Originally constructed as a parking garage in the 1960s, this funky 12-story property received a full makeover in 2014 after it was acquired by Modus Hotels group, a boutique hotel management company based out of Washington, D.C. The hotel brands itself as an “urban playground” and features modern industrial elements -- think graffiti, aluminum bar stools, and faux brick wallpaper -- and gives a nod to musical artists from Baltimore. Large black-and-white portraits of local musicians like Frank Zappa, Mama Cass, and Adam Duritz (of Counting Crows) are featured throughout the hotel.

The airy lobby is home to a small convenience store, a lounge area with an Apple computer station, and a bar that carries local wines and beers, called RedBAR. As part of the hotel’s concept to promote the local downtown community, a Baltimore artist (Michael Owen) painted murals on walls throughout the lobby. A free breakfast buffet is served daily in a 12th floor dining room, which offers nice views of the surrounding city.  

Brookshire Suites has one of the best locations in the city for tourists and business travelers. The hotel is just over a block from major museums and attractions along the waterfront, including two malls (The Gallery and Harborplace Mall), which are filled with retail clothing shops and restaurants (several of them waterfront). In addition, the Baltimore Convention Center is about three blocks from the hotel. For easy access to other areas of the harbor, there is a water taxi located just up the street, and the free Charm City Circulator bus stops one block away. 

• Seven-minute walk to the National Aquarium
• Seven-minute walk to the Baltimore Convention Center
• 11-minute drive to Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University
• 12-minute walk to Oriole Park at Camden Yards
• 15-minute drive to Baltimore Airport (BWI)

The 97 rooms at Brookshire Suites are divided into Studio Suites, One-Bedroom Suites, and Corner Suites, which range from 200 to 450 square feet, respectively. All units include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, work desk, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, microwave, and wetbar. Bathrooms have shower-tub combos and eco-friendly bath products. Every One-Bedroom Suite comes with a sleeper sofa in the living room. Design-wise, the rooms have a minimalist and contemporary feel with gray chevron curtains, gray carpeting, and gray and white walls. Funky sections of paint-splattered-on-brick wallpaper and portraits of local musicians add some flavor to the rooms.

With the notable exception of a parking lot, Brookshire Suites has all the basic amenities covered. Guests can take advantage of a lobby convenience store (grab-and-go meals are available), a modest 24-hour fitness center, coin-operated laundry room, public computer station, and a cozy lounge bar. Other perks include free Wi-Fi, discounted passes to an off-site fitness center, and a free breakfast buffet served in a scenic dining room on the 12th floor. The top floor can also be rented for private events for up to 125 people.