With its scenic location along the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s capital, Annapolis, is a popular day trip destination from Washington, D.C. (just 45 minutes away). But with the opening of 86 State Circle, a new boutique hotel, visitors now have a compelling reason to linger a little longer in the historic waterfront town.
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The hotels main dining room.
Located across the street from the Maryland State House, 86 State Circle overtook the former 19th-century home of Alexander Randall, who served as the state’s attorney general. The original house has gone through many iterations before becoming a nine-room boutique hotel that still retains the feeling of a private residence.
The transformation was led by Severn Grove Hospitality Group, whose founders, Clinton Ramsden and Cody Monroe—both graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis—are deeply invested in preserving the town’s architecturally significant buildings. 86 State Circle is the newest addition to their portfolio, which already includes several historic hotels in Maryland’s capital: 134 Prince, Flag House Inn, and 1313 West.
Checking into 86 State Circle is like visiting a friend’s home—there’s no front desk (the innkeeper greets you upon arrival) and no keys (guests are given a code to access their room). Additionally, the downstairs speakeasy-inspired bar, The Black Pearl, serves cocktails exclusively to hotel guests.
The nine rooms and suites are named after key figures in Maryland history, including writer Edgar Allan Poe, Queen Anne, and William Paca. Many of the townhouse’s original 19th-century details and craftsmanship have been preserved, including the tall ceilings and oversized windows, ornate millwork, period moldings, and wainscoting. Yet the interiors are modern and sophisticated, with serene, spa-like decor including neutral furnishings, matte metals, ambient lights, soaking tubs, and heated bathroom floors. An inviting front porch and a double parlor on the first floor serve as the hotel’s common areas.
Until breakfast service becomes available, guests can grab coffee down the street, at Old Fox Books & Brown Mustache Coffee, and indulge in pastries from Cocoa and Pearl Bakery, which serves freshly baked goods from a docked boat. A coffee cart, Oscar’s Coffee, is parked nearby.
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The Black Pearl is a guest exclusive invitation-only lounge.
No visit to Annapolis is complete without a sail on the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel has partnered with Darling Charters, a woman-owned and captained company, which offers bespoke sailings for couples and small groups, featuring charcuterie spreads, wine, and cashmere throws.
After a sundown sail, stop for crabs and local brews at the always buzzy The Choptank. Or dine at one of Annapolis’ best restaurants, Leo, serving a sophisticated take on seafood classics like blue catfish dip and roasted oysters, along with some unique dishes, such as Susquehanna snakehead.
Nightly rates at 86 State Circle start from $399, and you can book your stay at 88statecircle.com.
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