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🏨 Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel Review: Maryland’s Premier Lakefront Luxury Escape
Discover why this stunning Marriott Autograph Collection property on Lake Kittamaqundi has become Columbia’s most sought-after winter retreat. From floor-to-ceiling lake views to exceptional dining and world-class spa access, here’s your complete guide to this boutique hotel gem.
⭐ VERDICT: Best lakefront luxury hotel in Maryland | 212 modern rooms | Marriott Autograph Collection | Award-winning dining | Stunning lake views | Pet-friendly | 15 minutes from BWI Airport
Looking for a luxury lakefront hotel near Baltimore and Washington DC? The Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel in Columbia, Maryland offers upscale accommodations just 15 minutes from BWI Airport. After spending a winter weekend here in our lake view suite, I can confidently say this pet-friendly Marriott Autograph Collection property is one of Maryland’s best-kept secrets for romantic getaways, foodie escapes, and anyone wanting a little luxury without the fuss.
📋 Merriweather Lakehouse at a Glance
📍 Location: Columbia, MD (15 min from BWI)
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($200-400/night)
🏨 Total Rooms: 212 (including suites)
🅿️ Parking: Free covered garage
🐕 Pet Policy: Pet-friendly, no extra fees
🏊 Pool: Rooftop pool (seasonal: Memorial Day-Labor Day)
⭐ Collection: Marriott Autograph
🎯 Best For: Couples, foodies, staycations
Consistently making it to the top of Money Magazine’s best places to live in the U.S. each year and named the “safest city” by Forbes Magazine, Columbia, Maryland is a perfectly landscaped example of a tree-lined suburban utopia with urban conveniences.
Close to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Columbia’s rapidly expanding downtown (also known as Town Center) draws both locals and travelers for entertainment and events, shopping at the Mall of Columbia with over 200 places to shop and eat.
We found Columbia to be a really cool town – lots of nice shopping and dining options all nearby, but it doesn’t feel touristy or overcrowded. It’s got that planned community vibe done right.
🌆 Columbia’s Vibrant Downtown Scene
The newly developed Merriweather District in Columbia’s Town Center is quickly becoming a hub for arts and culture. Discover unique dining options including Thai, Indian, and a speakeasy, with more restaurants opening throughout 2026 including a “croissanterie.”
In Colorburst Park, you can ice skate at the seasonal outdoor rink in winter. The district also hosts outdoor movie nights and live music in summer.
There’s a genuine appreciation for nature and sustainability here. Columbia maintains 3,600 acres of open space, 114 miles of trails, and 5 lakes for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors. Columbia’s Lakefront District is a popular spot for festivals and outdoor events throughout the year.
The front entrance of the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel in Columbia, Maryland | Photo: Better LivingThe Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel: Our Winter Weekend Experience
We visited Merriweather Lakehouse in mid-January for a 3-day, 2-night staycation, and honestly? It exceeded expectations. This isn’t your typical cookie-cutter hotel – it’s got personality.
Opened in 2022, this 212-room property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection (the curated group of unique, independent-feeling hotels), and you can tell they put thought into the design. The entire hotel celebrates Columbia’s musical heritage – think vintage concert posters, music memorabilia, and local artist photography throughout the property.
What really sets this place apart? Those floor-to-ceiling windows. Lake views from almost everywhere – the lobby, restaurant, even the hallways. It’s tucked into seven wooded acres right on the water, so you get that luxury hotel feel without the stuffy corporate vibe.
🎁 Book Your Lakefront Escape
Experience Maryland’s premier lakefront luxury hotel. Floor-to-ceiling views, award-winning dining, and world-class spa access await. Perfect for romantic getaways, foodie weekends, or luxurious staycations.
Marriott Bonvoy members earn points | Pet-friendly rooms available | Free covered parking
The living area in the Presidential Suite at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel | Photo: Better LivingOur Lake View Suite: Worth Every Penny
We stayed in a lake view suite, and I’m going to be upfront – absolutely worth the upgrade. The moment we walked in, those floor-to-ceiling windows stopped us in our tracks. In mid-January, with the lake partially frozen and winter birds everywhere, the view was truly breathtaking.
The suite was incredibly spacious – separate living room with a comfortable sofa where we relaxed each evening after spending the day walking around the lake and exploring Columbia. Having that extra space made it feel less like a hotel room and more like a lakefront apartment.
