Dave4120 Posted June 14, 2014 #1 Share Posted June 14, 2014 We will be cruising out of Baltimore and will be staying at a hotel near the airport that also provides Shuttle service to and back from the cruise port. So, we thought it would be nice to take the train from New York's Penn Station to the Amtrak station at the Baltimore airport. Then it would only be a short ride by cab to our hotel and back after our cruise. Has anyone ever taken the train from Penn Station in NY to the Amtrak station at the Baltimore airport? I know there is also a Penn Station for Amtrak in Baltimore too. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megr1125 Posted June 14, 2014 #2 Share Posted June 14, 2014 (edited) Yes..well...not from NY Penn (from Trenton though, close enough) What's your question?? If you're staying at a BWI area hotel, chances are really good that they will pick up at BWI Airport Rail station too.... If you tell me which one, I probably can tell you.... Just put their number in your phone, and call....it's eh, 5-10 ish minutes from the airport to the rail station...there ARE buses from the BWI station TO the airport but i generally call the hotel shuttle, unless it's really cold or hot, then if the airport bus is there, i will hop on that, and go to the airport itself.. I know that they Hyatt Place, the various Marriott flavors and the Westin/Sheraton do pick up there as well as some over by Arundel Mills so I would guess that ALL hotels will go to the rail station... There's a waiting room with a news stand too, you'll get off the train, go up and over, and down to get to the parking lot area where the shuttle will come....it will make sense when you get there. There will be plenty of cabs, so that is not a problem....but check, I bet your hotel will pick you up ...and many will also shuttle you to some local places to eat... Edited June 14, 2014 by megr1125 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng23 Posted June 14, 2014 #3 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I agree with Meg. Most of the hotels in the BWI Hotel District/Area have their shuttles make pick ups and drop offs at the BWI Amtrak Station. Some of these hotels also use their shuttles to take you to the port. I just stayed at the Hampton Inn BWI and their shuttle took cruise passengers to and from the ship. I think using Amtrak is a great idea as long as you build in a little cushion time wise (it seems that you have). No where near the stress of flying, it's comfortable, and you have a nice view out the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 14, 2014 Author #4 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Hi again everyone. Thanks for the help so far. Wasn't sure what hotel to choose and if we should have stayed downtown or near the airport. Anyway. Even though I can cancel the hotel room, we are currently booked at the Best Western Plus on Dorsey Road in Elkbridge. They have a Park and Cruise option that I took, even though we don't have a car to park since we will arrive by train. This hotel provides transportation with this package from the hotel to the cruise port, and cruise port back to the hotel. However, they do not provide transportation to and from the airport even though they are close to the airport. I thought the cruise package made sense for the included transportation from hotel to cruise port and back. And even though it did not provide transportation to and from the airport, I thought the hotel was close enough that finding our own transportation from the Amtrak station at the airport to the hotel and back would not cost that much. I'm open to anything as I might be doing this wrong. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megr1125 Posted June 14, 2014 #5 Share Posted June 14, 2014 (edited) http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/MD/Elkridge-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-PLUS-Baltimore-Washington-Airport/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=21028 I suggest glasses there Dave.. Take a look-see at the amenities from their website....maybe 1/3 of the way down on the left...:p;):D It's a decent choice,....not much around.....you can also check the Hampton Inn Glen Burnie...there are things to walk to, and they should have a shuttle, and also to the pier. Cab from the pier area to the airport area is around $35 plus tip...so you COULD look around some more and NOT lock in to getting a shuttle You can also just stay downtown too! Cab from the station in town to most of the hotels should be 10-15 bucks and then about 10-15 bucks from the Inner Harbor area to the pier. We stayed in Harbor East at the Courtyard and cab fare was in think 14 bucks plus tip.... I prefer the Renaissance or the Marriott Waterfront....or even the Hilton to the CY...but there are plenty of choices in town. Again, SKIP the Best Western on O'Donnell street...trust us!! If you can find a hotel in the Inner Harbor area you're better off...no sense going out to the airport unless you're really trying to save on the hotel...... . Edited June 14, 2014 by megr1125 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trixiegal Posted June 14, 2014 #6 Share Posted June 14, 2014 (edited) How much is it to stay at this Best Western? If the price is right, keep that reservation. Inner Harbor hotels will be more expensive. It is NOT the Best Western on O'Donnell. It's in a suburb very close to the airport. And, yes, it's in a residential and business park area so not much directly around the hotel but the Arundel Mills outlet mall is only 4 minutes away with everything you need (and a casino!). I'd call and ask if the hotel shuttle goes there. