The historic Lord Baltimore Hotel reopens after a complete renovation that has restored its grandeur.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel, one of the crowning architectural jewels of Baltimore, Md. when it was built in 1928, reopens with a grand ribbon cutting on March 27 after being completely restored and transformed by Rubell Hotels
Every surface has been touched by craftsmen, artisans, artists and designers to bring the hotel back to life.
The grand French Renaissance landmark, a member of Historic Hotels of America, features 23 stories comprised of 440 guest rooms and suites, more than 20.000 square feet of event space, several dining and lounging spaces, one of the city’s only rooftop event spaces, and more. The landmark hotel is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
Rubell Hotels, a family-owned business well known for transforming architecturally significant historic hotels into affordable cultural hubs, acquired the property in March 2013 and immediately began applying the vision of owners Mera, Don, Jason and Jennifer Rubell – combining their love of art and architecture with a bright, modern feel. Interior designer Scott Sanders, formerly the lead interior designer at Ralph Lauren, who specializes in distinctive residential and commercial interiors for notable clients and properties, spearheaded the design, which typifies his “New American Style.” Inspired equally by classic men’s haberdashery and the six historical Lords Baltimore, Sanders has used traditional menswear fabrics in unconventional ways, resulting in an interior that seamlessly combines a fresh, clean modern look with all the warmth and grandeur of a historical property.
“Since the first time I laid eyes on the Lord Baltimore Hotel, I knew that I had to become a part of this architectural gem that is such an important piece of Baltimore’s history,” said Mera Rubell of Rubell Hotels. “Over the past year, my family and I have become immersed in Baltimore’s art, culture and community and it feels like a perfect fit.”
Upon entering the grand lobby, guests feel as if they are in a “social living room,” complete with a massive gold Murano glass chandelier, towering glossy white columns and intimate groupings of mid-century inspired lounge seating. Complimentary high-speed internet is available throughout the hotel as are 50” high-definition televisions with 60 complimentary HD channels. The LB Tavern, just off of the lobby, is a communal gathering space where guests can enjoy cocktails in a library-like setting. Seven large, multi-colored Candida Höfer photographs of libraries of the world, on loan from the Rubell Family Collection’s museum in Miami, are featured throughout this space, and additional lounge seating gives this corner of the hotel a chic and sophisticated atmosphere.
440 guest rooms and suites feature dark wood tones with clean lines, contemporary art, velvet drapes and plush mattresses that leave guests feeling like they are in a luxurious loft. Every guest room includes complimentary high-speed internet, a television with 60 HD channels, refrigerator, coffee maker, digital safe and bedside charging station. Four penthouses overlook the Lord Baltimore’s two rooftop areas, which feature a panoramic view of downtown Baltimore. The rooftop gardens and penthouses are available for private events. Guests can also enjoy the new state of the art gym with a range of LifeFitness equipment.
In keeping with the history found in every nook and cranny of the hotel, the Lord Baltimore’s updated Calvert Ballroom highlights the space’s original scenic murals, crystal Baccarat chandeliers, and six balconies, which are symbolic of the six Lords Baltimore. Sanders added a chic modern layer to the event space by choosing layers of gold textured wallpaper, platinum gray linen wallpaper with glossy white trim and a swirling array of gray, black and gold carpet.
“The Lord Baltimore Hotel highlights everything that is special about Baltimore – history, cuisine, art and architecture,” said Gene-Michael Addis, general manager. “From our modern yet comfortable guest rooms and suites to our unmatched meeting spaces and sweeping views of downtown, the Lord Baltimore appeals to everything that a guest or visitor to Charm City could ask for.”
The Lord Baltimore Hotel features unparalleled dining options including its signature restaurant, French Kitchen, which offers classic French fare in contemporary preparations. Inspired by the familiar bright colors used in Matisse paintings, Sanders transformed the historic Versailles dining room using a bright, modern aesthetic. Additionally, guests can enjoy the LB Bakery, a contemporary take on a small-town American coffee house, featuring house-made breads, pastries, salads and sandwiches.
Art exhibitions are planned throughout the public spaces and will highlight local, national and global artwork. Additionally, the hotel will feature a signature gift shop, SideShow, an outpost of the American Visionary Art Museum’s museum shop.
The Rubell family – whose Rubell Family Collection in Miami is widely acknowledged as one of the top contemporary art museums in the world – is known for its talent in discovering emerging artists, emerging cities, architectural gems and emerging neighborhoods. The Rubells believe deeply that the key to the economic success of a city is dependent on its cultural relevance. They often invest deeply in areas they feel have strong cultural potential, and their transformation of the Lord Baltimore Hotel indicates the beginning of what is sure to be a long-term commitment to the cultural life of Baltimore.
On Thursday, March 27, the Lord Baltimore Hotel will hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. featuring Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Councilman William Cole and other dignitaries.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel is located at 20 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201. More information can be found at www.lordbaltimorehotel.com.
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