Ulysses Hotel Baltimore
WHERE TIME AND TRAVEL COLLIDE IN STYLE
A Timeless Tapestry of Baltimore's Quirks and Contradictions
In the realm of literary genius, James Joyce penned a timeless quote that beautifully captures the essence of the Ulysses hotel in Baltimore: "Hold to the now, the here, through which all future plunges to the past." This profound insight from Joyce's literary masterpiece, "Ulysses," serves as a fitting introduction to the narrative-driven world of Ulysses hotel, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present.
Nestled in Baltimore's picturesque Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Ulysses hotel occupies a charming early 20th-century building amidst stately mansions. With 116 uniquely designed rooms, the hotel is a captivating tapestry woven from a rich blend of cultural references. From the elegance of Art Deco movie palaces and Victorian-era interiors to the romance of 1920s ocean liners and steam trains, and even the cinematic language of Baltimore icon John Waters, Ulysses immerses its guests in an environment that's equal parts delightfully campy and elegantly classical. It's a place that takes inspiration from Baltimore's quirks and contradictions, and it's the fourth property of the New York-based hotelier and design studio, Ash.
A Symphony of Local History, Art, and Adventure
Ash's approach to each of its hotels is a delightful symphony of local history, architecture, and the creative team's favorite films and artworks. At Ulysses, this concept manifests itself in an array of unexpected, lavish details. From an all-day café and two cocktail bars to a bespoke fragrance that fills the air, the hotel whisks guests away into a world bursting with drama, mystery, and playfulness.
The heart of Ulysses' hospitality is rooted in the idea that travel should be an adventure and a source of inspiration. This philosophy is mirrored in its name, paying homage to James Joyce's "Ulysses" and Homer's "Odyssey," two literary masterpieces that chronicle the peripatetic journeys of their protagonists. The name Ulysses also nods to the ship that carried Bavarian immigrants to Baltimore in 1838, a nod to the city's own rich history of migration.
Stepping into the hotel's ornate lobby is like entering a treasure trove of art and history. Mosaics inspired by the loggia of the Petit Palais in Paris grace the floor, alongside Baroque-style oil paintings and marble amphorae on matching marble plinths. These solemn elements set the stage for the exuberantly joyful spaces that await further exploration.
The Art Deco Splendor
The hotel's 116 guest rooms, spread across eight floors, offer a journey through time with four distinct color schemes: blush red, dark lemon, moss green, and teal blue. Each room oozes Art Deco charm, featuring four-poster beds with scalloped canopies, claw-foot bathtubs, and amphorae-shaped mirrors framed in burled wood. Playful touches include custom textiles with flamingo patterns, flamingo-shaped bedside tables inspired by John Waters's "Pink Flamingo" film, and handmade quilts inspired by Baltimore Album Quilts from the 19th century. Guests can decipher the quilts' invented visual language with the help of the hotel's daily newsletter. Every element in the rooms, from hand-beaded lampshades from Jaipur to custom-made bath products with fragrances of damask rose, nutmeg, carrot seed, and amber spice, is meticulously thought out, reflecting Ash's commitment to detail.
Art Deco aesthetics also shine in the Ash—Bar, an all-day café and bistro with a Continental menu. Inspired by the opulence of 1920s and 1930s ocean liners and steam train cars, the space features glossy burled wood paneling, rattan chairs, and embroidered red upholstery that transport guests to an era of languid cruising and European café culture.
Bloom's, the hotel's cocktail lounge, takes its name from Joyce's iconic protagonist and draws inspiration from 1920s cabarets and 1970s and early 1980s discos, reflecting Baltimore's vibrant nightlife. Mirrors, both on the central bar counter and covering walls and ceilings, create a seductive ambiance. The space is furnished with channel-tufted pink banquettes, fringed stools in purple velvet, and blood-red curtains hand-beaded in India—a captivating blend that could easily serve as a John Waters film set.
Adding to the hotel's eclectic charm is The Coral Wig, a tropical cocktail bar that channels the ambiance of 1980s-era Manila. With green velvet banquettes, hand-painted checkered flooring, amber stained glass, and a black walnut bar, it offers guests a unique escape. The bar is the creation of bartender and entrepreneur Lane Harlan and musician Matthew Pierce, known for redefining Baltimore's drinking scene. Their tropical-themed menu, featuring cocktails like the "Banana Hammock," "Manila Daquiri," and "Pray for Rain," alongside classics, is a testament to their diverse backgrounds and global inspirations. The presence of John Waters as a regular at Harlan and Pierce's venues adds an exciting element, giving Ulysses' guests the possibility of a chance encounter with the legendary filmmaker.
In a city known for its history, quirkiness, and vibrant arts scene, Ulysses hotel stands as a testament to Baltimore's unique character. With its blend of past and present, creativity and history, it offers guests an unforgettable journey through time and style—a true ode to the spirit of exploration and adventure that travel represents.
