Located just off of Interstate 83 and the Baltimore Beltway, the Delta by Marriott Baltimore North was formerly the Radisson Hotel at Cross Key. It’s an escape from the city, yet close enough to enjoy its amenities. Just a 10-minute drive from Baltimore Inner Harbor, the Delta Baltimore North is tucked into Roland Park, a prestigious city neighborhood.
Arrival at Delta Baltimore North
After my whirlwind Niagara Falls 24-hour stay at the Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview, we packed the van to drive across the Canadian border to take an early morning flight in Buffalo to land in Baltimore. It was my first visit to this beautiful city, and after a Baltimore City Tour, we checked into what was the Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys before the eventual name change. The interstate ride to the urban hotel was impressively smooth for a late afternoon cross-town jaunt.
Exiting off I-83, it’s obvious we’ve entered a more residential area than the hustle and bustle of downtown Baltimore. A few more turns and we enter a gated community (Roland Park), arriving at the hotel, located on 72 wooded acres, with a country club type setting.
Delta Baltimore Lobby
The renovation of the lobby just completed before my arrival included new stone floor and carpet, lobby lounge and seating, and marble-topped work space designated as the Business Center. Throughout the property, the hotel features framed artwork from local artists. The lobby was expansive yet welcoming, and I really liked the entry that segued into the lobby bar with casual seating.
North Baltimore Hotel Accommodations
Another bonus was the 147 guest rooms at this Baltimore hotel, larger than typical, and again freshly renovated. Choose from three types of rooms: Standard Guest rooms; Business Class rooms (including upgraded amenities); and Junior suites for families for business travelers.
My junior suite was super huge (as you can see). When I entered the room, the separate spacious bath was to the right, while on the left was a work area. I set up camp at my workspace, with plenty of room to spread out and actually work. The complimentary WiFi (always a bonus) connection was very fast, as I’d discovered during my stay at the Toronto and Niagara Falls Radissons too.
With the cathedral ceilings and large screened windows (Bonus: that you can open to enjoy the fresh air!), the sitting area would make anyone traveling feel like they had a retreat in their room, even with so much to do outside the hotel walls. And the king bed – ooh la la: I sank into the amazing bed and enjoyed another surprising good night’s sleep on the road – again!
Amenities
When touring the hotel, I later learned its location was near many attractions including Maryland Zoo and John Hopkins University. You can also leave the car behind by taking the complimentary shuttle to the National Aquarium at the Boston Inner Harbor (advance registrations required).
On-site guests can enjoy a Fitness Center, tennis courts, outdoor pool, and free parking. Traveling with a pet? No problem as this north Baltimore hotel is also pet friendly.
On-Site Hotel Dining
The owners’ other renovation project included the Scoozi Ristorante. With its cozy setting and contemporary Italian cuisine, you’ll find yourself gravitating here for your meals and nightcaps. The stone heart oven and exposed kitchen also makes this on-site restaurant homey. Alas, after the conversion to a Marriott property, this restaurant appears to now be downgraded to a deli and snack bar instead.
Summary
The former Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys, Baltimore completed its two-year, multimillion dollar renovation right before our visit, but check current reviews of the Delta by Marriott Baltimore North to see how it’s faring after the changeover.
From the refreshed public space to the contemporary and welcoming guest rooms, despite its distance from Baltimore Harbor, this urban hotel in the city’s original posh neighborhood is a good choice.
Rates start at $139.
Book directly with Marriott or go through Expedia or Hotels.com.
Accommodations and photos courtesy of the Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys, Baltimore.