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Edited June 14, 2014 by trixiegal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megr1125 Posted June 14, 2014 #7 Share Posted June 14, 2014 How much is it to stay at this Best Western? If the price is right, keep that reservation. Inner Harbor hotels will be more expensive. It is NOT the Best Western on O'Donnell. It's in a suburb very close to the airport. And, yes, it's in a residential and business park area so not much directly around the hotel but the Arundel Mills outlet mall is only 4 minutes away with everything you need (and a casino!). I'd call and ask if the hotel shuttle goes there. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Yes, this BW is decent.....and I wouldn't be surprised if the hotel shuttle went over to Arundel Mills...actually some of the hotels there are great too, though I don't think any will have a shuttle to the pier available.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 14, 2014 Author #8 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Hi Again all...this Best Western Plus that I have our current reservation is on Dorsey Road in Elkbridge and not the less than favorable Best Western Plus on O' Donnell Street that all of you advised against. The cruise package with room and shuttle round trip from hotel to port and back was $135.00. I am not overly concerned about changing to a hotel at the Inner Harbor that cost more. We just want a nice, clean hotel, at a location that will make transfers from the Amtrak train station to hotel easy and not stressful, and transfers from the hotel to the cruise port and back the least stressful. For some reason I just do handle a lot of commotion that we'll, if that's even a good reason. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng23 Posted June 14, 2014 #9 Share Posted June 14, 2014 (edited) Hi Again all...this Best Western Plus that I have our current reservation is on Dorsey Road in Elkbridge and not the less than favorable Best Western Plus on O' Donnell Street that all of you advised against. The cruise package with room and shuttle round trip from hotel to port and back was $135.00. I am not overly concerned about changing to a hotel at the Inner Harbor that cost more. We just want a nice, clean hotel, at a location that will make transfers from the Amtrak train station to hotel easy and not stressful, and transfers from the hotel to the cruise port and back the least stressful. For some reason I just do handle a lot of commotion that we'll, if that's even a good reason. Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app If you were to decide to stay in the Inner Harbor area it would be better to take Amtrak to Baltimore Penn Station instead of to BWI. Although the BWI Airport Amtrak Station is near the airport, it's not like it is connected to the airport. To get to the terminal you have to take a taxi or a free shuttle bus. As you mention that it is not a big factor to you to stay at a bit more expensive hotel the Inner Harbor might just be your ticket. There is no shortage of nice, clean, close to dinning and entertainment choices in the Inner Harbor area. The main thing with Inner Harbor hotels is they generally do not have the shuttles. You would need to use taxi's to get from Penn Station to the hotel and then a cab to the cruise terminal. Meg posted pretty accurate taxi rates. Edited June 14, 2014 by Eng23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 14, 2014 Author #10 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Thanks again for all of this info. Even though I mentioned that the higher cost of a hotel at the Inner Harbor wasn't an issue, if it is the best option for smoothness of everything, I'm fine with it. However, if all of you feel the higher priced room and round trip cab fares to and from the airport and cruise port make more sense than a hotel away from the Inner Harbor that includes the shuttle service I will now explore and probably switch. I figure an Inner Harbor hotel and the cab fares will end up about $250 more than those suburban hotels with shuttle included. It's not the money...just trying to justify what is better or smoother for that additional amount. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng23 Posted June 15, 2014 #11 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Thanks again for all of this info. Even though I mentioned that the higher cost of a hotel at the Inner Harbor wasn't an issue, if it is the best option for smoothness of everything, I'm fine with it. However, if all of you feel the higher priced room and round trip cab fares to and from the airport and cruise port make more sense than a hotel away from the Inner Harbor that includes the shuttle service I will now explore and probably switch. I figure an Inner Harbor hotel and the cab fares will end up about $250 more than those suburban hotels with shuttle included. It's not the money...just trying to justify what is better or smoother for that additional amount. