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Times
3 hours ago
- Times
18 of the best hotels in Dubrovnik
The many faces of Dubrovnik are reflected in its huge range of places to stay. Opt for the ridiculously beautiful Old Town and stay in a gorgeously restored Renaissance palace or stone townhouse that's been turned into a boutique hotel or luxurious B&B. You'll be surrounded by the Renaissance and baroque splendour of the Old Town's shiny marble lanes and alleyways, not to mention the imposing city walls that curve around the town. Venture outside the Pile Gate at the northern end of the Old Town for stately hotels and cosy townhouses surrounded by greenery. But if it's a bit of beach action you're looking for, that's easy to find. Beyond the Ploče Gate at the southern end of the Old Town are elegant hotels lining the waterfront, all with fabulous views of the Old Town but without the crowds. Head north of the Old Town and you reach Lapad and Babin Kuk peninsulas, home of classic Croatian seaside resort hotels, with plenty of space for large outdoor pools and spas — and all just a bus ride away from the Old Town. Here's our pick of the best hotels in Dubrovnik. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue £ | SPA | POOL | Best for spa time You're offered a glass of sparkling wine when you check in, setting the welcoming tone for this sprawling resort that resembles an ocean liner cut into the cliffs. It's big, yes — 310 rooms — but it's certainly not lacking in warmth. Maybe it's all that sunlight flooding in through full-length windows and the huge atrium. Or maybe it's the bubbling waters of the spa and indoor pool, offering a cocoon from the bustle of Dubrovnik's old town, a 20-minute walk. Book a room on the Adriatic side and you'll have big balconies and terraces tumbling down towards the large outdoor pool, lounge bar and, just beyond, a rocky beach. Dining options including superlative fish and a Japanese restaurant. Although it's just steps from Dubrovnik's only casino, it's very family-friendly, with a kids' playroom and pool. • Read our full guide to Croatia££ | POOL | Best for hilltop views The 16th-century summer home of the aristocratic Natali family makes an appealing hilltop bolt hole that comes with stupendous views of the Adriatic. Soak up those vistas from the outdoor pool, hot tub, restaurant and Renaissance-style gardens. There are only around 20 rooms, all in contemporary style — book one with a sea-view balcony. Relax in the library after a workout in the gym and, if you're a keen trail runner or hiker, you're only a moments away from the steep, zigzagging path up to the top of Mount Srd. ££ | Best for friendly service This boutique B&B is in a beautifully restored 17th-century townhouse near the cathedral, originally with four elegant and cosy rooms with more than a hint of French country cottage about them. They've since created another three exquisite rooms, all with the same handcrafted kitchenettes you'll find in most of the others (only the attic room can't quite squeeze in a kitchen under the eaves). You'll be tempted to play the piano in the elegant communal room. Managed by the couple who used to run the much-missed Fresh Sheets Kathedral B&B, it has the same unstinting and helpful service.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for sea views You get two hotels in one at the five-star Hotel Excelsior — one half is an imposing building of Dalmatian stone from 1913; the other is a sleek 1970s addition. Both halves have smart contemporary rooms, many with balconies giving you some of the best views of the old town and the Adriatic from an excellent spot ten minutes' walk from the city walls. Three restaurants, a piano bar and a large spa with an indoor pool complete the picture.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for old town convenience Only seconds away from the northern gate to the old town — yet away from the crowds — the palatial Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik certainly suits its name. This stately 19th-century hotel has a large garden terrace and fabulous sea views from its upper floors, as well as a spa and an indoor pool. It's worth booking a room with a balcony to soak up those Adriatic vistas.££ | POOL | Best for boat trips Set in a 16th-century stone villa facing Gruz harbour, Hotel Kazbek has laid-back luxury behind its high stone walls. There's an intimate atmosphere to go with its large outdoor pool and its 13 19th-century-style rooms surrounding the terrace. Catch the sea breeze from the terrace bar and enjoy Croatian cuisine in the vaulted Kazbek restaurant. For days out, hire the hotel's speedboat for tours of nearby islands.