Sometimes the place you stay becomes the heart of the trip—and that was the case again and again in Maryland. From historic inns with garden paths to sleek waterfront resorts with endless views, each spot gave me more than a bed. It gave me a feeling. A pause. A memory I didn’t expect to take home. I caught myself thinking, more than once, "This isn’t just where I stayed—this is where I *felt something.*"
Best Maryland Resorts, Hotels & Inns
For timeless elegance: Antrim 1844
Staying at Antrim 1844 felt like slipping into a novel. The grounds were lined with rose bushes and ancient trees, and each suite was more than a room—it was a chapter. High ceilings, clawfoot tubs, vintage wallpaper. I opened the window to the sound of birdsong and thought, "This is what slow feels like."
Every detail was thoughtful. From tea on the veranda to the quiet hush of the library, I moved through the day like I had nowhere else to be—and that was the gift.
What I Loved Most: The candlelit, multi-course dinner at The Smokehouse Restaurant—each course better than the last.
My highlights? The chilled lobster salad followed by filet mignon and a decadent flourless chocolate torte. I paired it with a glass of cabernet and didn’t rush a single bite.
Antrim 1844 At a Glance
- Location: Taneytown, MD
- Vibe: Romantic, historic, refined
- Best For: Couples, anniversaries, unplugged weekends
- Amenities: Formal gardens, gourmet dining, wine cellar, afternoon tea
- Nearby: Gettysburg, local wineries, antique shops
For incredible views: Gaylord National Resort
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center felt like a world unto itself. I walked into the soaring glass atrium with palm trees and indoor fountains and thought, "This is Vegas meets the Potomac—minus the chaos." Everything I needed was under one roof, but it didn’t feel closed off—it felt grand.
I spent mornings with coffee on the balcony watching boats drift along the water and evenings catching the fountain light show after dinner. There was always something happening, but it still felt peaceful when I wanted it to be.
What I Loved Most: The contrast of energy and ease—you can go full itinerary or full spa robe, depending on the day.
My highlights? Dinner at Old Hickory Steakhouse—I had the filet with truffle butter, creamy Yukon mash, and a citrusy French 75. The kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer.
Gaylord National Resort At a Glance
- Location: National Harbor, MD
- Vibe: Grand, energetic, self-contained
- Best For: Families, conferences, staycations with sparkle
- Amenities: Atrium, restaurants, spa, river views, indoor events year-round
- Nearby: MGM Casino, Capital Wheel, shopping at National Harbor
For Chesapeake Bay excape: The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club was everything I wanted in a coastal escape—clean design, soft colors, and views that melted the tension right out of my shoulders. From my room’s balcony, I watched the sky go from gold to lavender over the Bay Bridge and thought, "I could live in this evening forever."
There was something both upscale and approachable about the whole experience. Spa robes, oyster shells, and a quiet courtyard where the world seemed to slow down just for a moment.
What I Loved Most: The peaceful hush of the Stillwater Spa, where even the waiting room felt like a warm exhale.
My highlights? Dinner at Knoxie’s Table—a plate of pan-seared rockfish with corn purée and roasted tomatoes, followed by their famous butterscotch bread pudding. Every bite tasted like vacation.
The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club At a Glance
- Location: Stevensville, MD
- Vibe: Nautical chic, restful, breezy
- Best For: Girls’ getaways, couples, spa weekends
- Amenities: Full-service spa, gardens, fire pits, fine dining
- Nearby: Kent Island trails, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Eastern Shore wineries
For all generations: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort felt like a full-on resort getaway without leaving Maryland. I checked in, looked out over the Choptank River and golf course, and thought, "I won’t need to leave this property until checkout."
There was something for everyone—kayaks on the river, hammocks between the trees, and an indoor-outdoor pool that made time irrelevant. The grounds were spacious and alive with possibility, but never overwhelming.
What I Loved Most: Early morning coffee walks along the riverfront trail, with mist rising off the water and no one else in sight.
