USA's prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture was built in 1914. It's the Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées of America if you wish. Back then, it cost $1 million to build the Recreation Pier, which served as a landing point for immigrants arriving in the USA.
After it closed operations in 1937, the landmark building became a socializing platform with a rooftop playground and hosted a maritime radio station.
By the end of the 1990s, "Rec Pier" was abandoned, and it took nearly two decades to restore the historic building completely.
The century-old structure was cleaned of asbestos and lead paint and transformed to become one of the most iconic buildings of the historic waterfront neighborhood, Fell's Point.
Today, this part of the hotel houses the Rec Pier Chop House restaurant and the Cannon Room, while the rooms of Sagamore Pendry Baltimore are in a newly built extension where the piers used to be.
Rec Pier Chop House
The hotel's signature restaurant opens from the lounge, and the culinary experience is guaranteed to be top-notch by Andrew Carmellini - Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur.
The food is inspired by the simple and classic dishes from Italian chophouses, served in an elegant setting with extra high ceilings and exposed metal frames of the historic building that were meticulously restored.
The Cannon Room
The hotel's 128 guest rooms face the garden courtyard or the harbor, and some even the waterfront pool deck. The divided-light windows stretch from floor to ceiling, providing a great panorama. With mahogany furniture and brass décor, the hotel interior pays homage to the building's heritage.
The Sagamore Suite
Courtyard
Fernando Botero's (Colombian artist with a unique style) "Horse and Bridle" stands over 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) tall, 12 feet (3.7 meters) long, and weighs over 3500 pounds (1.6 tonnes). This monumental bronze sculpture is the prominent decoration of the courtyard.
Besides the impressive art piece, the unique industrial structures frame the 4,000-square-foot (372 square meters) space where you can admire the details of this historic building while sipping a drink by a fireplace.
The Pool
The hotel's focal point, where socializing becomes a fun activity, even for introverts, is the Recreation Pier's outdoor deck facing the harbor. Here, the centrally placed swimming pool extends to the marina surrounded by sunbeds, plus an array of private cabanas on one side and a cocktail bar on the other.
1715 Thames Street, Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