££ | Best for sightseeing Tucked in among the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik old town, this hotel is at the centre of city life. It occupies a former baroque palace on Gundulic Square and has seen a few things in its lifetime; it has its very own chapel, commissioned by the Venetian baron who lived here, and each of the 19 bedrooms is named after a local figure. Exposed stone walls and wooden beams come as standard, as do Victorian-style porcelain tubs and Italian mosaic tiles, and the corridors are lined with glass-cased antiques and artworks. This is a classic hotel that feels like a museum piece (in a good way), with a terrace restaurant for people-watching and a wine bar for a crash course in Croatian vintages. It's an atmospheric address from where you can beat the crowds to all the sights. ££ | Best for boutique elegance Two beautifully restored 16th-century stone houses make up St Joseph's, a sumptuous boutique B&B with only nine rooms, suites and apartments. Decked out in a reined-in French country style with exposed beams and pale stone walls, the rooms all come with kitchenettes where you can enjoy the lavish breakfast that's delivered daily.£ | SPA | POOL | Best for spa lovers Sometimes it's good to get a little distance from the old town, especially in the height of summer. This is an unashamedly big-hitting resort — almost a village in itself — with no claim to history but flaunting an enviable position amid landscaped grounds on the beachfront. Bedrooms come in every size, all with a terrace or balcony, and there are self-catering apartments for families — topped by the five-bedroom pool villa. Activities might involve a cycling tour while the children let off steam at the summer sports camp (everything from badminton to water polo), as well as mixology lessons and an outstanding spa. Of the many restaurants, Cilantro is recommended for its seafood. A world to itself, best for a beach holiday with an occasional foray into the medieval city. • Best Croatia tours: from Dubrovnik to Zagreb• Best places to visit in Croatia£££ | SPA | POOL | Best for modern chic Built into the cliff about a 15-minute walk from the old town, Villa Dubrovnik makes certain all of its guests can enjoy those superlative views. All 56 contemporary rooms and suites have sea-facing terraces, and the deluxe suites have outdoor hot tubs too. When you're not in the spa or in the indoor pool, you can flop on the bathing platform and dive into that glorious sea. There's a complimentary bus to the old town, as well as a motorboat shuttle. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for Babin Kuk beaches Covering a fair chunk of the Babin Kuk peninsula, the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection features its own large secluded beach — as close to a private beach you can get in a country that officially doesn't have any. All 292 of its spacious, modern rooms and suites have sea views and furnished terraces. As the hotel faces west, that means spectacular sunsets from the rooms and the Miramare and Momenti restaurants. There's a large outdoor pool to go with the enormous spa.££ | Best for arty atmosphere Throughout Prijeko Palace, artists have been given free rein to decorate the nine stylish rooms set in this 15th-century stone palace that runs parallel to the old town's main Stradun thoroughfare. Part of the fun is checking out the various roof terraces that are part of the Stara Loza restaurant, all offering wonderful views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic beyond. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for waterside luxury Hugging the cliffs on the southern part of Lapad peninsula, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace makes the most of its splendid seaside location. Along with two outdoor pools, a rocky beach, a diving centre and a rooftop spa, it has 308 contemporary rooms all with sea views and a balcony. Backed by the fragrant pinewoods of Petka park — an appealing place for a jog through the woods — the hotel is in a tranquil location, yet it's easy to reach the old town by bus.££ | Best for old town charm This boutique hotel is set within a 500-year-old townhouse just off Stradun. Rooms have modern comforts and great flair for design, while keeping an eye on the heritage of the place. Some have little balconies (which make a lovely place for breakfast overlooking the lanes of the old town), and kitchens if you want to make use of Dubrovnik's fabulous local produce.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for Lapad beach breaks Just a few feet from Lapad's beach, Hotel Kompas has stirring views to go with its chic minimalist rooms and huge waterfront terrace. All of its 173 rooms and suites have terraces, and most have sea views. If you want a change from the outdoor pool, use one of the hotel's sun loungers on the pebbly beach at Lapad Bay. There's also an extensive spa with a huge sun terrace and bar, and the rooftop Zenith Bar is a must for sundowners in full view of the sunset.£££ | SPA | POOL | Best for couples on a beach retreat Overlooking the sheltered beach at Miramare Bay, Hotel Bellevue is a sophisticated, peaceful spot on the cliffs about a 20-minute walk north of the old town. While all of its 91 breezy, contemporary rooms and suites come with sea views, it's worth paying extra for one with a balcony. The indoor freshwater pool has wonderful views of the sea, but if you prefer the sea, there's a lift that takes you down to the serviced beach.