11 Best Spa Hotels in Baltimore

Baltimore, one of Maryland’s largest cities, was also among America’s most important port towns. Called ‘Bawlmer’ by the locals, it’s a city of contrasts, with a nautical past and an edgy and trendy future. Think world-class museums, farm-to-table restaurants in trendy neighborhoods, boutique hotels, and whatnot. And who can forget its immense appeal of sports, local culture, gorgeous waterfront views, and the people? We were excited to experience “Charm City,” which now also has the reputation of having spaces to pamper, escape, and relax in the form of spa hotels. What’s more, when looking for a spa hotel in Baltimore, we found no shortage of choices. They ranged not only across locations, from inner city to Chesapeake Bay ones, but also across hotel chains, budgets, and vibes. So, find your happy place at one of the best spa stays in Charm City, and let the relaxation begin!

Lansdowne Resort and Spa

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We begin with the Lansdowne Resort and Spa, located an hour southwest of the city center. With more than 400 acres of lush trees and hills bordered by the Potomac River, the resort was the very haven of outdoor luxury.

We were looking forward to the expansive Spa Minérale, and we must say, we weren’t disappointed at all. The spa was huge, complete with 12 personal treatment rooms, 2 couples treatment rooms, steam rooms, relaxation lounges, whirlpools, dry saunas, and even complimentary infused herbal teas and water. Since we went in the fall, the spa was rife with pumpkin-themed treatments and massages. We booked the couples’ treatment room to enjoy the “Brightening Pumpkin Facial,” a 50-minute amazing session that embraced the autumnal aromas. It boasted a detoxing pumpkin and yam peel, followed by a hydrating mask that left us feeling flawless. The spa is open between 10 am and 8 pm from Mondays to Thursdays, between 9 am and 8 pm on Friday-Saturday, and between 9 am and 6 pm on Sundays.

The rest of the resort was equally amazing, especially since it had a ton of outdoor activities and miles of jogging and hiking trails for us to explore. After a day out and a pampering session at the spa, we’d dine at one of the four restaurants, with the one overlooking the golf course being our favorite. Even our rooms evoked wine country, with mini bar carts and wine cask nightstands.

Elk Forge Bed & Breakfast Inn

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We escaped to Elk Forge Bed & Breakfast Inn an hour north of Baltimore for a relaxing spa weekend. It’s home to the onsite luxurious day spa, the Tea Garden Spa, overlooking the Big Elk Creek. The spa services here felt like a self-indulgent treat, especially since we were staying here. We’d booked the Sweet Elysium Spa Day, a blissful four-hour ritual with a full-body polish, herbal tea wrap, and a 50-minute luxury facial and Swedish massage — ah, bliss, indeed. After a relaxing treatment, we loved walking the gardens and nature trails all around the property. Moreover, the spa also has an extensive menu of body polishes and wraps, facials, massages, and other packages including facials, massages, and face masks.

We were able to enjoy the rest of the resort and its amenities too, such as playing on the putting green, sipping wine while sitting on the patio, swinging on a hammock, and relaxing outside on the deck.

The Inn at White Oak

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Best B&B spa. An hour and a half away in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, we found bliss at the spa at the Inn at White Oak. The exclusive and elegant spa was a tranquil retreat, complete with nationally certified massage therapists and licensed professional staff. We had the choice of several services, including skincare therapies, body treatments, facials, massages, and even salon and prenatal services. We especially loved the couples’ massage in the couples massage room, for 40, 60, or 90 minutes. Our 90-minute session had two expert massage therapists working on both of us side-by-side using two different massage techniques. It was one of the best ways to unwind and take a break from our hectic lives. Check out the detailed spa menu for a complete and comprehensive list of everything that it offers.

Nestled on 30 private acres of gardens, woodlands, nature trails, and water features, this “B&B” sure had a lot of amenities, besides the spa of course. We loved spending time swimming in and lounging by the heated pool, retreating to the warming fire pits encircling it in the evenings. Our days used to begin with delicious, 2 to 3-course-huge, hot homemade breakfasts served every day at 9 am in the main dining areas. Oof!

Turf Valley Resort & Spa

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Best spa packages. Sitting barely half an hour from Baltimore’s downtown is the Turf Valley Resort & Spa, which is home to The Spa at Turf Valley Resort. We loved this oasis of tranquility, which boasted the perfect environs to clear our minds and recharge our bodies with a range of rejuvenating spa therapies. The choice of body treatments, massage therapies, and facials was immense, but what we liked was their limited-edition therapies. Since we were visiting Baltimore in the fall, we had wonderful choices for therapies like Warm Vanilla Chai Massage, Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel Facial, and Pumpkin Spice Latte Body Wrap. However, we ended up choosing one of their pampering “Spa Day Packages,” which featured not only a combination of spa treatments but also a glass of bubbly and blissful bites.

