There are a myriad of reasons to visit Frederick, Maryland. For the history buffs, there’s the wealth of Civil War lore and museums; for the architecture enthusiasts, there’s the famous 40-block historic district with its distinctive centuries-old building styles. For beverage fans, craft breweries and distilleries abound, and for the foodies, there are a couple of hometown celebrity chefs whom you might know from Top Chef. Bryan and Michael Voltaggio are Frederick natives, James Beard nominees, and now, the creative minds behind Wye Oak Tavern, the on-site restaurant that in and of itself is enough to make you want to visit Visitation Hotel, the newest property in this storied city on the Monocacy River.
Once a convent and Catholic school, the recent opening of Visitation marks the first new hotel in downtown Frederick in 50 years. Its nearly 200-year-old brick exterior maintains the original ethos of Visitation Academy, an academic institution founded in 1846 that maintained its operations until 2016. But now, nearly 10 years later, the space has entered into a new chapter of its history.
The white steeples of Visitation are visible almost as soon as you enter the downtown district of Frederick. Drive through the gates of the hotel, and you’ll be greeted by the impressive red brick facade of the building, as well as a friendly valet or bellman ready to direct you up the stairs to the second-floor lobby. The library-inspired lighting and detailing reflect the history of the space, while comfortable seating in the adjacent lounge offers an excellent place to take in your surroundings or wait for your room.
The 65 guest rooms are spread across the hotel, and are beautifully austere and understated in their design. Leather detailing and wooden furniture blend in seamlessly with neutral color palettes of tans, browns, and blacks, with antique touches throughout paying homage to the history of the space. Photographs of former students, old books, and a range of artifacts that were found on-site during the construction of the property are displayed proudly in rooms and throughout the property in elegant shadow boxes.
Bathrooms are modern and spacious, with some rooms featuring freestanding soaking tubs alongside glass-enclosed rainfall showers. We love the Malin & Goetz bath products as well as the plush Egyptian cotton bath towels and bathrobes. One note – some rooms can get a little bit noisy given relatively thin adjoining walls, especially on the first floor of the property (a quirk that comes with a historic building).
The real crowning jewel of the hotel, however, comes in the form of Wye Oak Tavern, whose stunning design is only upstaged by the delicious menu designed by Bryan Voltaggio. Visitation Hotel marks the first time that Bryan and his brother Michael Voltaggio have collaborated in their hometown, and for guests and locals alike, it’s been worth the wait.
The breathtaking restaurant is set across two dramatic floors with a decades-old church organ seated on the balcony, and an expansive full bar (which is always packed) between stained glass windows. The dramatic space, accentuated by soaring ceilings, provides the perfect setting for a modern tavern that highlights the flavors and ingredients of the Mid Atlantic.
We can’t get enough of the Cold Fried Chicken Liver Pate or the Maryland Crabcake, as well as the beef fat fries, which are not to be missed. Even if you’re only visiting Wye Oak for the cocktails, you won’t be disappointed—an extensive martini selection is a highlight, though the entirety of the bar program is worth its own special shoutout.
The Voltaggios are also behind Acorn Provisions, an all-day cafe in the hotel that offers breakfast, a full espresso bar, sandwiches, salads, pastries and baked goods throughout the day and into early evening.
So whether you’re visiting Frederick to eat, to drink, or just to explore the wonders of this mid-Atlantic gem, a stay at Visitation is an absolute must-do.
Top Takeaways
Location: Frederick, MD
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Austere yet modern luxury in a revitalized Catholic school
Food + Drink: It would be a crime to miss a meal (or a drink) at Wye Oak Tavern, and be sure to grab breakfast from Acorn Provisions
Amenities: fitness center; restaurant; bar; concierge; ballroom; meeting spaces; bikes
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Wye Oak Tavern is hands down the shining star of this property, with its incredible Voltaggio-designed food and beverage program
5 Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Baker and Memorial Park, Heritage Frederick, Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, Attaboy Brewery
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Take a 10-minute walk toward one of Frederick’s many brewery districts and grab a pint (or several) at Attaboy, and then a pizza from Dop at nearby RAK Brewing
Rooms: 65 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $188/night
Closest Airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
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