Standing literally in the shadow of the State House, this historic 51-room inn attracts a mix of politicians, lobbyists, journalists, vacationers, and parents with children enrolled at St. John's College or the U.S. Naval Academy, which are both just a five-minute walk away. The original building, which dates back to 1695, once belonged to the Calverts, whose progeny included two governors. The parlor features a unique archeological attraction—a rare hypocaust, a Roman-style greenhouse heating system discovered in the basement and now exhibited beneath a clear glass floor. Most rooms are in a newer attached wing. Though restricted in size, the rooms have solid colonial-style furniture and free Internet access. The best views are to be found in top-floor rooms 410 and 412, which share a small deck overlooking the capitol building.

There's no better Baltimore location than this landmark 15-story hotel on the northwest side of the Inner Harbor. Just a few minutes' walk or a short water taxi or light-rail ride from nearly every attraction in the city, the Hyatt draws a mix of businesspeople, conventioneers, and vacationing families. The reflecting-glass building spearheaded Baltimore's downtown revival when it debuted in 1981, and a recent $20-million makeover of its 488 guest rooms has kept the Hyatt from revealing its true age. The completely remodeled rooms emphasize clean lines and natural light, with bright neutrals punctuated by copper and periwinkle textiles—and a window-spanning chaise longue to contemplate the IMAX views. (Ask for even-numbered rooms, which overlook the harbor and Federal Hill.) Business travelers will appreciate the writing desk, ergonomic chair, and wireless access (an additional $10 daily), while active types will prize the around-the-clock health club, tennis and basketball courts, and an outdoor heated pool, oddly situated on the top floor of the adjoining parking garage. On the concierge-level 12th floor, Regency Club guests can savor sushi and other hors d'oeuvres in the afternoons and chocolates in the evenings, while the on-site Bistro 300 serves standard American fare like ribeyes and barbecue (and, of course, Maryland crab).

The quarter-mile brick driveway shaded by century-old linden trees conveys a subtle message: You have arrived at someplace special. It would be completely out of character, however, for the Inn at Perry Cabin to trumpet the news. The 78 rooms of this genteel resort, now run by Orient-Express, ooze blue-blood class. The hallways are decorated with Audubon bird prints and photographs of classic yachts, while the spacious quarters tastefully mix period and modern furniture. The master suites, with sitting rooms and expansive bathrooms, are large enough to hold board meetings. Room 7, a ground-floor corner, has the best wide-angle views of the estate-like grounds, while second-floor Rooms 15 and 18 have beautiful water views. The emphasis is on subdued opulence, with Molton Brown toiletries, hideaway flat-screen TVs, an infinity pool, on-site Linden Spa, and inspired American fare at Sherwood's Landing restaurant. Outside, Adirondack chairs arc along the Miles River shoreline, which can be explored by kayak or rowing skiff from nearby St. Michaels. Borrow a one-speed fat-tire bike and cruise next door to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum or to the postcard-perfect small town of St. Michaels, less than a half-mile to the east. If the Inn looks familiar as you ride back, it's because of its starring role in the raucous movie Wedding Crashers. However, The First Kiss, the 1928 silent movie also filmed here, is far more in character.

The eight-story brick-faced InterContinental looks positively demure next to the gleaming hotel behemoths towering over the rest of the Inner Harbor area. But all modesty ends inside the hotel's revolving doors. Old World aspirations include a clubby bar heavy on dark leather and single malts, hallways hung with oil paintings of sylvan landscapes, and grand dark-wood, four-poster beds. The 195 rooms are immense: Even standards sprawl across 420 square feet, and the suites include a full bathroom with marble soaking tub, foyer, closet, and writing desk. Spring for harbor-view rooms; the waterfront vistas are worth the $50 premium over courtyard-view standards. There's also a rooftop health club with a small spa and indoor swimming pool. Chief concierge J. Preston Rooks provides guests with a copy of the hotel's own pocket-size map and tip sheet to Charm City, and will gladly suggest favorite neighborhood restaurants. If there's a complaint here, it's with telecommunications. At these princely rates, it seems small-minded to charge for local phone calls and Internet service.

While nearby St. Michaels gets the crowds, this is the place for a good old B&B getaway on the Eastern Shore. The 14-room inn, which dates to 1710 and was the residence of Revolutionary War financier Robert Morris, has a full and fascinating history, as does the village of Oxford, one of Maryland's oldest settlements. An antique print in the inn's sitting room shows Morris and George Washington meeting with Betsy Ross to design the nation's first flag. There's also a thank-you note from author James Michener (he outlined his novel Chesapeake in the tavern room) to innkeepers Ken and Wendy Gibson, who've owned the spot since 1971. Rooms 1, 2, 15, and 17 have river views to go along with canopy beds, floral wallpaper, and uneven floors (the original building is nearly 300 years old). The "newer" 18-room Sandaway (built in 1835), a sister property, is a half-block to the west, with enormous trees shading a broad lawn that spills onto a private beach. There are a few cable TVs in the rooms, but no phones. There is Wi-Fi in the lobby, but it seems an anachronism when you could be walking the brick sidewalks to the town's busy docks and marinas to watch watermen unload the day's catch.

Open April though November.