Despite outside drinks and food not being permitted here, they did offer complimentary granola bars, water, and tea in the Serenity Room, along with meals at the onsite Alexandra’s Restaurant before or after the treatments for those who want them. Since we went when the weather was nice, we were even able to enjoy the outdoor pool, along with the sauna and showers, and even the hot tub. If the weather doesn’t permit, there’s even an indoor pool, along with a fitness center and a serenity room.

The Spa at Turf Valley Resort is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm from Mondays to Wednesdays, from 9 am to 8 pm from Thursdays to Saturdays, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sundays by appointment only.

The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

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We were enjoying a second honeymoon in Baltimore, and the Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club seemed like the perfect love nest for it. One of the main reasons we chose it was for the Spa, which was a haven of relaxation, tranquility, and peace. What’s more, it offers a bevy of the finest treatments, including luxurious body treatments, rejuvenating facials, and restorative massages in a wonderful environment. Since we were on a honeymoon, they suggested the “Couples Retreat” package for us. It featured not only a 50-minute side-by-side massage but also complimentary champagne and lunch for us at its signature restaurant, the Market.

You’ll be interested to know that the spa isn’t just a spa, but also a salon. It offered every possible hair, skin, and makeup service under the sun, along with bridal services and even hemp-based wellness and beauty treatments. Check out their CBD Hemp Health Spa Menu for more details.

The spa is currently shut on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, it’s open from 10 am to 6 pm between Wednesdays and Saturdays and between 10 am and 4 pm on Sundays.

The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

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We were looking for a simple stay with spa facilities in the heart of the city, and we found that in the form of The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore. The hotel boasts a small but well-equipped wellness center, complete with massage rooms, a dry sauna, and even a whirlpool. At the end of a long day, we booked a wonderful couples massage session at the spa, followed by a dip in the amazing whirlpool.

However, the wellness facilities didn’t end there; rather, they began there! That’s because the hotel’s highlight is the beautifully landscaped rooftop health club, which is home to a wonderful rooftop deck and spectacular views of the Baltimore skyline. Not only that, but the hotel also boasted a stunning heated indoor pool, complete with a lap lane for more experienced and serious swimmers. The best bit was that the pool was open every day from 7 am to 10 pm, which meant that we could still use the facilities after coming back late to the hotel. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best hotel pools in Baltimore.

Admiral Fell Inn Baltimore Harbor, Ascend Hotel Collection

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We, that is my partner and I, were looking for a luxurious spa stay in Baltimore where we wouldn’t have to leave our room. That is, we wanted the spa to be brought to us! That’s why we chose the Admiral Fell Inn Baltimore Harbor, particularly its special bi-level luxury suite. The King Bi-Level Suite came with not only a fireplace but also a bubbling jetted whirlpool tub, which certainly added a whole lot of charm to our romantic spa holiday. This two-level suite featured hardwood floors, Persian rugs, and European-style furnishings, making it a luxurious haven. Besides mod-cons like an HD flatscreen TV, a luxurious bathroom, etc., we especially loved that we could enjoy a glass of bubbly in front of the fireplace after a luxurious session in our whirlpool tub.

What is great is that this hotel offers a host of choices for rooms with whirlpool tubs, including rooms with different kinds of beds, accessible ones, and even ones with balconies. The rest of the hotel was no less luxurious, especially its restaurant with outdoor seating, which felt like we were sitting in the middle of lush gardens. It was where we’d enjoy a delicious breakfast spread every day.

Did we mention that this is one of Baltimore’s gay-friendly hotels? Yes!

The Ivy Hotel

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Staying at the Ivy Hotel in the heart of Baltimore was a feast for our eyes in more ways than one. Our best experience at this Mt Vernon historic hotel was at the amazing spa, which overlooked the stately architecture, homes, and mansions in the neighborhood. Did we mention that this is a Relais & Châteaux property? Yep.

The Spa at The Ivy is a jewel box of a sanctuary of well-being, warmth, and comfort, tucked away on the hotel’s second floor. Guided by the principles of vitality and natural health, the massages and treatments at this maximalist yet serene light-soaked oasis were unrivaled among the Charm City spas we visited. We had the choice of a host of facials, massage therapies, foot rituals, and even packages. Since we were staying here, we indulged in the Ivy Spa Lunch Retreat. It included a 60-minute custom massage or facial and even complimentary champagne and light snacks after our session. We’d also highly recommend the 120-minute Ultimate Zen body ritual, which includes an ultra-hydrating hot-oil scalp treatment, body wrap, and full body exfoliation, followed by a hydrating and relaxing shea butter massage. Sigh.

The only hitch? We were sorely tempted to be holed up in here all day long! 

Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

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Best Inner Harbor spa hotel. We were looking for a luxurious hotel spa in Inner Harbor where we didn’t have to leave the room for even custom massages. Difficult, you say? Not with the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore around. Located right outside the fringes of Inner Harbor, this Baltimore gem allowed us to make the very most of our Charm City getaway by offering private in-suite massages! So, we didn’t even have to leave our luxurious surroundings for a dose of pampering.

