Just returned from a mini vacation at the HGI Inner Harbor. On the whole, this is really a great hotel, but by the same token it does have some very serious shortcomings that prospective guests should be aware of - particularly if they're travelling with children.

What bothered me most about the hotel is the fact that the large pools featured on their website - which were chief factors in our decision to stay there - are not actually owned by the hotel. Rather they're owned by the Maryland Atthletic Club, which operates within the hotel - which is all fine and good - except for the fact that they do not allow children under the age of 16 to use either of their two large pools. Children are subsequently limited to using their small therapy pool, which is more like an exceptionally large bath tub than a swimming pool (yes...really, the water is about 95 degrees, like bath water). The fitness club staff also seemed to take a rather condescending and attitude towards the hotel guests. One staff member I spoke with actually said "we're required to let you ( hotel guests) in." Almost as if to say, that if they could deny us access they would.

On the plus side, the hotel is exceptionally clean, bright open and inviting and our non-smoking guest room, although small, was equally clean and fresh smelling. The hotel is coveniently located just a few minutes walk from the Inner Harbor.

After reading the reviews describing the hotel as nice enough, but the service as poor, I booked a room for my five-year wedding anniversary thinking, "OK, the room will be pleasant and clean, and for $157/night (AAA rate), we can work around the service." Well, I can't say enough good about all of it -- INCLUDING the service. Everyone was friendly and helpful, even in the midst of the check-in rush, and we felt well cared-for and appreciated. The room was beautiful and clean, with crisp, contemporary decor and a great flat-panel TV. Well-insulated, too -- we heard no hallway noise, and only minimal street noise. Loved the area; Harbor East is very nice, and a welcome escape from the touristy madness of the Inner Harbor. The hotel is only a block away from the water taxi (which is, to my mind, the best way to get around the harbor area), and there's a fantastic Irish pub, the James Joyce, right across the street from the hotel. I'd gladly stay here again (although, sadly, the harbor views will most likely be gone once the Four Seasons hotel goes up right on the waterfront).

I recently stayed for a few days with my mom (me for business, she to just hang out). I generally agree with the other reviews. It's a good place to stay as long as you don't have to deal with the service (i.e, it's great if you stay regularly as a biz traveler).

Positive:
- Fantastic location. Little Italy one block away, Whole Foods across the street.
- Free access to the state-of-the-art Maryland Athletic Club in the same building, including 3 pools, whirlpool, new equipment, and classes. My mom was in heaven!
- Very clean, comfortable, modern rooms (a bit on the small side)
- Well-insulated, no noise even though we were by the elevator
- Free and fast internet, comfortable Herman Miller work chair

Need to improve:
- Customer service. They definitely seemed clueless and/or not very friendly. The airline had lost my luggage for over two days, so of course I would call frequently to see if they had delivered it. Every time they picked up the phone, they seemed annoyed that I called. Huh? Also no one told us about a) the fantastic gym, nor how you get to it, b) the parking garage privileges, c) anything nearby. Very unhelpful.

I would definitely stay there again, if only for the gym and location, now that I know enough to not have to talk to anyone there. Also be warned that the views may not last because they are building a Four Seasons in front of the hotel.

Came down with husband and 9 year old daughter for a weekend from Boston for our very first trip to Baltimore to catch a Red Soz vs. Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards.

Check in was smooth, front desk clerk acknowledged that we were Hilton Honors members. He also asked disinterestedly if this were our first stay at the hotel (as if this were something that he had to check off as part of the check in process) when we said it was our first time he disinterestedly welcomed us to the property with out eye contact and as if this were also part of his check in script. We had to ask for a pool pass, which we later found out was only good for 2 people for 1 day - he did not bother telling us where the pool was or how to get to it.

We had a room with 2 double beds on the 9th floor which looked out over a courtyard which you could access fron the 8th floor. The room was clean and furnished with a microwave, small fridge and coffeemaker.

We ate breakfast 2 mornings in the restaurant. Breakfast buffet had a nice variety and you could get eggs, waffles and pancakes cooked to order. Staff was very friendly and there was always plenty of seating and food available. The coffee however, was according to my husband "just wrong" and undrinkable the first morning. Thankfully, there was a Starbucks right next door to the hotel.

The best part about the hotel was it's location in the HarborEast area of the Inner Harbor. It is within walking distance of Fells Point, Littlle Italy and Water Taxi Landings Pier 7(the closest one) and Pier 5, which we walked to/from on our last day to the National Aquarium.