There is a new reason to put Annapolis on your travel radar this season. Already celebrated for its sailing culture, colonial architecture, and Chesapeake cuisine, Maryland’s capital has quietly elevated its status as a luxury destination with the opening of 86 State Circle, a nine-room boutique hotel that feels as though it was plucked from London’s Mayfair District and elegantly set down in the heart of the historic city.
Opened just last summer, 86 State Circle is the latest project from Severn Grove Hospitality Group founders Clinton Ramsden and Cody Monroe, two Naval Academy graduates who made a name for transforming Annapolis landmarks into boutique stays of remarkable refinement.
Unlike the typical Annapolis inn, the effect at 86 State Circle is more private residential club than hotel. There’s no front desk here; arrivals are greeted by an innkeeper, and guest rooms open with personalized access codes, heightening the sense of privacy and discretion.
Each of the nine guest rooms is named for a figure from Maryland’s storied past, such as Queen Anne and William Paca, adding a sense of place and legacy; Interiors echo the hues of the Bay, with soft water blues and oyster shell grays balancing 18th-century details. Heated marble floors and custom textiles add modern indulgence, but the overall effect is pure Annapolis: historic charm paired with understated refinement.
That club-like feel extends to The Black Pearl, a secretive speakeasy-style lounge accessible only to guests. With its intimate scale and curated spirits, it feels like the sort of hidden watering hole where you might toast a sailing victory or swap stories after a day on the Bay.
Travelers in the know will appreciate 86 State Circle as an insider’s key to the city.
Because Annapolis is no longer just a day trip from Washington, D.C. or Baltimore; it has emerged as a destination in its own right. Recently named one of America’s top cities to visit, it offers a rare mix of maritime adventure and colonial history. Guests can explore the cobblestone streets of the Colonial Historic District, tour the U.S. Naval Academy, or step inside the Maryland State House, where George Washington once resigned his commission.
Out on the water, sailing the Chesapeake remains a must — whether aboard a skipjack or a private charter arranged through the hotel. Dining is equally rewarding, from dockside crab houses to refined seafood restaurants lining Spa Creek.
Destined to become one of the most coveted addresses on the Chesapeake, the new 86 State Circle is one that honors its past while embracing its future. For travelers who measure destinations not just by their history and charm but also by the exclusivity of their accommodations, this is a best address that ensures Annapolis finally has a boutique stay worthy of its prestige.