All we did was arrange a couples massage with the concierge, and the experienced massage therapists landed at our door at a time that suited us. With in-room luxurious like terrycloth white robes, a Nespresso machine, an excellent minibar, and free and fast Wi-Fi, why would we want to go anywhere else to unwind, right? Did we mention the late room service breakfast on our balcony after our massage? Yes! It’s no wonder it’s one of Maryland’s most romantic hotels.

Besides the amazing rooms and in-room spa sessions, the place is also famous for being home to well-known chef Andrew Carmellini’s first Baltimore restaurant. However, the highlight was the glassed-in hotel courtyard with a 12-ft-tall Fernando Botero horse sculpture, which made for the perfect Instagrammable selfie spot. Did you know that you can arrive at the hotel, in true Maryland fashion, by boat? Yep.

The Hotel Hershey

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Best themed hotel spa. Imagine staying in a hotel dedicated to the sugary bliss that is Hershey’s chocolate! That’s The Hotel Hershey, an hour and a half north of Baltimore, for you. The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, affectionately called “The Chocolate Spa,” was just what it advertised. It was a wonderfully sinful land of chocolate with an array of chocolate-inspired amenities and services!

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We were awed by the 30,000-sq-ft-huge facility, which included signature showers, saunas, steam rooms, soaking tubs, a quiet meditation room, an inhalation room, and even a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. Of course, the stars were the treatment rooms that looked out over the property’s back, including the reflecting pools, gazebos, and the formal gardens. Sigh. We were mightily impressed by the deliciously decadent refreshments provided here; after all, which other spa offers hot chocolate mugs in front of pecan-fronted fireplaces?

We kicked off our visit with the amazing Cocoa Massage, followed by the heady Cocoa Facial Experience that was as skin-boosting and soothing as decadent. Since we really wanted to get those great ingredients to work on the rest of our body, we chose the “Chocolate & Roses Decadence Body Treatment” with a deep moisture treatment, a heated body wrap, and an exfoliating scrub. What more could we ask for?

“Whatever you do, don’t miss the signature and patented 15-minute “Whipped Cocoa Bath.” It was literally bathing under a mini-waterfall of frothy chocolate milk!”

WOW Travel

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Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

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Most luxurious. Sitting at the top of the list is The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Overlooking Inner Harbor, the 1,200-sq-ft space is the city’s finest spa. Calming aromas and soothing earth hues welcome us into this soulful Zen den, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing tons of natural light and wonderful city views.

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We loved the main relaxation lounges at the spa, which had plush and cozy chaise loungers and super-soft blankets. However, the private spa suite went a step ahead, with soaking tubs, three treatment rooms, and amenities galore. They offered us many refreshments in the relaxation lounges, like brownies, M&Ms, yogurt-covered pretzels, and even soothing hot tea. The great thing was that (even though we were staying here) we were able to use the outrageously decadent heated loungers, steam room, sauna, and hot tubs during our spa session too.

So, we booked a couples treatment room, starting with the signature Four Seasons Massage, followed by the “Moment of Hope” Signature Moment, a fully-tailored, head-to-toe treatment for romantic pairs. Additionally, don’t miss the “Heat Experience,” followed up by cooling off in the big spa shower with body jets, mist, and whatnot. Finally, try out the steam room and dry sauna with customized settings.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all spa hotels on this list, we especially loved the ones below for their specific features.

• Best B&B spa: The Inn at White Oak
• Best themed hotel spa: The Hotel Hershey
• Best spa packages: Turf Valley Resort & Spa
• Best Inner Harbor spa hotel: Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

Where to Stay in Baltimore?

Baltimore is a city that might feel small but is quite large. One of our favorite neighborhoods is downtown, right in the heart of the city. The lively neighborhood, which also houses Baltimore’s CBD (central business district), is home to most of the top things to do in Baltimore. Moreover, it has unique architecture, shops, restaurants, and more.

We also love the extremely popular Inner Harbor, a vibrant and lively neighborhood bursting with attractions, sights, and popular activities for all ages. Traveling eastward from here put us in Fells Point, a quaint neighborhood with nautical charm and cobblestoned streets. It’s also where we found the best nightlife in Baltimore, making it perfect for when we want to let our hair down. Finally, you might also want to consider staying in Canton, an eastern neighborhood of Baltimore. Once its canning district, it’s a popular, hip neighborhood today with retro eateries and unique boutiques.

What to wear to a spa appointment in Baltimore?

Most hotel spas in the city recommend leaving valuables behind and wearing something you’re comfortable with. You can even head down directly to the spa and decide what you want to wear.

Which spas on this list offer wellness treatments for expectant and postpartum mothers?

Hotel Ivy and The Inn at White Oak both offer prenatal massages. The latter, especially, has prenatal massages for 45, 60, and 90 minutes.

What are the usual spa cancellation policies?

Most spa hotels in the city require a 24-hour cancellation notice on all appointments.