Guests to return following two years of hotel serving City of Baltimore during pandemic
Hotel guests, meeting attendees, wedding couples and others will once again fill the rooms of the historic and award-winning Lord Baltimore Hotel beginning July 1st when the doors reopen to the general public following two years of serving as the City of Baltimore’s Triage, Respite and Insolation Center.
“We are looking forward to the hustle and bustle of guests in the hotel,” said Onahlea Shimunek, general manager of Lord Baltimore Hotel. “It has been our honor to serve the city for 93 years, particularly in our most recent role during the pandemic. We will continue to support the community, hosting weddings and other social engagements, corporate events, and travelers from across the globe and those who work and live in the area. I invite all to join us as we reopen our doors July 1st.”
In preparation to welcome guests, the hotel has engaged American Disinfectant Company, now known as American Pest, to provide disinfection and deep cleaning services. Recently, the hotel earned two significant accreditations—GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, and GHA WellHotel® Accreditation for Medical Travel from Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) —becoming the very first in the United States to achieve the joint GBAC STAR™ / GHA WellHotel® Accreditation for Medical Travel. These accreditations ensure that the hotel complies with cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention standards, as well as customer experience and safety protocols specific to the needs and expectations of medical travel guests.
“The accreditations give our guests confidence that we comply with internationally recognized hotel cleaning and hygiene standards,” said Shimunek. “Further, it provides assurance to guests, whether seeking medical treatment at Baltimore’s top hospitals or not, that their wellbeing is a top priority while staying at the Lord Baltimore Hotel.”
Lord Baltimore Hotel staff received infection prevention training from the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) to properly serve the City of Baltimore, and that training will carry on in the team’s service to future guests. In addition, the hotel will offer an amenity package featuring PPE and sanitizer.
When guests return this July, they may note that many areas of the hotel have received a refresh, including the guest rooms and the street-level bakery space. The space will reopen as LB Bistro & Bakery, offering a larger food menu and bar menu as well as outdoor seating in addition to the coffee beverages, pastries and “grab and go” previously offered. LB Bistro & Bakery will be open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm.
Furthering its commitment to the community, LB Bistro & Bakery will feature local spirits, pastries and treats from area bakeries, and will continue to strengthen its relationships with local farmers and purveyors.
“For more than 90 years, the Lord Baltimore Hotel has put the community first, and we continue to seek opportunities to support local businesses and area residents,” said Sandy Lawler, food and beverage director for the hotel. “We hope our commitment translates into memorable experiences our guests can feel good about.”
While the Lord Baltimore Hotel officially opens its doors July 1st, those interested in touring the hotel for upcoming events and weddings are invited to contact Director of Sales & Marketing Lee Johnson-Lowe at 410-659-3096.
About Lord Baltimore Hotel
The Lord Baltimore Hotel is located at 20 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201 in the heart of downtown Baltimore and within walking distance to many local attractions. Among its many accolades and recognitions, the hotel has been named “Best City Center Historic Hotel” in 2020 by the Historic Hotels of America, a “2020 Coolest Spaces” honoree by The Daily Record and one of the 46th Annual Mayor’s Business Achievement Award winners for its commitment to the City of Baltimore. The award-winning hotel towers over the Baltimore skyline at 23 stories and offers 440 new guest rooms and suites, more than 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, and dining options including the newly envisioned LB Bistro & Bakery. Additionally, art plays a major role in the hotel design with more than 2,500 pieces of artwork displayed throughout the building. Originally built in 1928, the hotel was purchased in 2013 and completely renovated by Rubell Hotels. The Lord Baltimore Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More information on the hotel can be found at www.lordbaltimorehotel.com and on social media at Facebook and Instagram at @lordbaltimorehotel and on Twitter at @lbh1928.
