Hotels in Annapolis

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. Note: All major hotels have rooms accessible for travelers with disabilities, but most inns and bed-and-breakfasts do not. Also keep in mind that special events -- the Naval Academy's Parents' Weekend in late summer, Commissioning Week in May, Army-Navy games, and the Annapolis Boat Show in October, to name a few -- send hotel prices skyrocketing.

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. The Country Inns and Suites by Carlson, 2600 Housley Rd. (tel. 800/456-4000 or 410/571-6700; www.countryinns.com), is across the street from Westfield Annapolis and has a shuttle into downtown. The Courtyard Annapolis, 2559 Riva Rd. (tel. 800/321-2211 or 410/266-1555; www.marriott.com/bwian), has an indoor pool. Sheraton Annapolis Hotel, 173 Jennifer Rd. (tel. 800/325-3535 or 410/266-3131; www.sheraton.com/annapolis), has a downtown shuttle and indoor pool.

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 -- make 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 U.S. Naval Academy's Parents' Weekend or Commissioning Week, many Annapolis homeowners clear out and rent their houses to the families of midshipmen. Annapolis Accommodations (tel. 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 $1,250 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.