The bed? Plush and comfortable – the kind where you actually sleep well instead of waking up with hotel bed regret. And that private balcony was a game-changer. We had morning coffee out there watching ducks and geese on the lake, despite the winter chill. Total serenity.
🛏️ What We Loved About the Room
- The view: That private balcony overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi – we used it every day despite the winter weather
- The bed: Seriously comfortable. Premium linens, plush mattress – we both slept great
- Bathroom amenities: C.O. Bigelow Lavender-Peppermint products (loved them so much we almost ordered more for home), excellent water pressure, super soft towels
- Separate living area: Perfect for evening relaxation after a day out – felt like a real retreat
- Complete silence: Zero noise from neighboring rooms or hallways. Blackout curtains that actually worked
- Smart TV: Could log into our Netflix account for evening entertainment
- Mini fridge & Keurig: Stocked our favorite snacks and had decent coffee pods
- Thoughtful touches: Local Columbia information, music-themed décor, well-designed workspace
The bedroom in the Presidential Suite at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel | Photo: Better LivingThe hotel is pet-friendly with no extra fees, which is huge for travelers with furry companions. We saw several happy dogs throughout our stay.
What impressed us most? The staff genuinely seemed to care. Not in that forced, corporate hospitality way – they were just… nice. Helpful. They clearly take pride in the property, and it shows.
Room Types, Rates & What to Expect
Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel offers several room categories to suit different needs and budgets. Room rates typically range from $200-400 per night depending on season, room type, and day of week. Weekend rates and peak fall foliage season (September-November) command premium pricing.
💰 Room Categories & Typical Rates
Standard King Room ($200-280/night)
Perfect for solo travelers or couples. Features one king bed, modern furnishings, and some offer partial lake views.
Standard Double Queen Room ($220-300/night)
Ideal for families or friends traveling together. Two queen beds with lake house décor.
Lake View King Room ($280-350/night)
Our top recommendation! King bed with private balcony overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi. Worth the upgrade for the views.
Lake View Double Queen ($300-370/night)
Two queen beds plus that coveted lake view balcony. Great for families wanting premium views.
Junior Suite ($350-450/night)
Separate living area with sofa, mini-fridge, and enhanced lake views. Perfect for longer stays or special occasions.
Presidential Suite ($600+/night)
The ultimate luxury experience. Spacious separate living room, dining area, canopy bed, and panoramic lake views. Limited availability – book well in advance.
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Book midweek (Sunday-Thursday) for rates 20-30% lower than weekends
- Marriott Bonvoy members earn points on every stay and may receive member rates
- Winter months (January-February) offer the lowest rates of the year
- Book directly through the hotel website for best rate guarantee
- Package deals including spa treatments or dining credits offer better value
🎵 A Musical Heritage
As you enter the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, you’ll instantly be transported to a Zen-like space that combines lakeside living with an appreciation for Columbia’s musical history. Musical performances stream in the lobby, honoring the nearby Merriweather Post Pavilion – recognized by both Billboard and Rolling Stone as one of America’s best outdoor amphitheaters. For 50+ years, it’s hosted legendary acts including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and Taylor Swift. The venue is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
The welcoming and spacious lobby at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel | Photo: Better LivingWith a neutral palette accented with blues and greens and lake-inspired décor throughout, one of the hotel’s most striking features is its floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering larger-than-life lake views from almost every location. There’s no way to not feel relaxed. We especially enjoyed sipping complimentary hot chocolate in the cozy lobby each evening.
Lake Kittamaqundi: Your Scenic Outdoor Sanctuary
Enjoying coffee and the winter view of Lake Kittamaqundi from our suite’s private balcony. | Photo: Better LivingThe Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel overlooks Columbia’s beautiful 27-acre Lake Kittamaqundi. Surrounded by a peaceful 1.4-mile wooded trail, it’s perfect for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts – a lovely spot to reconnect with nature any time of year.
The name “Kittamaqundi” means “meeting place” in the language of the first locally settled Native American tribe. Today, this scenic lake offers a perfect setting to relax on one of its many benches, take a leisurely walk, or complete your daily run along its easy paved trail. While the lake sees more visitors in summer, it’s equally beautiful and serene in winter.
🦅 A Birder’s Paradise (Even in Winter!)
