The Hotel Revival has taken over a previous mansion in the historic Mount Vernon neighbourhood and reincarnated it into a boutique hotel with a spicy hip vibe. The hotel is adjacent to the landmark Washington Monument, embedded in the culture of Baltimore and is just a short walk from the central Business District, as well as, great shopping, dining and nightlife of the Inner Harbour. It is an excellent location for tapping into the best Baltimore has to offer.
The Revival is an art themed hotel. The hotels priority is to put down roots in the local culture and community and this is best reflected in the custom murals, mottled carpets and floral wallpaper in public spaces. The theme of the recent renovation was to bow to the past with a pleasing modern edge. I witnessed this old-new melange everywhere, as the Revival showcases Baltimores storied culture in its common areas and guest rooms. As I stepped into the lobby I was greeted by a massive mural commemorating the areas history. The hotels reception area falls on 2 levels, including a mezzanine with a buzzing lounge featuring great designer furniture and a reading area.
I made myself at home in a uniquely decorated, spacious Junior Suite featuring barn wood-like-floors, large smart tv with all the electronic fixings, a huge black ceiling light with tentacles that made it resemble an octopus. There was an upholstered bench at the foot of the bed, a small worktable, deep brown coloured wainscotting and vintage floral wallpaper on the beds back wall. A beautiful rug that could have subbed as Alladins magic carpet, adorned the floor. The room colour palette was warm and the furniture, classical. The bath was a tad tight, but came with Art-Deco finishes, marble walls in addition to a full bath and shower. The room gave off the air of a residential property and was very comfortable.
Hotel Revival brings 3 dozes of dining and nightlife to Baltimore; namely,
TOPSIDE: a rooftop bar and restaurant serving seasonal American fare. It's a windowed facility with almost 360 degree panoramic views of the cityscape. The menu is heavily meaty with generous portions and the Topside is significantly busy on the weekends. There are primo sips from an incredible list of local beers, craft cocktails and wines. I tried a DIY Chesapeake Bay fish platter. The oysters were particularly savoury and I washed it down with a pale ale.
THE SQUARE MEAL: a ground floor farm-to-table restaurant. A cozy comfortable area with lots of booths and a menu that tries to keep the calories at bay. Its a great place to start the day with breakfast offerings that are the usual suspects, but note, service is cafeteria style.
B-SIDE KAROKE: affords the opportunity to belt out a tune or two with a custom-crated cocktail to provide musical courage...if necessary....or even if not necessary. I did my killer song ......in the form of 'Life Is A Highway' by Tom Cochrane....using a custodians broom stick as a guitar......I hope no one took a picture of this.
Service was adequate, some kinks at times, and the concierge was only too happy to provide sightseeing and attraction guidance. A 24 hour fitness centre was available for guests to rebalancing and rejuvenate their muscles put to task exploring the sights of Baltimore.
So, if you would like to stay in a hotel with a great decorative mix of old and new, and revive in accommodations that are residentially 'homey' and comfortable..........then try the........Hotel Revival.......An Especially Pleasant Stay.
