Classy hotel, good price, decent neighborhood
I stayed at the Brexton for a family reunion and graduation, so my first screen for the hotel was its location---near the University of Baltimore, Penn Station, Symphony Hall, the Mount Vernon neighborhood, and the free circulator bus. This is a safe neighborhood, although Baltimore does tend to change from block to block. Two blocks away, there's a couple of clubs that attracted what appeared to be a transsexual, gay, and hetero crowd on the weekend nights, but if it makes you uncomfortable, just walk to your destination a different way. Bonus: A nice little upscale supermarket a block away and lots of restaurants that fit all budgets.
Price was my second determinant, and we got rooms for $125 a night. The rooms are nice and I have no complaint, although my room only had a shower, not a bath.
The elevator is slow and tiny (and interestingly pentagonal), and I usually ended up walking up 5 flights. The desk clerks are all friendly and helpful.
I'm a bed freak, and was pleased by the bed---comfortable and not saggy.
I only have two minor complaints: In this day and age, the breakfast bar should offer nonfat milk---not just 2% and whole. Get with modern times and peoples' concern for health. Also, once I had to ask for them to refill some of the foods. Another minor complaint: the windows don't open, apparently because birds used to fly in. Also, in this day and age, the hotel should switch to 100 percent compact fluorescent bulbs.
All in all, I'd be happy to stay at the Brexton again.