Kent Island, St. Michaels or Hyatt Regency Cambridge?
We're a 50-something couple looking for a few nights in the fall to sit by the water, eat some good food and see some of the natural and historic surroundings. Not looking to spend a fortune, ideally in the $300ish a night range for a room with a view. I have narrowed it down to Kent Island, St. Michaels or possibly the Hyatt Regency. Anyone have any pros or cons for these options? Recommendations on hotels that might be in that price range? We can do Monday-Thursday presuming that makes things a little cheaper.
Thanks for any thoughts you have.
For a relaxing fall getaway in Maryland with water views, good food, and a mix of nature and history, all three areas you mentioned—Kent Island, St. Michaels, and Hyatt Regency Cambridge—offer slightly different experiences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Kent Island: This area is closest to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, making it convenient for getting in and out of the region. It’s quieter than St. Michaels and has a mix of smaller inns, B&Bs, and chain hotels. The views of the bay are lovely, especially around the eastern shore side of the island.
- Pros: Easy access to Annapolis and Easton, generally lower hotel prices, peaceful waterfront spots, some seafood restaurants with great views.
- Cons: Less “charming” or historic compared to St. Michaels, fewer boutique lodging options.
St. Michaels: This is a quintessential historic Eastern Shore town with cobblestone streets, maritime museums, boutique shopping, and excellent seafood restaurants. It has several charming inns and small hotels with waterfront views, perfect for a romantic, relaxing stay.
- Pros: Historic charm, walkable town, excellent dining options, more boutique or unique lodging choices, many waterfront rooms available.
- Cons: Can be pricier than Kent Island, especially on weekends; parking can be tight in the town center; more touristy in peak seasons (though fall is quieter).
Hyatt Regency Cambridge: Located just across the river from Baltimore on the Cambridge side, this is more of a resort-style hotel with modern amenities and typically larger rooms. It may offer a quieter stay with some waterfront views, but it doesn’t have the small-town charm or historic feel of St. Michaels.
- Pros: Reliable service and amenities, larger rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, easy parking, possibly better deals midweek.
- Cons: Less character and historic appeal, can feel more corporate, dining on-site may be standard rather than unique local cuisine.
Additional tips:
- Consider midweek stays (Monday-Thursday) for better rates and fewer crowds.
- For your budget of around $300 per night with a view, St. Michaels might require booking early to secure a waterfront room, but Kent Island and the Hyatt could more easily fit this range.
- If dining and town charm are priorities, St. Michaels wins. If convenience and a modern hotel experience are more important, Hyatt Regency Cambridge is solid. For quiet and reasonably priced waterfront stays, Kent Island is a good compromise.
Other recommended options in your price range might include boutique inns or B&Bs in St. Michaels or nearby Easton, which often have a personal touch and excellent views without the higher resort rates.
