Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI): Approximate driving time is 20 minutes and distance is 11 miles.

Driving directions from Baltimore–Washington International Airport: Head north on MD-295 (Baltimore–Washington Parkway) and continue all the way downtown. Turn right onto W Pratt St. Continue four blocks and turn right onto Light St. Proceed to the hotel on the right.

Getting there: Shuttles are available for $5–15, while taxis cost $16–25. Another option is the hotel's sedan service, which costs more than $36. All fees subject to change without notice.

Getting around: All the attractions of Inner Harbor are within walking distance, as is the downtown business district. Many guests take advantage of the bus and light rail system; all-day passes are available for less than $5. Fee subject to change without notice. Taxis are convenient for nearby destinations not served by public transportation. Rental cars are necessary only for travel to outlying areas; rental cars are available online.

Insider tip: A Water Taxi is a great way to explore all of the harbor's sights and attractions. For a fixed rate of $5, travelers have on-and-off privileges all day at a variety of destinations. Fee subject to change without notice.

Brighton’s - Yellow watered-silk walls and cream-colored French antique reproductions make this 55-seat restaurant appropriate for afternoon teas. Brighton’s also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Explorer’s Lounge - A mammoth brass gong at the entrance to the bar sets the exotic tone of this safari-themed lounge, which offers fine scotches, cognacs, cocktails, and cigars from late morning to late evening. Cushy leather chairs are grouped around leopard-print rugs, with murals of wild animals on the walls. A jazz trio performs Thursday through Saturday, and the baby-grand piano is available to guests.

Expresso, Etc. - With entrances from the lobby and from Light Street, this tiny shop sells coffee, pastries, a small assortment of sandwiches, and sundries such as pantyhose and toothpaste. A few tables and chairs are available.

Amenity highlights: Located on the seventh floor, a health club offers everything from aquatic aerobics in the indoor pool to racquetball to aromatherapy body polishes. Guests can unwind with a drink and cigar in the Explorer’s Lounge; tucked away in the room’s southeast corner is an alcove with sweeping views of the harbor.

Insider tip: Less than one mile south of the hotel is Federal Hill, an old neighborhood that’s been rediscovered. A popular attraction is Cross Street Market, a 19th-century brick building at the corner of Cross and Light streets where produce and food stalls are open daily.

Outside the health club, near a rooftop courtyard, is a tennis and basketball court that overlook the city. In summer, the courtyard has clusters of umbrella tables and chairs.

Inside the hotel, leather-bound volumes in several languages line the shelves of the library off the lobby. Damask-covered armchairs and velvet couches provide inviting places to read, though guests can also take books to their rooms. A short, second-floor corridor serves as a rotating gallery for local artists.