Hotel in Arundel Preserve · Hanover, MD
You don’t need to take a flight to feel like you’re getting away from it all. Your guide to one of the best gastronomic holidays in the mid-Atlantic.
Sometimes the best trip is the one closest to home. We spent two nights and three days at the Arundel Preserve Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, eating incredible food, staying in a beautiful suite, and never wishing we were anywhere else.
Arundel Preserve Hotel at a Glance The hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover, Maryland. | Photo: Better Living Hanover, Maryland
Travel at a glance
The basics
📍Address: 7795 Arundel Mills Boulevard, Hanover, MD 21076
🏨Rooms: Newly renovated rooms and suites
🅿️Parking: Covered garage on site · $10/day
🐾Pets accepted: Yes · PAWs Program
🏊Pool: All-season interior · 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
💪Aptitude: Fitness center open 24 hours a day
🚐Shuttle: Free for BWI, Arundel Mills and LIVE! Casino
Get here
Philadelphia: Less than 2 hours
Baltimore: 10 miles
Washington DC: 24 miles
Annapolis: 21 miles
IBW Airport: A few minutes away
Good to know
🍽️ Two restaurants on site, both with outdoor terraces
🎰 Maryland LIVE! The casino is 0.6 km away
🛍️ Arundel Mills Mall is less than a mile away
🌿 LEED Silver certified · eco-friendly property
🌄 Views of unspoilt nature from suites on upper floors
✈️ Park & Stay Package available for BWI travelers
Why we chose a stay this summer The Hotel’s Grillfire Patio at Arundel Preserve in Summer | Photo: Better Living Between rising airline prices, baggage fees, and the general chaos of summer travel, we found ourselves wanting to get away without going very far. A few years of exploring the mid-Atlantic have taught us something useful: you don’t have to travel far to feel far away. A great hotel, delicious food and a suite you don’t want to leave will recharge you every time.
If you want to get away for a few days, eat delicious meals, sip cocktails on the terrace, go shopping and relax in a comfortable new hotel, The hotel at Arundel reserve is the place. It’s an easy drive, less than two hours from Philadelphia, and you feel like you’re on the other side of the world. For the quality of the food and the amenities of the rooms, the hotel and two restaurants offer incredible value for money.
The hotel at Arundel Preserve checked every box before we even packed our bags. It’s five minutes from Maryland LIVE! Casino, walking distance to Arundel Mills Mall and right next to a quiet nature preserve. The hotel recently completed a complete renovation and we love that fresh hotel smell. But honestly, what sealed the deal was the menus.
Two restaurants, both run by the George Martin group, both with outdoor terraces and both offering menus that we had already researched before our arrival. We love Mexican food and the menu at Añejo Rose Cantina and Tequila Bar sounded like our kind of place. Grillfire had something for everyone for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The portions, one would learn, are substantial. We came home with leftovers and were still working on them as we wrote this.
The Suite Hotel in Arundel Preserve suite room | Photo: Better Living The entire arrival process was seamless from start to finish. Before we even left the house, the hotel sent emails confirming our parking and allowing us to check in in advance. So by the time we arrived everything was already sorted. No stress, just a quick confirmation, collect the keys and go. You can tell the rooms are recently renovated. Walking in and seeing the bathrobes, slippers, and premium Illy coffee waiting was the kind of detail that immediately elevates the entire experience. The bed was very comfortable and we slept very well both nights.
The sequel. Two dresses waiting, the reserve right in front of the windows. | Photo: Better Living We stayed in a two-room suite, which turned out to be the perfect setup for a stay like this. The second bedroom had a full sofa, wet bar, desk, and its own bathroom, so there was plenty of space to spread out and relax between meals. There were two mini fridges which were really useful for all the leftovers we brought back from both restaurants. Plenty of sockets and charging stations for all our devices.