£££ | Best for art lovers A thrilling speedboat ride from Dubrovnik old town harbour, this is the result of two decades of painstaking restoration that took a Franciscan monastery and turned it into a living space whose five suites can be rented in their entirety. There are cloisters and ruins to explore, a rooftop terrace for watching boats sail past, and a bee-buzzed garden planted with medicinal herbs. But it's also a very special gallery, curated by the woman who steered the restoration — Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, a major force in contemporary art. Paintings, photographs and fabrics line the corridors and bedrooms, while antique pieces from her family's collection are assembled in the dining room. With a housekeeper and chef, feasts and excursions can be arranged, along with massages and yoga classes on the lawn — although one of the greatest pleasures here is simply walking down to the rocks and swimming in the sea past the fortress walls. £ | POOL | Best for foodies and ferry rides This friendly, family-run guesthouse set in a 400-year-old stone farmhouse is only a few minutes' walk from both the ferry port and the large food market at Gruz, which is turning into Dubrovnik's trendiest district. Within high stone walls are a lush garden, swimming pool and vine-shaded breakfast terrace and barbecue to go with the eight rooms and three apartments. Additional reporting by Rick Jordan • Best things to do in Dubrovnik • Best cruises in Croatia
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
The Georgian townhouse that is now a boutique hotel right by a Cornish harbour
THE Chapel House is beautifully quaint hotel in the town of Penzance and perfectly located to explore the Cornish coast. Read on to find out about the great food options - especially the homemade smoothies. 2 Where is the hotel? In the heart of the historic, market town of Penzance in Cornwall, it is just off the A30. There is free street parking and public parking. However, if you fancy a suite, each has its own parking space. To the town, there is a main railway service from London Paddington and 10 minute taxi from there. What is the hotel like? A stone's throw from Penzance harbour, this red-brick Georgian townhouse has been lovingly transformed into a boutique hotel. Everything is impressive - from the huge hallway and sweeping staircase to the comfortable communal sitting room. What is there to do at the hotel? The hotel has a tiny secret back garden, home to a sauna and hot tub from where you can look out to sea. Just blissful. You can book a Wellness Weekend with your friends if you fancy some downtime. What is there to eat and drink at the hotel? The breakfast/brunch spread is delightful – home-made smoothies, poached egg and samphire, West Cornwall specialities. Although we popped out for dinner at The Old Coastguard in Mousehole where we had great food mainly consisting of fresh fish, the restaurant is worth a try with locally-sourced ingredients and a delicious menu. What are the rooms like? Rooms are from £200 per night and suites from £300 - click here. All six rooms have sea views, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Lizard Point – the in-bedroom bath offered a great view of the harbour, plus the well-placed binoculars on our bedroom's windowsill. Our room had a contemporary vibe - white walls and furnishings with brightly coloured accessories and lots of luxe touches including soft throws and organic toiletries. Is the hotel family-friendly? They provide cots and a charge of £25 per night including breakfast for children ages 5-16. If you are a larger family they can accommodate a 'whole floor' let. Is there access for guests with disabilities? You would need to contact the hotel. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2
Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Times
Duxton Reserve hotel review: a sultry boutique stay in Singapore's Chinatown
Good things come in small packages, and this 49-room boutique hotel in the Lion City's Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood is no exception. A series of eight early 19th-century baroque Chinese shophouses in the creative enclave Duxton Hill have been brought up to date with moody Anouska Hempel interiors. She is clearly a subscriber to the 'more is more and less is a bore' design ethos — the low-lit lobby, lounge, Chinese restaurant Yellow Pot and convivial bar Anouska's swim in a palette of ebony, canary yellow and gold, with lashings of black lacquer, bamboo screens and oversized fans. Conversely the service here is welcoming, but reserved. Numerous corridors and staircases lead to dimly lit bedrooms which err on the compact size. Whether channelling a simple monochrome aesthetic, kitted out with a four-poster bed and bright buttercup-coloured calligraphy wallpaper or enveloped by crimson walls, all rooms offer peaceful slumber. The hotel is popular with business folk striking deals over martinis as well as honeymooners after a unique spot to bed down, and the main draw here, rather than heaps of facilities, is design flamboyance in a great location. