Downtown Annapolis offers a mix of big hotels, historic inns, and bed-and-breakfasts, while Eastport is blessed with several good B&Bs. Accommodations in the historic district are convenient but pricey. A number of more affordable chain hotels are located out on Route 50, a 15-minute ride or so to the historic district. These generally cost less and offer pools and larger rooms; some have shuttle service to downtown and Eastport. Note: All major hotels have rooms accessible for travelers with disabilities, but most inns and bed-and-breakfasts do not.
Special events -- USNA's Parents Weekend in late summer and Commissioning Week in May, Army-Navy games, the Annapolis Boat Show in October, to name a few -- send hotel prices skyrocketing.
Across the Spa Creek Bridge
Eastport is gaining interest as a place to live and a place to play. For centuries, it was home to Annapolis's working people: watermen, boat builders, and those who worked downtown or at the Naval Academy. Sailing schools and marinas, a handful of comfortable B&Bs, and Restaurant Row -- down Severn Avenue -- are making this an attractive part of town for tourists. It's easy and friendly, and can be a lot of fun.
Renting a Home Away from Home
During USNA's Parents Weekend or Commissioning Week, many Annapolis homeowners clear out and rent their houses to the families of midshipmen. Annapolis Accommodations (tel. 800/715-1000 or 410/263-3262; www.stayannapolis.com) offers dozens of homes in the historic district and on the waterfront, within about 12 miles of downtown, for rental of a few days, a week, or longer. They range from one to five bedrooms. All are fully furnished, including linens and well-equipped kitchens; some have pools. Rates start at phew! and go to wow! (Luxury homes can go for as much as $750 a night.) House rentals are popular, with some dates, such as boat-show weekends, very much in demand, so if you're interested, book well in advance.
