In the spring of 2014, Baltimore's grand old prince finished its $20-million facelift adding a layer of 21st-century sophistication to the grandeur and charm of this French Renaissance-style inn. Today standard guest rooms come in a soothing palette of grays and feature crisp white linens on the beds, velvet curtains, and contemporary furnishings. King and double-double rooms have the same furnishings and about the same space, but they add a little make-up area with mirrors and a stool (whether or not that's worth the uptick in price, I'll leave to your discretion). Eleven parlor suites add a separate sitting area; the biggest digs are the Crown Suites on the top floor. As for the public areas, the lounge has been enlarged and made swanker, with a fireplace, book shelves, and dark wood paneling. The French Kitchen restaurant, which opened in December 2013, has brought back a feature from the Lord Baltimore's 1928 beginnings: a speak-easy. It will feature changing art exhibits along with the now-legal spirits.