Illy coffee, a fluffy bathrobe and nowhere to be. It’s energy. | Photo: Better Living The tub in the master bathroom was pure relaxation. The rain shower with river stone flooring was luxurious. And the unspoiled view from the living room windows was the part we didn’t see coming. We watched hawks roost on the roofs, songbirds in the trees, swallows come closer to the window. A truly peaceful way to start each morning with coffee in your bathrobe, without being particularly rushed to be anywhere.
💡 Tip: Ask for a suite or a room on a higher floor facing the reserve. The view of the wildlife is worth it and the rooms are very quiet.
The hall and the property The newly renovated lobby of the Hotel at Arundel Preserve. | Photo: Better Living The renovation is visible as soon as you enter. The lobby is open and well-lit with a long gas fireplace, comfortable seating areas, and the two restaurants next door. The fitness center features Star Trac treadmills facing floor-to-ceiling windows. The indoor swimming pool is clean and quiet, open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The hotel is dog-friendly through the PAWs program, which furnishes your room with bowls, a mat and a welcome gift for your pet. We loved seeing guests walking with their dogs throughout the property. The hotel is also LEED Silver certified and built to green building standards with energy-saving lighting, electric car charging stations and eco-friendly products.
Dinner at the Arundel Preserve Hotel The Poke Bowl at Grillfire. Fresh, well constructed and delicious. | Photo: Better Living The food here is not an afterthought. The two restaurants inside this hotel are a big part of the reason for our visit. George Martin’s Grillfire covers breakfast through dinner and does all three well. Añejo Rose is a full-service cantina and tequila bar offering over 200 tequilas and mezcals, with a menu featuring authentic Mexican dishes with creative fusion dishes. The lively dining room is just as memorable as the food. Both are managed by the George Martin Group. Both have outdoor terraces. And between the two of them, we never felt the need to eat anywhere else.
George Martin’s Grill Fire The Grillfire Dining Room | Photo: Better Living George Martin’s Grill Fire
📍 7795 Arundel Mills Boulevard, Hanover, MD 21076
📞 (410) 799-2883
🕐 Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. · Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
🌿 Seating on the outdoor terrace available
We have eaten at Grillfire several times and every meal has been fantastic. The dining room is warm and comfortable, a large, well-divided room with stone columns, herringbone wood floors, leather banquettes and amber lighting. The bar runs along one side and comes alive in the evening with TVs above the bottles and a packed crowd. Lunches were relaxed and easy, but even mid-week the crowds filled the room. We recommend making reservations for dinner, regardless of what time you leave.
The Grillfire Frittata. Goat cheese, wild mushrooms, balsamic and the best homemade fries. | Photo: Better Living The servers were knowledgeable about the menu and made great suggestions every time we sat down. The food came out quickly and beautifully prepared at every meal, from first breakfast to last dinner. At breakfast, our server Cointa made perfect suggestions and made sure our coffee was full and hot throughout the meal. At lunch, Xavier confidently guided us through the entire menu, ensuring each dish was served to perfection. Service at this level makes a real difference to a stay like this.
Avocado toast at Grillfire. One of the best versions we’ve had. | Photo: Better Living Breakfast here is really good throughout the menu. THE Avocado toast on whole wheat with lemon avocado puree, Maldon salt, sunny side up eggs, tomatoes and bacon crumble, this is one of the best versions we’ve had. THE Frittata with wild mushrooms, goat cheese and balsamic reduction, accompanied by crispy golden home fries and is a perfect way to start the day. THE Cinnamon rolls with caramel and vanilla sauce are the solution if you want something sweet, and the French toast buried under fresh strawberries and homemade jam is worth every calorie. They serve Lavazza coffee and the full bar also lets you enjoy mimosas and Bloody Marys with breakfast.
Nachos tuna tartare at Grillfire | Photo: Better Living We covered a lot of ground at lunch over the course of two visits. THE Crab stuffed eggs topped with chunks of crab are a great starter, especially with a sprinkle of Tabasco and sriracha. THE Nachos with tuna tartare on crispy wontons with ahi, jalapeño, and wasabi aioli is a sharing order that never got past the two of us. THE Roasted beet salad with candied walnuts, feta and strawberries, the Poké Bowl with Ahi and seaweed chips, the Crab Cake Miniatures. We ordered a lot and nothing was missing.
