toy
2:30 PM - The Art of the Pause: Seriously, I need to just…breathe. All this fancy, all this history, all this… art. It’s all just a little too much. The room is lovely, but I have to process this information. Do I deserve this? My internal monologue is already screaming.
3:00 PM - The Hotel's Buzz (And Me): Gotta explore. The roof deck. The restaurant,*Bazaar. I hear it's amazing, but I already know I'll be that person, the one trying too hard and probably spilling something on myself. I hope it doesn't rain. Then, the hotel has an amazing rooftop bar.
Day 1.5: (Really, It's Still Day 1) - Mount Vernon Musings & Culinary Catastrophe
5:00 PM - Wandering Mount Vernon. The good. The bad. Okay, so… I'm out. The historic vibe is strong. The architecture is undeniably gorgeous. It feels like a movie set in the best way. I make a note to not go back to my hotel till I'm ready, I can't do it, not yet, not after I'm done exploring.
7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle at… Something: This is where it gets… interesting. I was supposed to have a fabulous dinner at Bazaar. But the menu was too complicated, I was too hungry. Bazaar sounded expensive. so I went somewhere else. The restaurant next door. Ugh. It was a "local place", with overly-friendly staff. I ordered something I thought was safe. It wasn't. It was bland and forgettable, the kind of food that makes you question all your life choices. The emotional reaction kicks in. This is where it gets stream-of-consciousness. I didn’t want to be there, but I felt bad ditching it. The feeling of loneliness and the struggle with the food.
9:00 PM - The Aftermath, and the Quest for Redemption: Back at the hotel, I order room service. Comfort food. This is my jam. I put on a terrible movie on TV, and I'm starting to feel a little less like a fraud. My stomach is happy. And I actually manage not to spill anything on myself. That's a win.
Day 2: Art, Antiques & A (Possibly) Better Morning
9:00 AM - Breakfast, The Battle: I'm up early, which is a miracle. I hit the hotel restaurant again, trying to redeem myself. This isn't working. The waiter is super eager. It's too much. "Just a coffee, please" I plead.
10:00 AM - Cultural Assault (in a Good Way): Off to the Walters Art Museum! This place is amazing. I wander around, and get lost in the beauty of it all.
12:00 PM - Lunch and (Slight) Regret: Found a deli. Ordered a sandwich so big, it could feed a small family. Sat in the sunny park, people watching. Found a bit of peace. But my stomach felt heavy.
2:00 PM - Antique Adventures & The Search for Treasures: The hotel does a great job of mixing old and new. Antique shops are an extension of this. Maybe I'll find something really, really special. Maybe I’ll just come home empty-handed again. I just wanna feel something. Maybe this trip will let me.
4:00 PM - Rooftop Revelations (Take 2): Finally! The rooftop. The view. The atmosphere. It was the best time. I order a cocktail I can't pronounce. I manage, somehow, to look vaguely sophisticated. The city stretched out, and I feel…good.
6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner, a Tiny Triumph: I've made a reservation at Bazaar. Tonight. I'm wearing something nice. More importantly, I'm going to let it be okay if I don't love it. I'm ready to embrace the messiness, the imperfections, the sheer absurdity of trying to be fancy. If I spill something, I spill something. At least I'm here.
Day 3: Departure & The Lingering Aftertaste
9:00 AM - One Last Breakfast & The Great Check-Out: Okay, let's get it over with. Check-out anxiety. Did I leave anything behind? Did I leave a trace of myself? I can't let that happen.
10:00 AM - Goodbye Baltimore! (Or, Until Next Time…): As I head out, I can't help but feel a little wistful. I've gotten tangled in the city's beauty. I've bumbled around, made mistakes. And maybe, just maybe, I've grown a little.
Important Notes (aka Disclaimers):
- This is not a practical guide. It's a collection of my feelings, with a vague framework of the hotel experience.
- Expect changes. My plans are suggestions - I might do them, or I might not.
- Embrace the chaos! That’s where the fun is.
- I hope you have fun!
Revival Hotel: The Good, The Bad, And The Honestly, Just… Wow?
Okay, spill the tea – is the Revival Hotel *really* as cool as everyone says? Or is it just social media hype?
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercup. Let's be real. Yeah, the Revival Hotel *is* pretty darn cool. But... (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) it's not perfect. It's like... finding a gorgeous antique dresser – stunning, unique, but maybe the drawers stick sometimes.
Honestly, I went in thinking, "Oh, another Instagram trap." You know, all aesthetics and zero substance. Boy, was I wrong. The lobby? Seriously, jaw-dropping. The art! The vibes! It screams "Baltimore." Like, "I'm edgy, I'm historic, and I'm ready to pour you a locally-sourced cocktail."
