Sagamore Pendry Hotel – History and Luxury on the Water in Baltimore, MD

Sagamore Pendry hotel review
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Is it possible to review a hotel you’ve never stayed at? In my case, yes. I’m a self-proclaimed hotel snob and I know what I like in a hotel. And resting my head on a pillow for eight hours isn’t always necessary for me to know what I think.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to an event hosted at the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, a luxury boutique hotel located in a quaint waterfront area of the city known as Fell’s Point. In the past, the area has been known for grungy pubs and bars or the oddball vintage stores. It’s even been the backdrop for some gritty cop shows like Homicide: Life on the Street and The Wire. So imagine my surprise when I plug in the address for the Sagamore Pendry and end up, unknowingly, in the heart of Fell’s Point.

Sagamore Pendry hotel

The building formerly known as the Recreation Pier first opened on August 20, 1914 as a commercial pier, housing an immigration station. It closed in 1937 but continued to be used over the years for many purposes including the police station for several of the TV crime dramas mentioned above. After it’s run on the small screen, the building sat vacant for 15 years until Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armour right across the bay, invested in the building.

Before and after photos of Sagamore Pendry
The hotel displays the before and after picture which allows guests to see the creative vision and massive undertaking required for this project.

During the massive renovations, which including reconstructing the piers from the ground up, historic artifacts were uncovered that included cannons dating back to the 1700s and more recently the Battle of 1812. These cannons are now displayed both poolside and in the American whiskey car on site known appropriately as The Cannon Room.

Cannon at Sagamore Pendry
One of the cannons discovered during hotel renovations is proudly displayed in the whiskey bar known as The Cannon Room.

It’s this kind of attention to history, detail, architecture, art, and style that make the Sagamore Pendry Hotel a new landmark in Baltimore.

Welcome to the Sagamore Pendry Hotel

Your experience starts before you even enter the hotel. The bell desk sits just outside the entrance offering artfully created seating and valet parking (I loved their “text to retrieve” valet vehicle service). And the entryway into the hotel offers a glimpse of the industrial architecture mixed with modern art.

Outdoor lobby
I’d be more than happy to just sit outside the hotel!
Artwork in the entrance of the Sagamore Pendry
Artwork in the entrance of the Sagamore Pendry
Sagamore Pendry entrance
Sagamore Pendry entrance
Modern art at the Sagamore Pendry near the registration desk
Modern art at the Sagamore Pendry near the registration desk

Dine or Lounge in Style

Once inside the hotel, there’s no shortage of picturesque locations from which to view the harbor or meet and greet with friends or colleagues. The style is dark and industrial but still conveys the warmth of a historic lodge or gentlemen’s club. You’ll find pockets of seating throughout the hotel including the lobby, lounge, and hotel restaurant.

Sagamore Pendry lobby seating
Sagamore Pendry lobby seating
Sagamore Pendry lounge
Sagamore Pendry lounge – note the artwork!
Under the balcony is access to the bar
Under the balcony is access to the bar and just on the other side of the bar is the hotel restaurant, Rec Pier Chop House
Rec Pier Chop Hous
Rec Pier Chop House is a prime Italian chophouse which gives a nod to the strong Italian roots in downtown Baltimore

The large windows and high ceilings give the darkly decorated interior a warm feel. And just on the other side of the lounge, you’ll step completely out of the dark into what feels like an onsite arboretum.

Atrium at the Sagamore Pendry
Atrium at the Sagamore Pendry just on the other side of the lounge
Atrium at the Sagamore Pendry
Again, you’ll find pockets of lounges that will suit your mood, such as this outdoor seating area in the atrium.
Atrium at the Sagamore Pendry
For cooler evenings, guests and visitors can gather near the fireplace for a cozy chat.

If you’re not aware of the connection of horses to both Maryland and Kevin Plank, you’ll be reminded of both with this large bronze sculpture in the atrium of the Sagamore Pendry.

(Note: Maryland is home to many horse farms as well as the Preakness, one of the races of the Triple Crown. Kevin Plank is the owner of Sagamore Farms, a horse training facility north of Baltimore.)

Bronze horse sculpture
Bronze horse sculpture in the atrium at Sagamore Pendry

Heading Out to the Pool

It takes vision and some clever engineering to create a pool on a pier. But looking out over the pool water and into the Baltimore Harbor keeps the hotel true to the roots of its location. And the pool bar outside offers clever takes on classic drinks (jalapeno-tinged mai tai, anyone?).

Edgeless pool
The edgeless pool seems to literally blend into the Baltimore Harbor
The Pool bar
The Pool bar is worth a stop even if you’re not swimming.

The Rooms Deliver What the Hotel Promises

At this point, I’m sure you’d agree that the Sagamore Pendry Hotel looks like an amazing place to visit and hang out. But the rooms count too! Although I didn’t stay the night, I got to peek inside one of the ground floor guest rooms. Keep in mind that every room has a view of the water!

Sagamore Pendry guest room
Sagamore Pendry guest room where every room has a view of the water
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The interior of each room feels like a cabin on a yacht
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The nautical theme is carried throughout the room
Guest bathroom
Even the bathrooms offer an understated elegance

Why the Location Works for Baltimore

When traveling to Baltimore, most travelers are typically looking to stay in a hotel close to the Inner Harbor or in the newer area known as Harbor East. Until recently, Fells Point wouldn’t have even appeared in a hotel search. But to make the location work, you need easy access to other parts of the waterfront. The hotel is conveniently located next to several water taxi locations that can take guests to most locations along the harbor.

Pier at Sagamore Pendry
Sagamore Pendry borders piers offering local water taxi service
Baltimore Water Taxi stops
Baltimore Water Taxi stops in many locations throughout the Baltimore Harbor

It’s a hotel, it’s a destination, it’s a glimpse into Baltimore history. Even if you don’t have a chance to stay in the hotel, it’s worth a visit to appreciate the massive efforts taken to help revitalize this little pocket of Baltimore.

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