Xavier said not to miss the cheesecake. He was right. | Photo: Better Living Xavier told us not to leave without trying the Cheesecakeand he was right. It’s one of the best we’ve ever eaten, somewhere between Italian ricotta style and classic New York style, light and creamy without being too sweet. The portion is generous enough to share and still take some home, which we did.
Dinner at Grillfire was the highlight. Two dishes stayed with us long after the trip and we would order both again without hesitation.
Honey Miso Salmon
Carrot and ginger puree · saffron basmati rice · microgreens | Photo: Better Living
A fillet of salmon glazed on saffron rice with a carrot-ginger puree swept the plate. The frosting is equal parts sweet and savory and the puree underneath is what takes it somewhere unexpected. One of the best dishes of the entire trip.
Mafalde Bolognese
Long ribbon pasta · beef · sausages · ribs · béchamel · parmesan · ricotta · garlic bread | Photo: Better Living
Rich, deeply fragrant and generous in every way. The ricotta on top cuts the stew exactly when you need it. The Mafalde Bolognese alone is worth the detour to Hanover. We’re still talking about it a few days later.
The portions at Grillfire are substantial across the board and the prices are more than fair for the quality. We brought home leftovers from almost every meal.
Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar Añejo Rose’s bar. Festive, colorful and exactly the right energy for dining out. | Photo: Better Living Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar
📍 7795 Arundel Mills Boulevard, Hanover, MD 21076
🕐 Monday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. · Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
🕐 Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. · Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
🌿 Seating on the outdoor terrace available
Dining at Añejo Rose is quite an atmosphere. Awesome tacos, incredible Carne Asada, fresh margaritas, and cold Negra Modelo on tap in this vibrant and beautiful space. Here, lunches are more discreet and are the ideal time to come and take your time with the menu. Dinners are another story. Even mid-week, the room fills up quickly, so make a reservation. Keep the margaritas flowing and you don’t have to worry about getting home. Just take the elevator to the room.
The signature Añejo Rose margarita on the terrace | Photo: Better Living The bar offers over 200 tequilas and mezcals and the cocktails are exceptional. The servers knew both the menu and the tequila list well. At dinner, Byron was fantastic: warm, knowledgeable, and pointing us toward the right food and drinks all night. The food was beautifully presented every time.
Guacamole Molcajete made to order in a volcanic stone mortar | Photo: Better Living We ate here twice and went through a good portion of the menu on both visits. Birria Empanadas with braised short ribs and Oaxaca cheese in a crispy shell with guajillo lime broth started our first lunch off right. The Guacamole Molcajete is made to order in a volcanic stone mortar, fresh and properly seasoned, and sets the bar high for everything that follows. Nashville Hot wings are deeply red, crispy, and generate heat in a way that keeps you going. The Wet Chicken Burrito is huge, topped with red and green sauce with cream and cilantro. One is enough for two people and we still took half home.
If we had to choose the two dishes that define a meal at Añejo Rose, these are it.
Roasted meat Grilled skirt steak · chimichurri · charred cebollita · refried beans · queso fresco · guacamole · rice · corn tortillas | Photo: Better Living The tastiest and most tender steak we have ever eaten. We are not exaggerating. The entire plate is one of those dishes you’re still thinking about weeks later.
Taco tasting
Choice of three tacos · rice · beans · escabeche · lime | Photo: Better Living
The best way to cover the menu in one order. On our first visit we went with Beef Birria, Korean Short Rib and Baja Fish. On our second, we tried the Carnitas on corn with slow-cooked pork, grilled pineapple, pickled onions and cilantro, and the Mushroom Street Corn in a hard shell with spicy mayonnaise, cotija, pickled jalapeños and tajin. Every combination landed. The Korean Short Rib was so good we ordered it both times.