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Score 8/10 Duxton Reserve has had several personalities since these former shophouses and their elegant mix of Chinese-Malay-European architecture first became a hotel in the 1990s. Most recently, it had a brief stint as a Six Senses, but the lack of a dedicated wellness space that the brand is known for meant it never really took off. Since 2020 it's been part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, and its owners, behind the design-led Vagabond Club, have retained Hempel's bold, boutique interiors. As is the way with historic buildings, no two of the bedrooms here — reached by a heritage-status diesel lift or a jumble of dark corridors and short curling stairwells — are identical in shape or size. That said, broadly speaking, there are three colourways to pick from. Small Shophouse Rooms (20-25 sq m) have a monochrome design, while Opium Rooms (23-30 sq m) are in bumblebee yellow or bright red, contrasted with glossy black furniture, four-poster beds and calligraphy wallpaper. Suites offer slightly more space (28-51 sq m) with the two levels of duplex versions joined by whimsical spiral staircases. Serving up style, rather than masses of light or space, all have Naturalmat organic mattresses, Beaumont & Brown linens and Diptyque toiletries. Small but sleek jet-black bathrooms have partially glass-doored showers (floors can get slippery), other than the all-white Pearl suite (a honeymooner favourite), which has a bath tub. While the hotel's not billed as adults-only, it very much feels that way, with cots and extra beds not permitted. Score 8/10Numerous lemon-coloured ceramic pots line black shelves in ground-level Yellow Pot, and the 50-or-so cover restaurant is cleverly split by screens — some black lacquer and glass, some bamboo — creating spaces conducive to intimate tête-à-têtes. Chinese dishes such as smoky hickory wood-roasted duck, crispy lion's mane mushroom with spicy osmanthus-honey sauce, and udon noodles come served on plates depicting street life in Beijing's hutongs, and are all MSG and additive-free. Desserts — including mango and rockmelon soup with sago pearls and red bean pancakes — are delicate but satisfying. For breakfast, the set continental (two hot items, such as eggs, as well as granola, pancakes and drinks) is the best value; the price to portion size of dishes on the à la carte — think fruit platters, eggs royale and French toast — feels a little costly. For those after an excuse to get their glad rags on, Anouska's Bar pulls off a sassy art deco look with golden curved tables, glowing wall decorations and parasol-shaped lighting. Cocktails infused with local ingredients, such as the gin and chrysanthemum cordial-based Escape to Kaifeng are served with aplomb. • More of the best hotels in Singapore• Best affordable hotels in Singapore under £150 Score n/aWhile there are no wellness facilities at Duxton Reserve, guests do have access to a slender 25m outdoor lap pool, and small gym room at sister hotel the Maxwell Reserve on Cook Street, five minutes' walk away. Score 9/10Bridging Chinatown and the Central Business District, Tanjong Pagar has double appeal in being a creative neighbourhood that's well-connected to the rest of the city (Tanjong Pagar MRT is ten minutes' walk from Duxton Reserve, making travel to most of Singapore's main attractions easy). In Tanjong Pagar, pretty Peranakan shophouses and Korean restaurants line the streets; hip Keong Saik Road's shops, restaurants and cocktail bars, and Maxwell Food Centre — known for its Tian Tian Hainanese chicken rice — are just a five-minute walk away too. Chinatown's market stalls — selling jade jewellery, waving lucky cats and everything in between — food joints and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple aren't much further. Plus more back-to-back drinking and dining establishments can be found on Ann Siang Hill and Club Street — about a ten-minute stroll away. Price Room-only doubles from £207Restaurant Mains from £18Family-friendly NAccessible N Ianthe Butt was a guest of Duxton Reserve ( • Best serviced apartments in Singapore• Best things to do in Singapore
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Creative's Guide To Notting Hill: Where To Go Beyond Portobello Road
Set across fourGeorgian townhouses, The Laslett is one of the only boutique hotels in London's charming Notting Hill district Courtesy of The Laslett 'This is the London I came here for,' says Jessica in Too Much , Lena Dunham's new Netflix series that follows an American transplant to The Big Smoke. After taking a photo in front of the famous blue door—the entrance to Hugh Grant's home in the hit romcom, Notting Hill — her character strolls around the area wistfully exclaiming what most of us think when we visit this incredibly pretty slice of London. Thanks to its multiple appearances on the silver screen—The Beatles filmed part of A Hard Day's Night in Notting Hill Gate in 1964—people have a distinct image of the area even if they've never stepped foot there. Before The White Lotus inspired set-jetters, countless references make this neighborhood one of the original set-jetting destinations. A beautiful pink terrace house near Portobello Road in Notting Hill (Photo by Sam Mellish / In Pictures via Getty Images Images) In Pictures via Getty Images There isn't much need to explain its appeal: From the lovely pastel-colored houses to the jumbles of antiques on Portobello Road, there's a creative pulse running through the neighbood even though it has significantly gentrified