During our mid-January visit, we spotted an incredible variety of birds right from our balcony and along the lake trail: ducks, geese, cardinals, cormorants, herons, and even ospreys. The winter birds on the partially frozen lake were absolutely stunning.
💡 Insider Tip: Check eBird’s daily sightings at Lake Kittamaqundi before your visit to see what’s been spotted recently. Planning a dedicated birding getaway? Read our complete guide: Birding Getaway at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel with species lists, best viewing times, and expert tips.
Lake Kittamaqundi is the largest of Columbia’s 5 planned lakes. We walked the trail multiple times during our stay – it wasn’t crowded even on the weekend, though we did see plenty of locals who clearly make this part of their daily routine. Everyone was friendly, lots of dogs being walked.
One afternoon, we grabbed hot cocoa to-go from the hotel and sat on one of the lakeside benches just watching the winter birds. Lovely and peaceful – exactly what we needed.
A panoramic view from the hotel of Lake Kittamaqundi | Photo: Better LivingThe trail wrapping around Lake Kittamaqundi connects with other paved trails winding throughout Columbia. For extended exploration, veer left where the trail forks at the lake’s northwest end. This path leads to nearby Wilde Lake, perfect for a longer outdoor trek (2.9 miles total). See the trail map here.
Lake Kittamaqundi makes an excellent picnic spot in warmer months. A Whole Foods Market sits just a short 2-minute walk from the lake’s south end, perfect for grabbing lunch, snacks, or coffee to enjoy lakeside. The lake is also renowned for its beautiful sunsets.
Lake Kittamaqundi at sunset | Photo: Better LivingExceptional Dining at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants in the Merriweather District and The Mall of Columbia. However, you don’t need to leave the property for exceptional cuisine. The hotel’s onsite restaurant, lāk, offers a creative menu of American classics with international influences.
Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel’s brand new restaurant, lāk | Photo: Better Livinglāk Restaurant: Fine Dining with Casual Elegance
We ate breakfast at lāk (pronounced “lake”) one morning and it was wonderful. Great menu with everything from classics to more creative options. The service was attentive without hovering.
For dinner, we went all out. The food? Absolutely worth the splurge. This is the kind of hotel restaurant that could stand on its own even without the hotel attached.
🍽️ Menu Highlights Worth Ordering
Fried Calamari: Light and crispy with pepperoncini and Fra Diavolo sauce – the perfect starter
Chicken Piccata: Parmesan-crusted chicken breast with angel hair pasta topped with scrumptious lemon caper sauce
Maryland Crab Cakes: Two lump crab cakes served over creamy forest mushroom risotto with lemon garlic aioli – absolutely incredible. Since there’s no better place for crab cakes than Maryland, don’t miss this signature dish!
Fried Calamari at lāk. | Photo: Better Living
Crab Cakes at lāk | Photo: Better LivingEven if you’re full from dinner, don’t skip their ever-changing, made-from-scratch dessert menu. If available, try the Apple Crisp served with caramel ice cream or the Skillet Cowboy Cookie sundae topped with vanilla ice cream and candied walnuts. Both are superb.
Skillet Cowboy Cookie Sundae | Photo: Better Living
Pastry Chef Brian Holland icing a carrot cake. | Photo: Better LivingPastry Chef Brian Holland, a graduate of the International Culinary Center in New York City who spent over a decade at Baltimore’s Four Seasons, creates tantalizing desserts and pastries for the hotel.
The Rookery Bar & Lounge: Craft Cocktails with a View
The Rookery Bar & Lounge | Photo: Better LivingThe Rookery Bar has an awesome cocktail list – we stopped in one evening and were impressed with the creative drinks and quality spirits. They also have a solid bar menu with tasty snacks like Steak & Cheese Egg Rolls and Bavarian Pretzel Sticks. You can order from lāk’s full dinner menu here too if you want a more casual dining vibe.
Steak & Cheese Egg Rolls and Bavarian Pretzel Sticks at The Rookery Bar & Lounge. | Photo: Better LivingChic, modern, and some of the best lake views in the hotel. Opens at 4 PM – perfect for sunset cocktails.
The Osprey Cafe: Gourmet Coffee & Lakeside Ambiance
We grabbed breakfast at the Osprey Cafe our second morning – perfect for when you want something quick. Gourmet Lavazza coffee, espresso drinks, and those freshly baked chocolate croissants everyone raves about (totally justified – they’re buttery and delicious).
