history of the belvedere - weddings corporate & · pdf file ·...

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HISTORY OF THE BELVEDERE

THE GOLDEN AGE

It was 1903 when The Belvedere, the most expensive hotel in Baltimore, opened its doors to the rich and

famous. With five grand ballrooms, a bar, a billiards room, a tearoom and even a pool, The Belvedere

came to be known as the Queen of Baltimore Society.

Named after the Belvidere estate of Maryland soldier and politician, John Eager Howard, the hotel

attracted hundreds of famous guests from all over the country. Guests included F. Scott Fitzgerald, John D.

Rockefeller, Clark Gable and several U.S. presidents. Located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, and

guests traveled easily to the city’s best restaurants, shops, and museums. The Belvedere set itself apart

from neighboring hotels by providing a superior level of service and a variety of luxurious amenities.

One of building’s main

attractions is the

TheOwlBar.com speakeasy bar that has

been around since The Belvedere first opened its

doors. The bar instantly became the ultimate

gentlemen’s drinking establishment, even during the

prohibition years. It was in those dry years that the

owners brought in its now famous owl statues, and

so the name The Owl Bar was born. The true

meaning behind the statues was never revealed

but one thing was certain: if the owls had their eyes

lit, alcohol was being served and customers were

hustling in.

General Information:

• Available for private breakfasts, brunch, business lunches, rehearsal dinners, corporate galas,

and cocktail receptions events 7 days a week.

• Open to the public seven days a week for lunch and dinner • Features 20 draught micro brews, brick oven pizzas, paninis, sandwiches, and a full beverage menu.

Capacities:

Hours of Operation:

Mon through Thurs 11:30am to 12:00am

Fri and Sat 11:30am to 2:00am

Sun 11:00am to 12:00am

Private Events Parties over 30 guests require a private rental

Seated Dinner 80

Cocktail Reception 125

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13FloorBelvedere.com

History: Originally used as a as a storage

area for guests to place their luggage, in

1978, the 13th floor was transformed into a

premier lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Renovated in 2012, the surroundings are a

lavish return to the sophistication of The

Belvedere’s early history, yet distinctively

modern. Premium cocktails are carefully

crafted as the perfect complement to the

chef’s delicious fare. The extraordinary views

create a feeling of being above the daily

grind. Jazz musicians perform on the weekends, while guests are treated like VIPs each time they arrive. It is

a return to service at the highest level.


• Available for breakfasts, brunch, business lunches, rehearsal dinners, corporate galas, and

cocktail receptions events 7 days a week.

• Open Wednesday- Sunday for dinner and drinks • Features live music nightly on a baby grand- Sinatra/Rat Pack style music. Piano and singing

during dinner and on Fridays and Saturdays a small band comes on ~9pm.

• The space was designed by local artisans and steel features were incorporated as homage to Baltimore’s steel history.

Capacities:

Hours of Operation:

Weds 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Thurs 5:00pm to 11:00pm

Fri & Sat 5:00pm to 1:30am

Sun 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Private Events Parties over 40 guests require a private rental

Seated Dinner 80


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THE BALLROOMS AT THE BELVEDERE

Sparkling chandeliers, gilded architecture, and soaring

ceilings grace the five historic ballrooms that have

been hosting Baltimore’s elite events since 1903.

Whether a corporate lecture with breakfast for 50

guests, or a black tie anniversary gala for 300 guests,

the Ballrooms at the Belvedere are perfectly suited to

a variety of events.

The John Eager Howard Ballroom History: Named after famed Revolutionary War hero General John Eager Howard the ballroom was

opened as the hotel’s tea room to Baltimore’s aristocracy (such as Wallis Warfield who would later

become the Duchess of Windsor). Wrapped in hand painted murals on Japanese rice paper the room

features a working gas fireplace, luxurious draped ceiling and inlaid dance floors.


• A beautiful ballroom perfect for corporate cocktail receptions, intimate weddings, award

presentations, brunch, and elegant dinners.