over the decades. This edgy, elegant character is something that Tracy Lowy knows well and celebrates in her boutique hotel, The Laslett. Lowy grew up in the area and says that this part of West London was once hub for pottery and ceramic crafts and an artist's enclave, so its reputation as a bohemian haven has deep roots. The Henderson Bar at The Laslett features blends sophistication with creative flair Courtesy of The Laslett It was also the landing pad for Irish and Caribbean immigrants—the latter resulting in the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival, an annual 3-day event running since the 1960s. This movement directly influenced The Laslett, which was named after local activist Rhaune Laslett, who helped spark the creation of the Carnival. One of the only townhouse hotels in this popular district, The Laslett also functions as a creative incubator. Its walls feature artwork from icons and emerging names, its shelves are lined with books gifted by friends and former guests such as Roland Mouret, and its rooms welcome global names like legendary jewellery designer Francesca Amfitheatrof. Tracy Lowy, founder of The Laslett in Notting Hill and Living Rooms, was one of the first hoteliers who set up a hotel that reflects the area's creative spirit Courtesy of The Laslett Here, its founder Tracy Lowy shares her insider guide to Notting Hill. WHERE TO EAT Dorian Located on a quiet road in Westbourne Park, this low-key local restaurant makes headlines because of its A-list clientele (the likes of the Beckhams frequent it). 'Make sure to order the Crab Rosti, Beef Tartare and Sirloin Steak for the perfect Dorian experience,' says Tracy. Given its popularity, it can be tough to score a reservation, but owner Chris D'Sylva holds spaces for valued clients. Take note: the restaurant is said to keep a logbook of customer behavior so be on their good side and you'll get a spot next time. , 105, 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT Canteen Helmed by two The River Café alumni, this walk-in only restaurant serves up flavor-driven, impeccably crafted Italian food. In less than a year since it opened, the casual-fine spot has won over critics and crowds who enthusiastically queue for a table. British newspapers applaud its nonchalant atmosphere and dishes that rival those savored on an Italian holiday—all without a hefty price tag. 'The menu changes daily but if the Dark Chocolate Mouse is available, you must get it!' 310 Portobello Road, London W10 5TA Sally Clarke is one of the first chefs to champion seasonal British food in London. (Photo by Maurice ROUGEMONT/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Sally Clarke's A Notting Hill institution, proprietor Sally Clarke has welcomed more VIPs than you can list over the last 40 years, who come to enjoy simple, seasonal plates served in an unpretentious atmosphere. It's one of those spots that's universally loved, thanks to genuine hospitality led by Clarke herself. 'Lucien Freud ate lunch here every day and Sally herself sat for him twice a week for two years,' says Lowy. 'The private dining room features etchings that he gifted her.' , 122–124 Kensington Church Street, Notting Hill, London W8 4BH Sol's, Sol's Sister and Foreign Exchange News A 10-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate and you'll reach this triumvirate of cool: Sol's, a wine bar and deli; Sol's Sister, a florist next door; and Foreign Exchange News, a cafe-meets-currency exchange that also sells beautiful magazines. These are Tracy's go-to for a casual bite and a bit of shopping. 'They're all next door to each other. If anything, head to Sol's for the area's best negroni.' , 25 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET; , 266 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET; Foreign Exchange, 22 Leinster Terrace, London W2 3ET WHERE TO SHOP The famous Portobello Market gift store on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, London. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images Rellik Notting Hill's vintage stores are heaven for treasure hunters, especially if you're looking for a curated edit. 'This is one of London's best vintage designer stores with an archive dating back to the 60s,' shares Tracy. Whether you're after a classic Yves Saint Laurent ensenmble, a Phoebe Philo-era Celine piece or something from Comme des Garçons or Issey Miyake, this shop close to Portobello Market is your best bet. ; 8 Golborne Road, London W10 5NW One Of A Kind Archive Established in 1994, this store draws fashion stylists and museum curators alike. Tracy says this is definitely 'one of the best, perfect for those seeking Noughties-style or that rare John Galliano piece'. The store reportedly has a collection of over 5,000 pieces, with new additions weekly. ; 259 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR Solange Azagury-Partridge 'She's the British jewellery designer behind the Hot Lips rings,' explains Lowy about this distinctive talent whose signature creation has been worn by every it-girl from Dua Lipa to Rihanna. The jewellery and interiors designer got her start at her Notting Hill workshop in 1995, and recently opened a new flagship store on Bond