Ulysses

Ulysses, a Michelin Key Selected property in Baltimore, consistently delights guests with its unique maximalist design, prime location, and exceptional service, though some minor critiques regarding room lighting and in-room amenities occasionally surface. Housed in the historic 1912 Latrobe Building in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, the hotel offers a memorable and distinct experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel Ulysses is largely positive, with many guests describing it as "exceptional" and a "boutique beauty." It holds an average guest rating of "Very Good" (8.7 out of 10) based on numerous reviews. Guests frequently praise its stylish atmosphere and unique character.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Ulysses:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's "cinematic ode to the best of the old world, made new" is a significant draw. Inspired by the building's 1912 era and the aesthetic of filmmaker John Waters, the interior features eclectic pieces, vibrant colors, flamingo motifs, and vintage finds, creating a "hip and comfortable" and "beautifully designed space." The atmosphere is often described as "immaculate," "fun," and "moody."
• Service & Staff: The staff receives high praise for being "very friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "accommodating."
• Location: Its central position in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood is highly valued, offering walkability to attractions, restaurants, and historical sites.
• Amenities: The hotel's multiple bars, Ash—Bar and Bloom's (and The Coral Wig), are a major highlight, offering delicious and creative cocktails and a lively ambiance, including jazz nights.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Ulysses are described as "beautiful," "cozy," and "comfortable," featuring plush, comfortable beds (often noted as "super comfy") and Frette Italian sheets with pillow-top mattresses. The design is "design-forward in their own slightly baroque way," with thoughtful details like canopy beds, hand-beaded Indian lampshades, and charming artwork. Bathrooms are generally spacious. However, a recurring comment is that rooms can be "dim and tiny" or "small," with some guests finding them too dark and wishing for more light, especially in the bathroom. The hotel does offer extra lighting upon request.

4. Dining Experience

Ulysses offers diverse culinary experiences through its on-site establishments:

• Ash—Bar: This all-day café serves classic Mid-Atlantic fare, pastries, and light mains, alongside a substantial drink menu, and is praised for its fine breakfast.
• Bloom's: A decadent, mirror-strewn cocktail lounge open in the evenings, known for creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere, including jazz.
• Breakfast: Guests generally find the breakfast to be "fine" or "excellent," though there have been isolated instances of incorrect orders or the cook not having it ready on time. The dirty chai is a particular favorite.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Ulysses receives overwhelmingly positive feedback. Staff members are consistently described as "very friendly," "helpful," "accommodating," and "attentive." Many guests highlight individual staff members for their excellent service, contributing to a "wonderful" experience. The concierge services and 24-hour front desk are also noted.

6. Location & Accessibility

Ulysses is "nestled in the heart of Baltimore's historic Mount Vernon neighborhood," offering an "unparalleled location" for exploring the city. It is within walking distance of attractions such as The Walters Art Museum (a 6-minute walk), Baltimore - Penn Station (0.6 miles), the George Peabody Library, and historical sites. Public transportation, including Centre Street Station and State Center-Cultural Center Station, is about a 10-minute walk away. The Inner Harbor is approximately 1.1 miles away, and Baltimore - Washington International Airport is about a 20-minute drive. While the area is considered safe for strolling at night, some find it "a little boring" late in the evening. Public parking options are conveniently located nearby, and the hotel provides accessible guestrooms and public spaces.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests feel Ulysses offers a unique and worthwhile experience, some have found the prices to be high. Typical prices for rooms range, with some instances of bookings as low as $174, but also higher rates. The cheapest deals for Ulysses can generally be found in November and December, and planning to stay on a Thursday or Wednesday might offer better rates.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring criticisms include:

• Room Lighting: The most frequent complaint is about the rooms being "dim," "dark," and sometimes "tiny," making it challenging to get ready or read.
• Room Size: Some guests found the rooms to be "small" or "narrow," particularly compared to images online.
• Lack of In-Room Amenities: A few guests noted the absence of basic items like a coffee maker, mini-fridge, or bottled water in the rooms, though a mini-fridge and extra trash bags can be provided upon request.
• Occasional Issues: Isolated complaints include a shower curtain smelling awful in one instance and breakfast not being ready at the advertised time. There have also been a few mentions of air conditioning issues.

Sources

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