But then... the *first* time I tried to find my room? Let's just say I wandered for a good five minutes, feeling like I was starring in a hotel-themed horror movie. The elevators, bless their hearts, are slow. So slow. And sometimes... they're a bit, shall we say, temperamental? I overheard a woman yell, “I’d walk the six flights, if I wasn’t wearing these stupid heels!” I felt her pain.
So, yeah. Cool? Absolutely. Flawless? Nah. But isn't that kinda Baltimore's charm?
Tell me about the rooms. Are they worth the price tag?
Alright, the rooms. Okay, listen. It's a bit of a mixed bag. Mine was… well, let's call it "cozy." (Translation: small.) Beautifully decorated, though! I'm talking plush velvet, cool artwork, and windows that actually open for some fresh air. (That's a win in a city that can sometimes feel a bit... stuffy.)
The bed? Oh, sweet heavens, the bed. I swear, I almost didn't want to leave. It was like sleeping on a cloud, a very stylish cloud. I’d actually consider moving in, if it wasn’t a total financial disaster.
Now for the bad: The bathroom. Don’t get me wrong, it was CLEAN. But… the water pressure? Not great. And the lighting? A bit… dim. I swear I couldn't see *anything* when doing my makeup. I felt like I was applying my eyeliner in the Batcave. And for the price? Yeah, I was expecting something… more. Still, the charm of the room itself, and the location, made me (mostly) happy, once I accepted the water pressure was just doing its own thing.
Overall: Worth it? Maybe. Depends on your priorities. If you're obsessed with a perfect shower and vast spaces, probably not. If you value chic design and killer location, you'll probably love it.
What about the food? Is it any good? Any recommendations?
Okay, food. This is where things get... complicated. The Revival has several options. The rooftop bar/restaurant? Epic views. The food? I found it... fine. Pretty pricey though, naturally. I had a burger. It was… a burger. Nothing earth-shattering, but the view was worth the price, in my opinion.
The on-site restaurant? I tried it for brunch. Again… fine. The service was a *little* slow. And I'm not usually a "Karen," but waiting nearly an hour for my eggs benedict? Yeah, I felt a little hangry. The hollandaise sauce could've used a little… zest. Just saying.
My advice? While the hotel’s food is fine, take advantage of being in the Mount Vernon neighborhood! Holy moly, the food scene is EXPLODING with good restaurants... Literally a block away there's a fantastic cafe. (I'm obsessed with their pastries!) Walk around. Explore. Don't just settle for the hotel food. You'll miss out!
And the service? Is the staff friendly and helpful?
Okay, this is where the Revival *really* shines. The staff? Amazing. Truly. From the front desk to the folks cleaning the rooms, everyone was genuinely friendly and helpful. I had a minor issue with my TV, and within minutes, someone was there to fix it. They went above and beyond.
They genuinely seem to *care*. That’s a huge deal, right? They also were super helpful. I got lost (again. See previous elevator commentary.) and they just were so chill and helpful while I was flustered. They really made the stay feel special. I'd give them all high fives, if I could.
Seriously, five stars for the staff. They really do make the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Their kindness made all the minor imperfections (ahem… those slow elevators) completely forgivable.
What’s the best way to experience the rooftop pool? Is it as cool as it looks?
The rooftop pool… Okay, brace yourself. It's gorgeous. Seriously gorgeous. The views! The atmosphere! It's exactly what you see in the pictures. But… and there's always a but…
Here's a tip: Go early. Like, *really* early. Otherwise, you'll be battling for a lounge chair, surrounded by people taking selfies. And honestly, getting splashed by all the over-eager Instagrammers? It’s not exactly relaxation. I went at like, 9 am, and it was practically empty. Bliss. I got a whole hour almost to myself, just swimming, sipping a mimosa, and gazing out at the Baltimore skyline. Pure, unadulterated joy.
The pool itself? Small, but perfect for a cool-off. The music? On point. The vibe? Chic. Worth it? Absolutely. But plan accordingly. Early bird gets the perfect Instagram shot… and a non-crowded experience.
Are there any downsides to the Revival that I should know about?
Alright, let’s be transparent. The Revival isn’t perfect. Besides the elevator thing (which I’ve already hammered home), the other downsides include:
- Price: It's not cheap. You're paying for the location and the experience. So, budget accordingly.
- Parking: Parking. Ugh. Valet is expensive. Street parking can be a nightmare. Factor that into your plans.
- Room size (some rooms): As mentioned, some rooms are on the smaller side. If you need a lot of space, upgrade or book a suite.
But honestly? The positives far outweigh the negatives. It's a special place, a true Baltimore experience. Don't let the minor flaws deter you. Just go in with your eyes open and your expectations managed, and you'll have a fantastic time.