Street, Mayfair. Her work is featured in the permanent collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, as well as at the Les Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre Museum in Paris. ; 27 Chilworth Street, London W2 3HA WHERE TO VISIT Trellick Tower is an iconic high rise Brutalism apartment designed by the architect Erno Goldfinger. (Photo by: Chris Harris/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Trellick Tower 'You'll either love it or hate it,' says Tracy about this iconic Brutalist tower block designed by Erno Goldfinger. When it was built in 1972, this was the highest residential building in Europe and it remains the tallest in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea today. ; 5 Golborne Road, London W10 5NH Leighton House Museum London has plenty of museums, but if you're after something off-the-beaten-path then it's worth carving an afternoon for a visit to Leighton House Musuem, which marks its centenary in 2026. 'This is a hidden gem that was the home and studio of Victorian artist Fredric Leighton,' shares Tracy. ; 12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ The Coronet Theatre 'It's a small late Victorian theatre that originated as an off West End theater,' notes Tracy. In 1923, it became a cinema until it was transformed into The Coronet Theatre—a London home featuring 'the best theater, dance, poetry, music and visual art from around the world.' ; 103 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB MORE FROM FORBES Forbes What To Expect When Olympia, London's Cultural Landmark, Opens In 2025 By Kissa Castaneda Forbes A Craft Lover's Guide To Mayfair: 9 Ateliers For One-Of-A-Kind Finds By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Art Deco Is Trending Again—See Inside These Reimagined Gems In London By Kissa Castaneda Forbes Can Whisky Foster Creativity? The Dalmore Luminary Series Says Yes By Kissa Castaneda Forbes 'The Brutalist' On Tour: 5 Concrete Hotels Made For Brutalism Lovers By Kissa Castaneda
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
Maryland's Chic Coastal Capital Is the Perfect Summer Escape—and It Just Got a New Boutique Hotel With a Speakeasy
With its scenic location along the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland's capital, Annapolis, is a popular day trip destination from Washington, D.C. (just 45 minutes away). But with the opening of 86 State Circle, a new boutique hotel, visitors now have a compelling reason to linger a little longer in the historic waterfront town. The hotels main dining room. Located across the street from the Maryland State House, 86 State Circle overtook the former 19th-century home of Alexander Randall, who served as the state's attorney general. The original house has gone through many iterations before becoming a nine-room boutique hotel that still retains the feeling of a private residence. The transformation was led by Severn Grove Hospitality Group, whose founders, Clinton Ramsden and Cody Monroe—both graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis—are deeply invested in preserving the town's architecturally significant buildings. 86 State Circle is the newest addition to their portfolio, which already includes several historic hotels in Maryland's capital: 134 Prince, Flag House Inn, and 1313 West. Checking into 86 State Circle is like visiting a friend's home—there's no front desk (the innkeeper greets you upon arrival) and no keys (guests are given a code to access their room). Additionally, the downstairs speakeasy-inspired bar, The Black Pearl, serves cocktails exclusively to hotel guests. The nine rooms and suites are named after key figures in Maryland history, including writer Edgar Allan Poe, Queen Anne, and William Paca. Many of the townhouse's original 19th-century details and craftsmanship have been preserved, including the tall ceilings and oversized windows, ornate millwork, period moldings, and wainscoting. Yet the interiors are modern and sophisticated, with serene, spa-like decor including neutral furnishings, matte metals, ambient lights, soaking tubs, and heated bathroom floors. An inviting front porch and a double parlor on the first floor serve as the hotel's common areas. Until breakfast service becomes available, guests can grab coffee down the street, at Old Fox Books & Brown Mustache Coffee, and indulge in pastries from Cocoa and Pearl Bakery, which serves freshly baked goods from a docked boat. A coffee cart, Oscar's Coffee, is parked nearby. The Black Pearl is a guest exclusive invitation-only lounge. No visit to Annapolis is complete without a sail on the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel has partnered with Darling Charters, a woman-owned and captained company, which offers bespoke sailings for couples and small groups, featuring charcuterie spreads, wine, and cashmere throws. After a sundown sail, stop for crabs and local brews at the always buzzy The Choptank. Or dine at one of Annapolis' best restaurants, Leo, serving a sophisticated take on seafood classics like blue catfish dip and roasted oysters, along with some unique dishes, such as Susquehanna snakehead. Nightly rates at 86 State Circle start from $399, and you can book your stay at
