Ulysses, an Ash Hotel

Fit for moles and bats! This hotel is so dark that it’s comical. There were no lights except very dim bedside sconces. I was bumping into the furniture after dark and literally had to turn in the TV before getting into bed so I would not trip over something. I am sure I left an errant sock in a corner but who knows if housekeeping will ever discover it. Also no coffee available before 9 am on day Saturday so this is an automatic non-starter for me. However, the bars looked nice. Next time I will come by for a drink and stay elsewhere. I’m sure they do a great job of keeping the electric bill low!!

Ah, Baltimore, a city of rich history and eclectic charm. My wife and I recently had the pleasure of a stay at the Hotel Ulysses, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of this vibrant city. True to the reputation of the New York-based design firm, Ash, the Ulysses is nothing short of an architectural marvel. The first thing that catches your eye? The hotel's impeccable aesthetic. It's a masterful blend of old-world charm and modern design, encapsulating the very essence of Baltimore's diverse character. While the rooms might have been a tad on the cozier side, they more than made up for it with their plush comfort and attention to detail. The Ulysses truly exemplifies the notion that beauty lies in the details, and the meticulousness with which they've curated every aspect of the guest experience speaks volumes. The 19th-century charm of the Mount Vernon neighborhood is beautifully echoed within the Ulysses. The delicate stained-glass skylight, the ornate crown molding, and the preserved brass postal box serve as a testament to the building's rich history. But it's not all vintage here. The interiors seamlessly transition from the ornate influences of the Art Nouveau era to a more streamlined approach, evident in the hickory wood furniture adorned with Ash’s custom textiles. And oh, those hand-beaded lampshades and embroidered quilts! They added the perfect splash of color and quirk. A special shout-out to the carved flamingos that support the bedside tables, a delightful nod to Baltimore's own John Waters and his "Pink Flamingos." It's this mix of opulence and eccentricity that makes the Ulysses stand out. Booking through Trip.com was a new experience for us. A bit unconventional, sure, but it came through in the clutch. The $35 "destination fee" threw us for a loop initially, but the $20 credit we received towards our bill at the hotel restaurant (Ash Bar) or the bar (Blooms) made it all worth it. Speaking of Blooms, what an experience! The mirrored ceiling, the crimson banquettes, and the purple stools set the stage for a night to remember. In a nutshell? The Hotel Ulysses is a triumph, an ode to Baltimore's multifaceted spirit. Whether you're here for the history, the design, or the sheer experience, the Ulysses promises and delivers. Highly recommended! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