Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street
Heading to explore Baltimore? Whether you’re going for work or pleasure, Roost Baltimore is one of the best boutique hotels in Baltimore. Read on for our review.
On the surface, Roost Baltimore looks like the adjacent luxury apartments in the Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood: a sleek metal and glass facade with recessed balconies. The lobby has refined furniture and bold art, and the outdoor terrace overlooks the nearby river. But instead of signing a long-term lease, you can check in for the night at Roost Baltimore.
Exterior of Roost Baltimore. Photo by Stacy Brooks
Roost Baltimore Pairs the Comforts of Home with Upscale Amenities
Roost is an apartment hotel chain with several locations in addition to Baltimore, including several in Philadelphia and apartment hotels in Detroit, Cleveland, and Tampa. There isn’t a minimum stay requirement, and room types include studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments with and without balconies, and accessible one-bedroom units. Roost Baltimore has a mix of hotel guests and apartment tenants. Floors one through six are reserved for hotel guests, and floors seven and eight are for long-term leases.
The well-appointed lobby set the tone for my stay as soon as I entered the front door. A mid-century modern-style sofa and chairs were both elegant and comfortable. There was an inviting fireplace seating area at the back of the lobby. Handwoven rugs and leafy house plants made the space feel less like a business and more like a home. Geometric art and coffee table books added pops of color. A scent machine filled the air with an aroma reminiscent of baking spices and fresh foliage.
The inviting lobby at Roost Baltimore. Photo courtesy of Roost
I checked in at the front desk, which is staffed around the clock. The knowledgeable concierges can recommend their favorite Baltimore restaurants, give you sightseeing tips, and sign for your packages and other deliveries. Since each apartment suite has a full kitchen, many guests like to place a grocery order for breakfast items and snacks. The concierges can also coordinate dry cleaning services and make reservations for you.
The concierge desk at Roost Baltimore is staffed around the clock. Photo by Stacy Brooks
In addition to the lobby and concierge desk, the first floor is home to a 24-hour fitness center. I appreciated the ample natural light, thanks to the street-facing windows. There are Peloton bikes, free weights, and machines, including treadmills and ellipticals.
Inside My Roost Baltimore One-Bedroom Apartment Suite
My third-floor, one-bedroom suite was like a home decor magazine brought to life. The light-colored hardwood floor and white walls gave it a Zen-like feel. A vintage Moroccan rug and dark blue sofa were tasteful accents. A four-foot-tall houseplant thrived by the window thanks to care from a professional florist. The living room also had a desk, television, and Bluetooth speaker.
The living room of my one-bedroom suite at Roost Baltimore. Photo by Stacy Brooks
The comfortable king-sized bed in my bedroom had pillows with varying levels of softness.
The bedroom in my suite had a comfortable king-sized bed. Photo by Stacy Brooks
Although I only stayed for a few nights, I could have comfortably moved in for a month. There was an enormous walk-in closet between the bedroom and bathroom, plus a full-sized washing machine and dryer with a supply of detergent pods. The kitchen’s coffee setup included coffee beans, a coffee grinder, a drip coffee machine, and a pour-over coffee maker. In the mornings, I loved filling my apartment with the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Then, I savored my coffee on the sofa or balcony while watching the sun rise over the nearby Patapsco River.
During my time in Baltimore, I enjoyed the city’s vibrant global dining scene (some of my favorite meals included Venezuelan food at Alma Cocina Latina, Levantine cuisine at Ammoora, and Puerto Rican fare at The Empanada Lady). However, if you’d like to cook at your home away from home, the fully-stocked kitchens in Roost Baltimore’s apartments have dishes, glassware, silverware, pots, pans, utensils, and even cocktail shakers. Appliances include a full-size refrigerator, range, microwave, toaster, personal-sized smoothie blender, and dishwasher.
The fully stocked kitchen in my one-bedroom suite at Roost Baltimore. Photo by Stacy Brooks
Roost Baltimore’s Relaxing Lounge and Rooftop Terrace
After I settled into my room, I visited the communal lounge with my laptop to get some work done in a light-filled, relaxing setting. Like Roost’s other spaces, the lounge featured a plethora of houseplants and a soothing natural wood, beige, and dark blue color palette. One end of the room had a bar area. The other offered an enormous sectional that could have easily seated a dozen. The lounge also had a fireplace, pool table, and various small tables perfect for working or enjoying an intimate conversation.
Lounge at Roost Baltimore. Photo courtesy of Roost
The lounge opened onto a rooftop terrace with river views, while planters filled with beach grass and wicker furniture created a seaside atmosphere. After I finished my work, I curled up with a book next to the large gas fireplace. The rooftop terrace also featured a pool surrounded by loungers and a pool lift chair for accessible entry.
Rooftop terrace with bistro tables and wicker furniture. Photo courtesy of Roost
Exploring the Baltimore Peninsula Neighborhood Around Roost Baltimore
Roost Baltimore is ideally positioned for experiencing the surrounding Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood, also known as Port Covington. Baltimore Peninsula was previously an industrial area. It is being redeveloped with housing, restaurants, shopping, and green spaces.
Sagamore Spirit Distillery, specializing in rye whiskey, is across the street from Roost Baltimore. I stopped by the distillery’s Nineteen O’Nine Whiskey Bar for a drink on the spacious waterfront patio. The menu includes whiskey cocktails and flights. I enjoyed the spirit-forward Sagamore Sazerac while relaxing in an Adirondack chair. The distillery also has a retail shop stocked with whiskey, logo merchandise, and whiskey-themed products. The whiskey-filled chocolate truffles I brought home as a souvenir were a big hit. For an immersive experience, you can book an hour-long distillery tour with a guided tasting.
Another Baltimore Peninsula standby is Nick’s Fish House. It’s the perfect spot to try Baltimore’s seafood specialties and Maryland’s signature cocktail, the orange crush—a combination of vodka, triple sec, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lemon-lime soda. I successfully dismantled a crab with a wooden mallet, one of my proudest Baltimore achievements. However, I preferred the easier-to-eat crab cakes, especially with a side of Old Bay-seasoned fries.
Crab cake platter at Nick’s Fish House. Photo by Stacy Brooks
Baltimore Peninsula is also easy to get out on the water with a kayak or paddle board rental from Eastern Watersports. If you’d prefer a less active experience, book a sailing cruise with Boat Baltimore.
Articles Related to Visiting Baltimore
Exploring Hidden Historic Baltimore
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A Taste of Maryland’s Wine Bars
Staying at Roost Baltimore
Thanks to the comforts of home and the nearby attractions, my stay at Roost Baltimore made me feel like a local in one of Baltimore’s most exciting emerging neighborhoods, from my first cup of freshly ground coffee in the morning to each restful night of sleep. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more things to do when visiting Baltimore and other parts of Maryland.
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Roost Baltimore Offers Comforts of Home in a Trendy Setting