Ulysses Hotel in Baltimore: A Blend of History and Modern Design

A newly opened hotel in Baltimore, Ulysses, is revitalizing a historic, Italian Renaissance–inspired building.

Introduction to Ulysses Hotel

Ulysses, the fourth property by New York–based hotel brand Ash, opened its doors on September 21 in the city’s elegant Mount Vernon neighborhood. The hotel resides in a building dating back to 1912, which was once described by the Baltimore Sun as “fitted with many of the latest conveniences” and having “many quarters especially designed for bachelors.”

Design Inspiration and Aesthetic

“Ulysses seeks to be a magnet and a home base for Baltimore-curious out-of-towners while also serving as a day and night headquarters for Baltimoreans seeking high culture with a dash of debauchery,” Ari S. Heckman, CEO of Ash, stated.

The hotel’s name references the ship that brought Bavarian immigrants to Baltimore at the turn of the century, serving as a creative ode to the city’s unique characteristics. Its distinct design aesthetic, created by Ash, is inspired by art deco palaces and the work of legendary movie director and Baltimore resident John Waters.

Guest Experience and Offerings

Each of the 116 rooms and suites features custom bath toiletries, hand-beaded lampshades, custom textiles, and tapestry-like draperies with references to Turkey, India, and Lebanon. Handmade quilts in the style of the famous Baltimore album quilts cover the beds and become the focal point of each guest room.

The eclectic bathrooms come with custom vanities, uniquely shaped mirrors, and clawfoot bathtubs, while all rooms are outfitted in one of four distinct color schemes—red, yellow, green, and blue.

Guests experience varied atmospheres depending on the room, creating a unique adventure with each stay. “You could have the same [category] room as your friend or colleague and have a completely different experience,” expressed Will Cooper, Chief Creative Officer of Ash.

The public spaces draw on historic architecture, with the lobby incorporating a beautiful mosaic at the entrance that pays homage to the loggia of the Petit Palais in Paris.

The hotel’s Ash Bar and Bloom’s bar align perfectly with Ash’s philosophy of merging “the best stuff of the Old World, made suddenly new,” as stated by Cooper. The Ash Bar serves contemporary fare and cocktails in a dining room inspired by steam train cars and ocean liners of the 1920s and 1930s.

Guest rooms at Ulysses start at $169 a night, offering a unique opportunity to experience Baltimore from a historic yet modern perspective.