A fresh chocolate croissant and Lavazza coffee at Osprey Cafe. | Photo: Better LivingThe cafe has comfortable seating by a fireplace with lake views – we lingered longer than planned just enjoying the ambiance.
State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
The fitness center here is legitimately nice – clean, well-maintained, and with a decent amount of equipment. You can actually get in a complete workout if you want to burn off all that delicious food from lāk.
A rowing machine with a lakeside view at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel fitness center. | Photo: Better Living💪 Premium Fitness Equipment
24-hour access with Peloton bikes, Elevate Lifestyle treadmills and ellipticals (Bluetooth/WiFi enabled with interactive courses), rowing machine with lake views, free weights, resistance machines, and recovery equipment including foam rollers, yoga mats, and BOSU trainers.
The Elevate machines are pretty cool – you can create an account and save your workout data for future visits.
Rooftop Pool & Eagle Watch Lounge (Seasonal)
While we visited in winter and didn’t experience the pool, Merriweather Lakehouse features a spectacular rooftop pool with panoramic views of Lake Kittamaqundi. The pool is open to all hotel guests from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
☀️ Summer at the Rooftop
The rooftop pool area includes the chic Eagle Watch Lounge, perfect for relaxing with cocktails while taking in sweeping lake views. This seasonal amenity transforms the hotel experience during warmer months, making it especially appealing for families and anyone wanting to combine lakefront nature with resort-style pool time.
Note: If you’re visiting outside the Memorial Day-Labor Day season and pool access is important, consider the year-round pools at nearby THE Pearl Spa.
THE Pearl Spa: 27,000 Square Feet of Wellness
THE Pearl Spa is just a short walk from the hotel – very convenient. This 27,000-square-foot wellness center offers all the treatments you’d expect (massages, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures) plus some really cool relaxation experiences we haven’t seen elsewhere.
The expansive water therapy room includes a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, relaxation pool, and vitamin C shower collectively called THE Healing Waters. They also have a Halotherapy (salt) room and THE Great Abyss – a multi-sensory meditation experience combining vibrations, magnetic therapy, and layered music for deep relaxation.
💎 Wellness Passport Package
THE Pearl Spa’s Wellness Passport provides guests with an affordable package featuring their most popular stress-relief experiences:
- 1 mind-body movement or meditation class
- 1 element experience salt session (Halotherapy)
- 1 hour in THE Healing Waters
- 25-minute session in THE Great Abyss (multi-sensory meditation experience)
Price: $135 per person | Book: Prepay when booking hotel with code SPA at checkout
For a unique wellness experience, book a session in The Pearl’s Halotherapy (salt) room, which advocates believe promotes detoxification, reduces inflammation, and improves breathing. To quiet your mind, THE Great Abyss offers a deep multi-sensory meditation experience combining vibrations and magnetic therapy with layered music to induce profound relaxation.
The front exterior of the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel | Photo: Better LivingBest Time to Visit Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
Each season offers a unique experience at the Merriweather Lakehouse, making it an excellent year-round destination.
🍂 Fall (September-November) – Peak Season
Why visit: Spectacular fall foliage around Lake Kittamaqundi, perfect hiking weather, outdoor festivals in Merriweather District
Know before you go: Highest rates and busiest season. Book 2-3 months ahead, especially for weekends. October is peak foliage.
❄️ Winter (December-February) – Best Value
Why visit: Cozy fireside ambiance, lowest rates, complimentary evening hot chocolate, ice skating at Colorburst Park, holiday lights
Know before you go: Best deals of the year! Perfect for romantic winter getaways. Lake trails may be icy – bring appropriate footwear.
🌸 Spring (March-May) – Birding Season
Why visit: Peak birding season at Lake Kittamaqundi, mild temperatures perfect for hiking, spring blooms, fewer crowds than fall
Know before you go: Bring binoculars for birdwatching! April-May offers the best bird migration viewing. See our complete birding guide.
☀️ Summer (June-August) – Outdoor Activities
Why visit: Outdoor concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion, lake kayaking, outdoor movies in Colorburst Park, lakeside dining
See also
Know before you go: Can be warm and humid. Request a lake view room for best breezes. Book early if attending concerts at the Pavilion.