• Dance floor Dimensions: 19.5’ x 17’ • On the lobby level of the Belvedere and often paired with the Charles or Palm Ballrooms

• Original working gas fireplace and dance floor and elegant silk draped ceilings • Murals were painted in the 1930’s and are 360 degree views of Baltimore (see the Inner Harbor

behind the bar)

• Gold Chiavari Chairs are included with the ballroom • Won the 1981 Restaurants & Institutions Interior Design Award

Capacities:

The Charles Ballroom

History: Opened as the hotel’s main

dining room, the Charles Ballroom turned

into a supper club in the 1940’s. The

Charles Ballrooms was the scene to be

seen with Baltimore’s fashionable crowd

and swing groups and big bands

frequently performed until 1am every night

of the week. By the 1960’s the Charles

Ballroom was reserved for wedding

receptions and other private parties.

Called the “Main Dining Room” until 1940

the Charles Ballroom served as the hotel’s

supper club until the 1950’s. The gilded

details, marble columns and hand

painted frescos were all modeled after the ballrooms and apartments of Versailles.

Reception with Dance Floor 115

Ceremony 150


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• Available 7 days a week for private breakfast receptions, luncheons, , wedding ceremonies,

cocktail hours, or as a breakout room

• Lobby level ballroom sitting at the corner of Charles and E Chase St

• Can be used in conjunction with the John Eager Howard Ballroom or the Palm Ballroom

• Gold chiavari chairs included along with linens, tables, china, glassware, flatware • Features inlaid wood dance floor and new carpeting • Dance floor Dimensions: 22’ x 29’

Capacities:

The Palm Ballroom

History: Originally opened as a lounge and

reading room, the Palm Ballroom was a nod

to Edwardian architecture that valued

nature. Large Tiffany Glass sky lights lined the

ceiling and chandeliers shaped like bunches

of grapes hung from cross beams atop.

Persian rugs laid beneath oversized chairs

and writing desks and an intricate lattice

pattern lined the walls. Potted palms and

doors opening to an outside courtyard

gave the room a garden feel. Years after

opening the Palm Ballroom was turned into

an additional banquet room and today it is

often used for intimate receptions and

wedding ceremonies.


• Available for intimate corporate and social events, wedding ceremonies, presentations, and

smaller dinner receptions 7 days a week.

• Lobby level ballroom

• New marble flooring and period appropriate chandeliers

• Can be used in conjunction with the John Eager Howard or Charles Ballroom or entirely on its

own

• Gold Chiavari Chairs are included with the ballroom.

Capacities:

Reception with Dance Floor 220

Ceremony 300


Reception 80

Ceremony 140


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The Platinum Ballroom

History: Located on the twelfth floor in

the East Wing the Platinum Ballroom

was originally known as the Assembly

Room, the Platinum Ballroom’s North

facing side featured a large theatrical

stage. Lectures, magic shows,

conventions, and plays graced the

stage but in 1961 the stage was

removed to make the room larger for

the banquets often held. The arched

ceiling features original architecture

and the name reflects the platinum

paper lining the walls.


• Beautiful space for silent auctions, fundraisers, wedding ceremonies, and cocktails receptions. • On the 12th Floor in the East Wing. • Used only in conjunction with the Grand Ballroom for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or breakout

room (the 12th Floor never has separate parties in each room)

• Mahogany Chiavari chairs are included with the ballroom

Capacities:

Reception 240

Ceremony 310


The Grand Ballroom

History: The Grand Ballroom has been

hosting Baltimore’s elite events since 1903.

The ballroom features 3 story high ceilings,

elevated side aisles, vaulted recesses,

and oculi dormers. Baltimore’s society and

leaders flocked to the Grand because of

its regal presence. F. Scott Fitzgerald and

the Queen of Rumania are two noted

hosts of events held in the Grand Ballroom.

Originally the room featured a large glass

skylight at the center which was removed

during World War II as the threat of

overhead aircraft loomed.

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• Exceptional space for wedding receptions, galas, ceremonies, and other elegant banquets • On the 12th Floor in the West Wing • Mahogany Chiavari chairs with ivory cushion included with Grand Ballroom • Ceilings are 36’ high • Can be combined with Platinum Room for large parties

• Entire floor is private and exclusive to the event (we don’t host separate parties in each room) • Private ladies’ and men’s room • Dance floor Dimensions: 27’x32’

Capacities:

Reception (dance floor open) 310

Ceremony 350


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