Converging old and new, the renovation of the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel anchors the spirit of Annapolis in every detail—reflecting the town’s rich nautical history while optimizing the guest experience.
Part of Marriott’s esteemed Autograph Collection, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel is a landmark in the city’s thriving downtown—and its only waterfront offering. Nuanced nautical influences set the tone for this comprehensive renovation, which included updates to all 150 guest rooms and suites and public spaces, as well as a re-imaging of the exterior façade. The renovation reimagined the guest experience, bringing the timeless charm of seaside hospitality into a more modern era. The old seafaring expression “fair winds and following seas” set the tone for the design—evoking a sense of security, serenity, and peace for travelers, and informing every detail that brings the property’s location to life.
“The design team was endlessly inspired by the location,” says Principal, Adrienne Scribner, CID, ASID. “We wanted guests to feel connected to the water and the history of Annapolis, and to experience a modern take on rich maritime tradition. Every detail was chosen to reflect that story. When experienced as a whole, the locale comes alive.”
The guest room redesign takes cues from the classic elements of a vintage sailboat, combining warm, inviting tones with textures that evoke the cozy refined hull, and below-deck cabins. Walnut hardwood floors, reminiscent of a boat’s deck, establish a residential feel, while tufted channel headboards—accentuated by brass nail heads—offer a sophisticated nod to the utilitarian hardware found aboard ships. Patterns in the materials are inspired by the graceful movement of winds and waves, which stand in contrast to the more structured forms of the guestroom furniture. This balance between organic flow and geometric precision creates a sense of calm, much like the experience of sailing on open water. Rippling glass accents and channeled upholstery further mimic the way water gently laps against the seawall of Annapolis’s harbor, grounding the design in its surroundings.
“We wanted guests to feel as if they were experiencing life at sea, even while inside,” says Scribner. “Movement was created through the use of strategically placed materials, colors, and finishes. Organic patterns used throughout were inspired by the graceful feeling of the winds and seas to contrast the more linear forms of the furniture.”
The guest bathrooms also received a luxurious overhaul, with king rooms now offering sleek showers and suites outfitted with jetted tubs to provide guests with the ultimate relaxation after a day spent exploring the historic city. Classic nautical hues of deep blues and crisp whites dominate the color palette, accented by eclectic artwork and carefully curated furniture to bring a charming, residential vibe to each space. The blend of old-world Annapolis charm with modern sensibilities gives the rooms a fresh yet timeless appeal.
Public spaces extend the nautical narrative with layered hues of navy and white, moody grays, and browns—a subtle and sophisticated nod to the palette of the sea. Modern fixtures and furniture, and large-scale art, provide a contemporary twist on the traditional theme.
“For leisure travelers seeking a quintessential Annapolis experience, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel offers more than just a place to stay—it provides a journey through time, a connection to the city’s legacy, and a modern sanctuary designed for relaxation,” says Scribner.
Project: Annapolis Waterfront Hotel
Location: Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Design Studio: Baskervill
Photo Credits: Marriott International
Website: baskervill.com