🎯 Our Recommendation
For the best overall experience: Visit in late April-May or late September-October. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, moderate crowds, and reasonable rates. For the best value: January-February offers luxury at the lowest prices, plus that cozy winter ambiance.
Location, Parking & Getting There
📍 Hotel Information
Name: Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection
Website: merriweatherlakehouse.com
Address: 10209 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044
Phone: +1 410-730-3900
Parking: Free covered garage right across from hotel entrance – super convenient!
✈️ Nearby Airports
- BWI Airport (Baltimore/Washington International) – 10.25 miles southeast (15 minutes)
- Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 27.25 miles southwest (35 minutes)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 36 miles southwest (45 minutes)
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
🎯 Top Attractions Within 15 Minutes
Merriweather Lakehouse: The Honest Pros & Cons
✅ What We Loved
- Stunning lake views – Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, many rooms with private balconies overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi
- Rooftop pool & Eagle Watch Lounge – Spectacular rooftop pool with panoramic lake views (seasonal: Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Exceptional dining – lāk restaurant serves some of the best food we’ve had at a hotel. The Maryland crab cakes are outstanding
- Free parking – Rare for a luxury property! Self-parking is complimentary in the garage across the street
- Pet-friendly with no fees – Bring your furry friend at no extra charge
- THE Pearl Spa access – 27,000 sq ft wellness center with unique amenities like halotherapy and multi-sensory meditation
- Perfect location – Only 15 minutes from BWI Airport, walkable to restaurants and shops, direct lake trail access
- Modern, well-appointed rooms – Luxury linens, C.O. Bigelow amenities, Smart TVs, excellent soundproofing
- Attentive staff – Warm, professional service that makes you feel like a VIP
- Marriott Bonvoy benefits – Earn and redeem points, member rates available
⚠️ What Could Be Better
- Seasonal pool only – The rooftop pool is only open Memorial Day through Labor Day. No pool access fall/winter/spring
- Limited suite inventory – Presidential and junior suites book up quickly, especially on weekends
- lāk restaurant can be busy – Reservations strongly recommended for dinner, especially Friday-Saturday nights
- Premium pricing on weekends – Weekend rates can be $100-150 higher than midweek. Book Sunday-Thursday for better value
- Lake trails can be crowded – Popular with locals on nice weekend days. Go early morning for a quieter experience
🎯 Who Is This Hotel Perfect For?
✅ Ideal for: Couples looking for a romantic, upscale getaway; foodies who appreciate excellent dining; staycation seekers from the DMV area; friends trips where you want a little luxury; pet owners; nature lovers and birdwatchers; families visiting in summer (rooftop pool open Memorial Day-Labor Day); anyone attending concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion; people who want to be pampered without stuffy pretension; Marriott Bonvoy members
❌ Not the best fit for: Families with young kids visiting outside summer pool season; budget travelers (this is upscale pricing); large groups (limited connecting rooms); anyone looking for a party/nightlife scene; beach resort seekers
🏨 Ready to Experience Lakefront Luxury?
Book your stay at Maryland’s premier lakefront hotel. Perfect for romantic weekends, family getaways, or solo retreats. Experience exceptional dining, world-class spa access, and stunning lake views.
👉 BOOK YOUR LAKEFRONT ESCAPE NOW
Marriott Bonvoy points | Pet-friendly | Free parking | 24/7 fitness center
Frequently Asked Questions About Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
How much does Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel cost per night?
Room rates at Merriweather Lakehouse typically range from $200-400 per night depending on room type, season, and day of week. Standard rooms start around $200-280, while lake view rooms run $280-350. Suites range from $350-600+. Weekend rates are generally 20-30% higher than midweek. The best deals are January-February, while peak fall foliage season (September-October) commands premium pricing.
Is Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel pet-friendly?
Yes! Merriweather Lakehouse is pet-friendly with no additional pet fees. You can bring your furry companion to enjoy the lakefront retreat with you. The hotel’s location on Lake Kittamaqundi with its 1.4-mile trail makes it perfect for dog owners. Just inform the hotel when booking that you’ll be traveling with a pet.
Does Merriweather Lakehouse have free parking?
Yes, parking is completely free at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel – which is rare for a luxury property. Self-parking is available in the garage directly across from the hotel. This is a significant value-add, as many upscale hotels charge $30-50 per night for parking.