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Taxi fares really are not that bad to be honest. Anyway, I can give you my experience from earlier this year. I sailed on the Carnival Pride in March. Baltimore is an easy drive for me, I stayed at the Hampton Inn BWI. This hotel is in what is called the BWI Hotel Zone, I stayed one night pre cruise and parked my car there for the week. The hotel has a shuttle that does pick up at the BWI Rail Station. On the day of my cruise the hotel shuttle took me to the ship and then after the cruise was at the pier waiting to bring me back to the hotel. The shuttle was no extra charge. The rate I paid was a park and stay rate, but since you would not be parking a car you would just need a room. The room rates at this hotel range from $89 to the $135 I paid for the park and stay. There are also some restaurants nearby the Hampton Inn that the hotel shuttle will take you to (within a 2-4 mile radius) and bring you back. I know there are a lot of options for you to consider but you do have a fairly sound plan already by taking Amtrak. I take Amtrak frequently to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore from Virginia and really like that mode of travel. Good luck with what ever decision you make and by all means keep asking for advice! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #12 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Sounds like staying at the Hampton BWI is a decent option even if I pay a bit more for the park and cruise option. At least that way, we will have their shuttle pick us up at the Amtrak station near the airport and bring us back from the hotel, plus, with the park and cruise option we will have their shuttle to and from the cruise port. That way everything is done right through the hotel. I assume this Hampton is in decent shape? I know a couple of them have outstanding reviews and some don't. Thanks again. On to the final research. Dave Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng23 Posted June 15, 2014 #13 Share Posted June 15, 2014 (edited) Sounds like staying at the Hampton BWI is a decent option even if I pay a bit more for the park and cruise option. At least that way, we will have their shuttle pick us up at the Amtrak station near the airport and bring us back from the hotel, plus, with the park and cruise option we will have their shuttle to and from the cruise port. That way everything is done right through the hotel. I assume this Hampton is in decent shape? I know a couple of them have outstanding reviews and some don't. Thanks again. On to the final research. Dave Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app It is in good shape. It is all interior corridors, the lobby has been updated, and the staff is probably the best you could have. They were very accomodating and very friendly. The hotel does not have a lot of bells and whistles like pools or hot tubs. There is a breakfast area they set up in the morning. I have stayed at this hotel multiple times and never had a bad stay. I'm pretty sure that you wouldn't pay the park and stay price since you will not have a car. You would just pay a regular room rate that is available and still have the hotel shuttle take you to the ship. You should also check some of the other BWI area hotels, they are pretty much clustered in the same area. All of the major hotel chains are represented and you might find a better deal at one of these other properties. Edited June 15, 2014 by Eng23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #14 Share Posted June 15, 2014 We'll, not wanting to drive all of you crazy, we have, for better or worse, decided that since we are taking the Amtrak, we are going to stay outside of the downtown and Inner Harbor, and stay at a hotel near the Amtrak station by the airport. At least that part is out of the way. Now, I will review some of the airport area hotels many of you were kind enough to suggest, along with some of my own detective work. At this point it will just boil down to what hotel can provide us with shuttle service to and from the train station and cruise port. Hopefully that hotel or hotels also has nice clean rooms and not a run down, dirty and musty smelling hotel. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megr1125 Posted June 15, 2014 #15 Share Posted June 15, 2014 We are all already crazy...at least I am :eek::D 99% of the airport hotels are fine...some are a little older but have been redone...you may have to call some direct to see if their shuttle will take you to the pier...most will likely NOT since they make regular airport runs...but you never know Come back if you have more questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #16 Share Posted June 15, 2014 After making some phone calls, it seems as though both the Holiday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn, both in Hanover, Maryland, a short 2 to 4 miles from the airport said they would both provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the Amtrak station near the BWI airport. They also said they both provide cruise and park packages to and from the cruise port. So, in guess either one of these hotels can provide what we want. I told them we don't have a car to park, but they both said we still have to pay the cruise and park package price if we want to take their shuttle. Oh we'll. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megr1125 Posted June 15, 2014 #17 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Just for giggles, price out the cheapest, cancellable rate, and then tack on say....$100 bucks to cover round trip cab (including tip - that's probably on the high side..) and see what you come up with... All of the hotels there essentially, will pick you up at the airport rail station, but not all will take you to the pier, nor offer packages...it may work out a little cheaper.....just food for thought... The HIExpress isn't bad, there are a couple restaurants close by, actually there is I think a Denny's attached...and maybe something else...but the shuttle would possibly take you elsewhere... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #18 Share Posted June 15, 2014 I see The Hampton Inn just down the road from that Holiday Inn Express gets even better reviews, is cheaper by $30 for the room, and is right across the street from that mall. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megr1125 Posted June 15, 2014 #19 Share Posted June 15, 2014 I see The Hampton Inn just down the road from that Holiday Inn Express gets even better reviews, is cheaper by $30 for the room, and is right across the street from that mall. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Arundel? Go for it...it's nice, not too old and next to the Towne Place Suites that I really like There's TONS of stuff in that mall, PLUS the casino...and there is a Safeway (grocery) and liquor store that the shuttle will take you to (they're on the other side of the mall, not far..) That's a great choice...I think you'll like it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #20 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Yes, that is the mall. I think this project is about complete. Now, on to the next project. Right after we come back from our 8 night cruise out of Baltimore, we have a two week break, then cruise to Europe for the first time out of Barcelona for 13 nights. More fun exploring hotels, and airfare for our 3night stay in Barcelona prior to our cruise. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #21 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Sometimes I wonder about hotel desk people. Now the Hampton BWI Airport Hotel just called me back and said they made a mistake and since they share there shuttle with 4 other hotels, they do not provide any cruise port shuttle service, nor offer any cruise and park packages. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trixiegal Posted June 15, 2014 #22 Share Posted June 15, 2014 I'd go with the HI express then. Yes, there is a Denny's on the property and it's up the road from Arundel Mills and a Safeway, Walmart, sam's Club, Costco and much more. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 15, 2014 Author #23 Share Posted June 15, 2014 We have narrowed it down to the Holiday Inn Express in Hanover for $164 that includes free shuttle to and from the Amtrak Station near the BWI airport AND, round trip shuttle to and from the cruise port, OR, The Best Western Plus on DORSEY RD in Elkbridge, NOT, O'Donnell Street for $135 with the same shuttle services. The Best Western Plus actually gets much higher reviews than the Holiday Inn Express and I'm a HI Express member. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trixiegal Posted June 15, 2014 #24 Share Posted June 15, 2014 I guess it depends on if you want to be closest to shopping or not. The Best Western is very close to where I live and locals love The Stained Glass Pub that shares a parking lot with the BW. I'm personally not big on BW and prefer Holiday Inns or Choice hotels like Comfort Suites because I get perks. However, the reviews are good for that location. I'd ask if they have a shuttle to the casino/outlet mall but only if that's important to you. It's only 5-10 min away. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave4120 Posted June 16, 2014 Author #25 Share Posted June 16, 2014 I did reserve both the Best Western Plus and Holiday Inn Express, for now. I will cancel one of them way in advance, as our cruise isn't until next april 10th. I have never been in a Best Western in my life, but many Holiday Inn Express Hotels. Maybe I will look into a comfort Suites in the same area too. Right now, both the Best Western Plus, and Holiday Inn Express provide FREE shuttle service from the Amtrak Train Station near BWi Airport, both provide round trip shuttle to the cruise port with their Park and Cruise Package, and, both provide FREE shuttle to all of the stores and restaurants in the area including that Arundel Mills Mall. So, If everything on paper looks identical including both being fairly close to one another, I assume it would boil down to difference in price; size, cleanliness, and newness of room, beds and bathrooms...at least for us. I'm sure there are some decent restaurant's near both hotels? We probably won't be doing much more than checking in, resting a bit, going to dinner, then retiring a bit earlier than normal, so, any other factors might not apply to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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