My highlights? Dinner at Blue Point Provision Company with fresh-shucked oysters, a grilled crab cake, and a crisp local sauvignon blanc. The kind of meal where conversation slows and everything just... works.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay At a Glance
- Location: Cambridge, MD
- Vibe: Relaxed luxury, family-friendly, all-in-one
- Best For: Families, golf getaways, riverside retreats
- Amenities: Spa, golf course, marina, indoor & outdoor pools, nature trails
- Nearby: Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, historic downtown Cambridge
For an elegant retreat: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
Arriving at the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond felt like stepping into a perfectly framed movie scene. It was elegant, coastal, and utterly calm—the kind of place where white hydrangeas bloom just outside your window and sailboats dot the horizon like punctuation marks. I remember thinking, "This is how you do stillness, with grace."
The staff moved quietly, the air smelled like sea salt and garden roses, and I found myself barefoot on the lawn by late afternoon, drink in hand, watching the light shift on the bay.
What I Loved Most: A sunset sail on the inn’s private yacht, complete with champagne and barely a whisper of wind.
My highlights? A classic dinner at Stars—I had the Chesapeake blue crab risotto with lemon zest and microgreens, followed by a lavender crème brûlée I still think about.
Inn at Perry Cabin At a Glance
- Location: St. Michaels, MD
- Vibe: Coastal luxury, refined, cinematic
- Best For: Romantic getaways, honeymoons, boat lovers
- Amenities: Spa, golf, sailing, gardens, waterfront dining
- Nearby: Downtown St. Michaels, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
For a golf weekend: Turf Valley Resort
Turf Valley Resort felt like the kind of place that balances doing nothing and doing everything equally well. I came for a quiet weekend and ended up leaning into the rhythm—spa in the morning, golf in the afternoon, cocktails by the firepit after sunset. At one point I looked out at the 18th hole, soft light spilling over the fairway, and thought, "I didn’t realize how much I needed this kind of slow."
The rooms were spacious and comfortable, but the real magic was outside—on the course, at the pool, or walking the peaceful grounds between events.
What I Loved Most: That feeling of being just far enough from everything to finally relax, but close enough to still say yes to dinner plans.
My highlights? Dinner at Alexandra’s American Fusion. I had the seared scallops with sweet corn risotto and a blackberry cocktail that was dangerously good. The service was warm and easy—the kind where you never have to ask twice for anything.
Turf Valley Resort At a Glance
- Location: Ellicott City, MD
- Vibe: Upscale suburban, polished, accessible
- Best For: Golfers, weddings, weekend spa escapes
- Amenities: Two golf courses, spa, indoor & outdoor pools, restaurant, event space
- Nearby: Historic Ellicott City, Patapsco Valley State Park
For scenic lake views: Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Rocky Gap Casino Resort surprised me—in the best way. I expected glitz, but got that plus mountain air, lake views, and trails just steps from the roulette wheel. Waking up to fog rolling over Lake Habeeb and ending the night with a slot machine glow? Somehow, it worked. I remember standing on the balcony and thinking, "Only in Maryland can you fish and gamble on the same day."
The casino added energy, but the nature kept it grounded. Hikes in the morning, spa in the afternoon, blackjack after dinner—it was the kind of weekend that let you have it all.
What I Loved Most: The view from the lakeside firepits at night—stars above, forest at your back, and just enough buzz from the casino to keep it fun.
My highlights? Dinner at Lakeside Restaurant: a bourbon-glazed pork chop with roasted root veggies and a glass of pinot noir. Comfort food, but elevated.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort At a Glance
- Location: Flintstone, MD
- Vibe: Rustic-luxe, energetic, mountain retreat with edge
- Best For: Couples, adventurous weekenders, nature-lovers who don’t mind neon
- Amenities: Casino, golf, lakefront access, spa, firepits
- Nearby: Rocky Gap State Park, Green Ridge Forest trails
Conclusion: Rest Comes in Many Forms
Each place on this list gave me something different—quiet, connection, indulgence, or escape. Maryland showed me that luxury doesn’t always mean marble and chandeliers (though there was some of that too). Sometimes it’s a hammock by the water, a spa robe at sunrise, or simply knowing someone remembered your name at check-in.
What stayed with me most? The way each stay met me right where I was—tired, curious, celebratory, or just ready to feel taken care of. And that’s what the best hotels and inns do: they hold space for whatever version of you shows up—and send you home better than you arrived.