In Baltimore or Wilmington, your best bet is one of the big hotels in the tourist and business sections of town on a weekend or special package. These are pricier than the motels outside of town, but you'll be closer to major attractions.
Baltimore has three Marriotts, a Hyatt, a Sheraton, and a few independent hotels offering comfortable accommodations near the Inner Harbor.
If you prefer the suburbs, you can find chain hotels and motels near BWI, along Route 40 and I-95, and around the Beltway that circles Baltimore City. Two hotels near the airport are within walking distance of the Light Rail -- with stops in downtown Baltimore. That's a good way to avoid the hassles of renting a car, driving in an unfamiliar city, and finding an expensive parking space. The suburbs are home to several Sheratons, a Hilton, and an Embassy Suites. You can usually count on a clean, comfortable room at a Holiday Inn or Best Western, often with a simple continental breakfast included. In most cases, children stay in their parent's room at no extra charge.
Wilmington also has a number of chain hotels in its business district; these usually have plenty of room on the weekends, often with free parking. There are also some comfortable hotels on the outskirts of town, convenient to both Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley. Chains include Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, Quality Inn, and the Hilton.
For bed-and-breakfasts, head for Annapolis, Frederick, or Western Maryland. These areas are rich in B&Bs. Because they are old and often have delicate furnishings, innkeepers require children to be well behaved, if they are welcome at all. There may be no TV, indoor pool, or hair dryer -- but the bread will be fresh from the oven and the furnishings usually reflect the locale. Lots of these places now have their own websites that are accurate, if a bit flowery.
In addition, many B&Bs have made their accommodations as accessible as possible. Call ahead and check to see what can be done for you. Some innkeepers admit they haven't figured out how to accommodate a wheelchair while preserving a fine old house -- but they're clearly working on it.
Smokers should be aware that their cigarettes are usually not welcome in the house, not even on the porches.
If you're going to a beach resort in Delaware or Maryland, you've got lots of choices: chains, local hotels, or home and condo rentals. The chains offer predictable accommodations, while the local hotels range from clean and comfy to dazzling.
What makes resort destinations really comfortable and economical for families are house and condo rentals. Real-estate agents in each resort (listed in specific chapters) can help you find a place big enough for a family reunion or cozy enough for newlyweds. At the beach, you'll have to pack linens, towels, and paper products, as these aren't provided. But you can count on a pretty well equipped kitchen, living areas with TVs and often VCRs, and sleeping space and bathrooms.
House rentals have become more popular in Deep Creek Lake as well. There are lots of choices, many with hot tubs, boat piers, or beach access. Here linens are provided, so just bring paper products.