How far is Merriweather Lakehouse from BWI Airport?
Merriweather Lakehouse is approximately 10.25 miles (about 15 minutes) southeast of Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport. It’s also 27 miles from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and 36 miles from Dulles International Airport (IAD). The convenient BWI proximity makes it ideal for business travelers or those flying into the area.
What room types are available at Merriweather Lakehouse?
The hotel offers 212 rooms across several categories: Standard King, Standard Double Queen, Lake View King (our top pick!), Lake View Double Queen, Junior Suites with separate living areas, and the luxurious Presidential Suite. Lake view rooms include private balconies overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi and are worth the upgrade for the stunning views.
Does Merriweather Lakehouse have a swimming pool?
Yes! Merriweather Lakehouse features a spectacular rooftop pool with panoramic views of Lake Kittamaqundi and the chic Eagle Watch Lounge. The pool is seasonal, open to all hotel guests from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Additionally, guests can purchase access to THE Pearl Spa (a short walk away), which features year-round pools, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and cold plunge.
Can I earn Marriott Bonvoy points at Merriweather Lakehouse?
Yes! As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Merriweather Lakehouse participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Members earn points on their stays, can redeem points for free nights, and may receive member rates and benefits like late checkout or room upgrades based on elite status.
What is the cancellation policy at Merriweather Lakehouse?
Standard cancellation policy allows cancellations up to 24-48 hours before arrival for a full refund, though this can vary by rate type and season. Non-refundable rates offer lower prices but cannot be cancelled. Always check your specific rate’s cancellation terms when booking. We recommend booking flexible rates during peak seasons in case plans change.
Does Merriweather Lakehouse have an onsite restaurant?
Yes! The hotel features lāk Restaurant (pronounced “lake”), serving breakfast and dinner daily with exceptional American cuisine with international influences. Their Maryland crab cakes are outstanding. There’s also The Rookery Bar & Lounge (opening at 4 PM) for craft cocktails and small plates, plus The Osprey Cafe for gourmet Lavazza coffee and fresh pastries.
Is Merriweather Lakehouse good for families?
Yes, especially during summer! The rooftop pool (Memorial Day-Labor Day) makes it ideal for families with children. The lake trail, birding opportunities, and spacious rooms work well for families year-round. Double queen rooms provide ample space. However, families visiting outside pool season might prefer a hotel with year-round pool access. The hotel’s quiet, upscale atmosphere appeals more to adults and mature children than very young kids.
What’s the best room at Merriweather Lakehouse?
The Lake View King Room is our top recommendation for most travelers. It offers the perfect balance of luxury and value with a king bed, private balcony, and stunning Lake Kittamaqundi views. For special occasions or longer stays, the Presidential Suite is spectacular with its separate living room, dining area, canopy bed, and panoramic lake views – but book early as availability is very limited.
Is there a shuttle to BWI Airport?
The hotel does not operate a complimentary airport shuttle. However, the 15-minute drive makes rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) very affordable, typically $15-25 depending on time of day. Rental cars are also convenient given the free parking. Some guests prefer the short drive to avoid shuttle schedules.
What time is check-in and check-out at Merriweather Lakehouse?
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available based on occupancy – it never hurts to ask! Marriott Bonvoy elite members may receive complimentary late checkout as a membership benefit. If you arrive early, the hotel will store your luggage so you can explore the area.
Are there suites available at Merriweather Lakehouse?
Yes, the hotel offers Junior Suites with separate living areas, mini-fridges, and enhanced lake views (starting around $350-450/night). The crown jewel is the Presidential Suite ($600+/night) featuring a spacious living room, dining area, elegant canopy bed, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic lake views. Suites book quickly, especially weekends and peak season, so reserve well in advance.
What’s nearby to do in Columbia, Maryland?
Columbia offers excellent shopping at Mall of Columbia (200+ stores), concerts at legendary Merriweather Post Pavilion (15-minute walk), dining in the trendy Merriweather District, and outdoor activities on Lake Kittamaqundi’s 1.4-mile trail. Nearby attractions include Historic Ellicott City, Patapsco Valley State Park for hiking, Robinson Nature Center, local breweries and distilleries, and numerous festivals throughout the year in the Lakefront District.
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