Great location for Inner Harbor visit
Completed our second stay at this Homewood; we're Hilton HHonors members and this is a particularly unique Homewood, sharing the building with the Hilton Garden Inn. Super location at the east end of Inner Harbor, next to Little Italy. Everything harbor-related is walkable, including Orioles Park. (We were on a Red Sox Road Trip.)
Panoramic view suites are amazingly large - apartment sized large. We had one last year; this time we opted for a standard 1BR suite and were fortunate to get 1153, at the end of the hall. This suite has a "corner" feel like the panoramic suites, with I think an even better view (partial water view from the bedroom and living room.) The woodwork was a little worn - could use new varnish - but kitchen counters and breakfast bar looked relatively new. The suite was immaculately clean and the linens were in good shape. Good HDTVs, comfy sofa and chair, big windows to enjoy the harbor and city views. Fluffiest, softest towels of any Hilton property we've used before. Soft but comfortable mattress, and about 10 pillows (why can't you get standard poly fill pillows at Hiltons? They're always those goofy down or fake down squishy types. Hate 'em. Minor quibble.)
Right now the breakfast lounge is out of service for renovations (on our last stay it was closed due to water damage - maybe we're bad luck.) This currently works in guests' favor, as breakfast for both Homewood and Hilton Garden Inn are being served in the HGI's restaurant area. The cooked-to-order eggs, waffles, pancakes etc. that HGI guests pay for were complimentary for Homewood guests due to the change (the standard Homewood buffet should be back in their own lounge by mid-June.) Breakfast choices were of a little better quality than in other Homewoods, except for the coffee which was just as awful as always. (Don't panic. There's a Starbucks steps away from the lobby.) The staff was extremely friendly, as always. We didn't use the "light supper" of pasta, salad, beer/wine and soft drinks - went to the ball game instead. That's served Monday-Thursday and the menu is posted on each suite's fridge.
This time we skipped the $22 self- and $34-valet parking and used the open air lot a block away, on the corner of Eastern and President (heading towards the hotel on President, turn Left on Eastern and immediately left into the lot.) We paid $24 total for Sunday 4PM through Tuesday 9AM. The lot is monitored but not manned 24/7 - there's an honor box for when nobody's there, with posted rates. Remove all valuables from the car, as you should anywhere.
The hotel has an agreement with the Maryland Athletic Club rather than its own pool/exercise room. I used the club for cardio equipment and my husband used the lap pool. The club is open early AM (5:30 I think during the week) and the staff was very welcoming and friendly. Hotel guests enter the club from the 2nd floor (the HGI side,) check in at the desk and can use any of the equipment as well as attending classes, space permitting. They ask you to not use the members' locker rooms, and let members fill the classes first, but otherwise it's full access. Loads of new equipment in excellent condition. Although the pools are specifically for laps or pool aerobics, families can (and did) use them, but logistically it's a little odd - club towels can't be removed, and it's a long walk. A more family-friendly feature is the Harbor East movie complex on the other side of the health club, with digital screens and discount matinees. And there's a Haagen Daz on the other side of theater. Ice cream and a movie, with a white chocolate latte after? Now that's a great hotel location!
This continues to be one of our favorite Homewood properties, for location and staff friendliness. Considering it's a major city location, you get a lot for your money. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking for a suite-style property in downtown/Inner Harbor area.