C Lynn

I wish I had the opportunity to visit the zoo during the summer. It seems like after October, or some of the exhibit and interactions with the animals shut down. But it did not disappoint in anyway. Even on a slightly rainy day with an umbrella I was able to see most of the animals and covered the majority of the zoo in under three hours.

Favorite exhibit included the elephant and the giraffes. I also enjoyed the seals, otters, and the lions. The penguins were also super cute. And the interaction with Kanagroos is cool.

From what I understand the exhibits here change, seasonally, and there are some staples that you will always view. I was able to join along with friends and their children who have a membership and going on a rainy Saturday morning, meant that it was a very busy inside. That being said the kids and us really enjoyed ourselves. We only spent a couple hours and we definitely didn’t see everything. For the fall of 2023 they were featuring a new curious George exhibit along with some fall/Halloween inspired items as well. I love that it’s so hands-on and there’s plenty of activities and take away for the kids. They provide easy to follow instructions, and there’s a lot of guidance for parents and guardians to educate while playing. My only wish is that there was more staff available to do a little more tidying up and protective redirecting when some children are unsupervised. If you need something to do with tiny humans, this is a great place to go

I have been coming to the Hotel Monaco in Downtown Baltimore for years, and I will say that it’s starting to show it’s age a little bit, but the one thing that has never depreciated is the level of service from the Kimpton Hotel staff. I always know if I choose to stay here that I’m going to be greeted warmly, and receive great amenities including the evening, wine hour, and complementary coffee in the morning.

The rooms here have so much character because of the historic status of the building. The one thing you’re going to miss out on if you enjoy it is technology and so I have to give the rooms a four because there hasn’t been an update to the television system. I’m not a huge fan of the order movies on your TV. I would much rather be able to stream.

I love that IHG utilizes liquid soap, shampoo, and conditioner methods which reduces waste, but also means that you never need to worry about having it when you travel because there’s plenty and it’s not little tiny bottles.

There are restaurants nearby, but there is one conveniently located on the ground level. The valet parking is pretty expensive, but it is in the building so you know that your car is covered. Overall, I always will recommend this hotel and it’s in a convenient location where you can walk or scooter to the inner harbor, any of the stadiums or concert venues.

Worth the wait for the food (warning good things take time) we enjoyed a late of the Caesar salad (a favorite of the store owner next door) and the seafood. The bread served with our meal was a treat. Full of flavor from that olive oil used when baking it. We were able to share the salad (it's that big) or plan to take some home to enjoy later. Although it does have a lot of dressing mixed in. The seafood was smaller in portion size. It was fresh and a mix of tastes from savory to sweet.

Our server Roki was wonderful. The design of the restaurant with multi level seating and wonderful windows to let in natural light and also allow for people watching.

The lunch and dinner menus are different. I would return for dinner and drinks.