I spent a night at the 1840s Carrollton Inn in Baltimore with Minje, and it turned out to be a really lovely little escape! Tucked into the Jonestown area right by Little Italy, this boutique inn is all old-Baltimore charm, think historic brick buildings, individually themed rooms, and a made-to-order breakfast that comes with your stay.
We booked the Scholars Room, and between the super comfy bed, the massive tub, and the plate of chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us, it felt like a proper treat. If you’re looking for a romantic staycation or a charming home base to explore Baltimore from, this spot’s a lovely pick. Quick heads up before you book, it recently changed owners and now goes by The Oaks Inn Baltimore at 1840s Plaza, but a lot of folks still know it as the Carrollton Inn.
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What Makes the 1840s Carrollton Inn So Special?
What sets this place apart is that it feels nothing like a cookie-cutter hotel. It’s a boutique inn with 13 individually named and themed rooms spread across a cluster of historic Federal-style buildings, so no two stays are quite the same. The whole complex is full of history, it sits right next to the Carroll Mansion (the inn’s named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence), and one of the buildings even has a salvaged cast-iron facade that survived the Great Baltimore Fire. Add in a full breakfast with every room and a location steps from Little Italy, and you’ve got a stay that actually feels special.
What to Book at the 1840s Carrollton Inn
Here’s what a stay actually looks like, and what I’d prioritize.
The Scholars Room ($375)
We stayed in the Scholars Room (205) and it was lovely, super clean and cozy with a really comfortable bed. The bathroom had this huge tub that I happily made use of, and we asked for plush robes and just lounged around. It runs around $375 a night, a little less midweek, so it’s a splurge, but for a special occasion it’s worth it. Every room’s different, so if you’re particular about the look, peek at the options when you book.
The Breakfast (Included)
Every room comes with a full made-to-order breakfast for two, which is such a nice touch. You mark what you want on a sheet that hangs on your door, then enjoy it in your room, out in the courtyard, or in their dining parlor. Options run from pancakes and French toast to omelettes and fresh fruit. The omelette was solid and the fruit was tasty, not a gourmet spread, but having a hot breakfast included and brought to you? Love that!
The Little Touches
The details are really what make it. Rooms come with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, there were chocolate covered strawberries waiting when we arrived (yum), and you can even request coffee or tea service ahead of time. It’s the kind of place that leans into the romance, so it’s perfect for an anniversary or a treat-yourself weekend. If I’m nitpicking, it’s a splurge, and it also serves as a wedding and event venue, so that’s worth keeping in mind when you book.
What’s the Difference Between the Carrollton Inn and 1840s Plaza?
If you’re booking and getting thrown off by the names, here’s the deal. The 1840s Carrollton Inn is the boutique hotel side, where you book the overnight rooms, at 50 Albemarle Street. The 1840s Plaza (around the corner at 29 S Front Street) is the event and wedding venue side of the same historic complex. Same owners, same block, two different functions. For a stay, you want the inn.
The Vibe and Experience
The vibe is quiet, historic, and romantic, more tucked-away retreat than big-hotel energy. You’re right in Jonestown, an easy stroll from Little Italy and a short hop to the Inner Harbor, so it’s a great base for a Baltimore weekend. There’s a free private parking lot right by the building too, which, if you know Baltimore parking, is a real gift. If you want something fun to do while you’re down there, The Sound Garden, the iconic record shop over in Fells Point, is a cool one to add to the itinerary.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 50 Albemarle Street, Baltimore, MD, in Jonestown by Little Italy.
- Rooms: 13 individually themed boutique rooms, most with a whirlpool tub and fireplace. Nightly rates roughly run $250 to $475.
- Breakfast: A made-to-order breakfast for two is included with every room.
- Check-in / out: Check in at 3pm, check out at 11am.
- Parking: Free private lot next to the building, first come first served, with paid overflow a block away.
- Booking tip: Book direct and you can snag 20% off within 24 hours of arrival.
- Heads up: Recently acquired by the Black-owned Oaks Hospitality Group and now operating as The Oaks Inn Baltimore at 1840s Plaza. Same property, and the site’s still 1840splaza.com.
Is the 1840s Carrollton Inn Worth Booking?
Yes, especially for a special occasion! It’s a splurge, so I wouldn’t call it an everyday stay, but for an anniversary, a birthday, or just a romantic night away from the usual, the charm and the little touches make it worth it. We had an absolute blast, and that’s exactly what a staycation’s supposed to deliver. If you want to keep the cozy Baltimore vibes going the next morning, grab coffee and pastries at Pitango Bakery and Cafe in Fells Point.
Have you guys stayed at the 1840s Carrollton Inn, or is it on your list now? Let me know in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’ve got a favorite Baltimore staycation spot, I’m always taking recs. Save this one for your next date night away.