The Sweet Plantains, Tres Leches and Churros are also worth ordering. The plantains in particular were a late addition that we almost ignored and would have regretted. Tres Leches is a unique version, soaked and topped with fresh strawberries and caramel. A decadent way to end a meal here.
See also
The essentials The hotel at Arundel Preserve after dark, with the shuttle ready at the entrance. | Photo: Better Living We came home with leftovers, great memories, and no regrets about not flying. Two nights, two incredible restaurants, a suite we didn’t want to leave, and enough money for a shuttle ride. If you want to go to the casino or go shopping, the free shuttle is a fabulous amenity. The Arundel Preserve Hotel is proof that the best getaway doesn’t require a flight or a long drive. That had us on the menu.
For more Maryland travel, check out our guides for Saint-Michel, Oaks Waterfront Hotel, Lake Kittamaqundi in Colombiaand our full Maryland Travel Guide. Planning a trip from Philadelphia? We have what you need with our weekend getaways from Philadelphia Also.
⭐ Book your stay at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve at (410) 796-9830 or visit thehotelarundel.com to check availability and prices.
Things to do in the area We stayed mostly on site because that was the point, but there are plenty around the hotel if you want to go out. Maryland LIVE! The casino is literally 0.4 miles away. Arundel Mills Shopping Center, which has over 200 stores, is less than 1 mile away. The Medieval Era and a 24-screen theater are both less than 1 mile away. It’s a well located place.
For a half day trip, historic Ellicott City is about 9 miles east with a well-preserved main street full of shops and restaurants worth a few hours. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery is 11 minutes away and is a fun stop for a tour and a pint.
Baltimore is 10 miles north and has more than enough to fill a day. The Inner Harbor National Aquarium, Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium for sports fans, the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art (both free), and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the Maryland Science Center if you have kids.
Washington DC is 24 miles south. Check out our day trips from Washington DC guide of ideas to make a full day of it. Annapolis is 21 miles to the east with the U.S. Naval Academy and the Maryland State House as main attractions.
Are you leaving the IBB? This trip also works as a pre-flight stay Hotel Suite Work Desk | Photo: Better Living If you are flying out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport, the hotel offers a Park and Stay Package it’s worth it be known. It includes one night in a newly renovated room, a free shuttle to and from BWI, and up to 10 days of covered parking with in-and-out privileges for one vehicle. Much better than the airport garage. Check all current plans on thehotelarundel.com/offers.
Frequently Asked Questions Where is The Hotel at Arundel Preserve? 7795 Arundel Mills Boulevard, Hanover, Maryland. Ten miles from Baltimore, 24 miles from Washington DC, 21 miles from Annapolis and minutes from BWI Airport.
What restaurants are there inside the hotel? George Martin’s Grillfire, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Añejo Rose Cantina and Tequila Bar, open for lunch and dinner. Both have an outdoor terrace and are managed by the George Martin group.
Is breakfast included in the room? Breakfast is not included, but Grillfire serves a full breakfast menu starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
Does the hotel have a swimming pool? Yes, an all-season indoor swimming pool open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Does the hotel allow pets? Yes. The PAWs program is dog friendly and includes a welcome gift, food and water bowls, and a mat placed in your room.
How much does parking cost? On-site covered parking is available for $10 per day.
Does the hotel offer a free shuttle? Yes. Shuttle covers BWI Airport, Arundel Mills Mall, Maryland LIVE! Casino and local businesses within five miles. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Does the hotel offer a pre-flight package for BWI travelers? Yes. The Park and Stay package includes one night in a newly renovated room, free shuttle to and from BWI, and up to 10 days of covered parking with in-and-out privileges. See all current offers on thehotelarundel.com/offers.
What types of rooms are available? Standard Rooms, Executive Level Rooms, Premium Rooms and Suites. Suites include a separate living room with a full sofa, desk, Murphy bed, and a second full bathroom with a rain shower.
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