The shores of Chesapeake Bay, Ocean Beach and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offer several inviting waterfront properties. Here are four standout options for groups.
The Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa boasts two marinas as well as waterfront dining at three restaurants. The property also features a spa and debuting this year, the Waters Edge, a new beachfront event venue with a dance floor on the beach and a beach bar.
“Our location creates that ‘waterfront getaway destination’ feeling for meetings and corporate outings that a lot of planners are seeking for planning their clients’ events,” says Lori Kirby-Medlin, director of sales at the property.
Also new is the Creekside Patio, which provides an additional deck area for waterside cocktail receptions.
The resort is flush with venue sites and activity options, including charter fishing, boating and a variety of watersports.
“We have been hard at work to improve our entire beach area to be able to provide more waterfront activities for all our guests,” says Wesley Donovan, vice president of the resort. “We are excited to debut all the new venues this year.”
The 400-room Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina spans 342 acres along the Choptank River and features an on-site spa.
The resort takes advantage of its location near J.M. Clayton’s, the world’s oldest crab house.
“Our outdoor crab feasts are a real crowd pleaser because they give people the chance to experience this incredibly fun Eastern Shore tradition that is as much about socializing as it is about savoring some of the best crab meat you’ll ever taste,” says Chris Levine, director of sales and marketing at the resort.
There is also access to a private nature preserve and optional water activities such as kayaking.
Overlooking the Inner Harbor, Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore features rooftop space for receptions.
“The hotel really offers an intimate group experience with a very high level of personal service and without the big box convention hotel feel,” says Bob Haislip, general manager of the hotel. “The view of the harbor and skyline from throughout the property is truly spectacular.”
On-site is an apiary run by the resort’s executive chef, who is also a beekeeper. Honey from the resort’s hives can be incorporated into banquet menus seasonally. The rooftop and courtyard area has also expanded to include an herb garden.
Optional group activities include a moonlight pub crawl, dinner cruises on the Inner Harbor and a culinary challenge.
The family-owned and operated Herrington Harbour Marina Resorts prides itself on eco-minded practices.
“We have preserved and restored this marina from a dilapidated facility into the eco-lifestyle waterfront resort consisting of over 700 acres of preserved land,” says Anna Chaney, whose father purchased the property in 1977.
Cuisine served at the 30-room resort is sourced from local farmers and fishers. The property also has private beaches, which can be used by groups, and fishing charters can be arranged.
