Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Annapolis, MD

This comfortable, unstuffy hotel is typical of the Country Inn and Suites brand. It is an attractive option for families and adult travelers looking for an affordable stay near Annapolis, Maryland. Inside and out, it is clean and well-maintained, with appealing spaces that air on the side of homey instead of contemporary. The lobby is a cozy place with ivory walls and wood floors creating a backdrop for maritime accents. A brown leather sofa and chairs create a sitting area around a fireplace, all with a snug living room feel. The walls are full of black-and-white photos of sailboats, and there are a number of model boats around the room. A lending library for guests to peruse, and a station with free coffee, tea, and warm cookies (that give the lobby a lovely fragrance) add to the friendly vibe.

Country Inn and Suites by Carlton is a short way off Route 50 in Annapolis, Maryland, 13 minutes west of the US Naval Academy by car. A two-minute walk across the road there are a grocery store and several restaurants, plus a local bus stop. A bit farther down the road -- a four-minute drive -- is Westfield Annapolis Mall, a popular spot with the typical array of chain shops and eateries. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a 25-acre English village full of craft shops, food vendors, theaters, and a children’s area, all a seven-minute drive away. Nearby -- a 15-minute drive from the hotel -- guests may take boat tours of Chesapeake Bay, with a focus on the historic significance of the area. It is a 40-minute drive to Baltimore, and a 45-minute drive to downtown Washington, DC. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. A free shuttle is available evenings and on Saturdays to transport guests around the area. 

Standard rooms are old-fashioned and lackluster, but comfortable and well-appointed. The mostly neutral-tone rooms have carpeting, plaid curtains, striped bedskirts and armchairs, and a few paintings with a maritime theme adorning the walls. Wood furniture shows some wear and tear, but everything is clean and neat. All rooms have a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, microwave, and an iron, but there’s no safe for valuables. Suites offer a separate bedroom with a second TV and a sleeper sofa. Whirlpool rooms are a romantic option with a king-size bed, a fireplace, and a two-person whirlpool tub in the bedroom. Bathrooms are simple and spacious with a curtained shower/tub combo. A hairdryer is provided, and free toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. 

Features are limited, but check off the basics. The free breakfast buffet is served in a generic, comfortable space with a few black-and-white photographs giving a nod to the location. Typical choices like eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, waffles, fruit, and cereals are available. No other meals are offered on-site, but a station in the lobby provides free tea, coffee, and cookies baked in-house.

The indoor pool is a plus, though it is small and has limited hours, especially on weekdays, due to it being used for physical therapy. It is in a utilitarian room done in blue and white tile with a few chairs, but little done for comfort. It includes a separate hot tub with room for several people. The fitness room is tiny, housing a few cardio machines and one for weight training. Pets are welcome for a one-time fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.