Travel Planner: Baltimore, MD

This 370-acre complex is the Eastern Shore's first full-service, year-round resort, and one that takes full advantage of the soothing natural light and spectacular views of the Choptank River. The resort includes an 18-acre Blue Heron rookery, an 18,000-square-foot spa, and a golf course designed by Keith Foster. All rooms and suites have a private balcony; those on the upper level have raised ceilings. The resort's restaurants include the self-service Bay Country Market and the Blue Point Provision Company for seafood. Two outdoor sandstone fireplaces make perfect s'more hubs, and a 30-foot-high wall of windows welcomes you to Michener's Library. Pros:

features and amenities worthy of any world-class resort; expensive.

strangely isolated in a region devoid of comparable lodging; can be overwhelmingly large. www.chesapeakebay.hyatt.com. 384 rooms, 16 suites. In-room: safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf course, pool, tennis courts, gym, spa, beach. Credit cards accepted.

The renovations gods have recently kissed this Hyatt, leaving it a solid over-the-Potomac choice. Most guest rooms are large and modern and have comfy mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and large workstations. The hotel's restaurant, Cityhouse, serves classic American cuisine, and the lobby bar is a good place to relax with an early-evening martini or late-night drink. Jogging paths and golf courses can be found nearby. Pros:

free Internet access; across from Metro.

outside the city; dull neighborhood. www.hyattarlington.com. 317 rooms, 8 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, gym, parking. Credit cards accepted.

With 312 acres of hills and tall trees bordered by the Potomac River, Lansdowne specializes in outdoor activities and has miles of hiking and jogging trails. Polished wood furniture, handsome wall decorations, and marble-accented bathrooms help make the property elegant. On the Potomac restaurant serves a seasonal menu with fresh fish options. The Riverside Hearth, an upscale café overlooking an 18-hole golf course and driving range, is best known for its decadent Sunday brunch buffet. Pros:

there's always something to do here between its tennis courts, pools, and 45 holes of championship golf courses; some areas of the hotel have beautiful views.

the resort gets mixed reviews when it comes to service and friendliness of front desk staff; prices are high. www.lansdowneresort.com. 305 rooms, 14 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurants, bars, golf courses, pools, tennis courts, gym, spa, parking. Credit cards accepted.

On 12 acres sloping gently to a gazebo on the edge of its private Chesapeake beach, this stately 18th-century Georgian brick manor house provides a taste of Eastern Shore gentility. Its antique furnishings and Oriental rugs, along with an airy sunporch, re-create a bygone era. Of its 11 impeccably decorated guest rooms, 5 have working fireplaces. The manor's formal library is well stocked with both books and films. If needed, guests are provided transportation to the restaurant of their choice for dinner. Golf and tennis are available at neighboring Great Oak Landing. Pros:

stunning waterside location.

formal period decor may be stuffy. www.greatoak.com. 11 rooms. In-hotel: beach, some age restrictions. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: Breakfast.

Smorgasbord meals, large rooms, a duck pond, and indoor pools make this large, stylish resort a great family place. Rooms are spread out over three buildings; those in the Atrium Building surround a striking skylighted lobby. The extensive Sunday brunch in the Palm Court is a favored feast. Since the resort is Mennonite-owned, liquor is not permitted on the premises. Pros:

indoor pools; fresh baked goods; central location.

restaurant gets mixed reviews; no alcohol served. www.willowvalley.com. 342 rooms, 50 suites. In-hotel: restaurants, golf course, pools, tennis courts, gym. Credit cards accepted.

This sprawling family resort is in the heart of the busy Pennsylvania Dutch tourist area and features cherrywood furnishings. You can jog or rent a bike and ride around the beautifully landscaped golf course and grounds. Pros:

knowledgeable staff; indoor pool; plenty of activities.

some dingy hallways; gym needs upgrading; smell of manure from nearby fields. www.lancasterhost.com. 330 rooms, 8 suites. In-room: Internet. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf course, pools, tennis courts. Credit cards accepted.

The grande dame of Hershey, this gracious Mediterranean villa-style hotel is a sophisticated resort with plenty of options for recreation, starting with the golf course that wraps around the hotel. Inspired by the fine European hotels Milton S. Hershey encountered in his travels, elegant touches abound, from the mosaic-tile lobby to rooms with maple armoires, paintings by local artists, and tile baths. The Spa at the Hotel Hershey has body treatments that include chocolate bean polish, cocoa butter scrub, chocolate fondue wrap, and a whipped cocoa bath. Outdoor activities include carriage rides, a ropes course, and nature trails, while newer amenities include an ice-skating rink and wing of boutique-style shops. Pros:

gourmet dining; swimming pool and lush grounds; attentive service.

some guest rooms are small; front desk not helpful; overcrowded spa. www.thehotelhershey.com. 234 rooms, 20 suites. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf courses, pools, tennis courts, gym, spa. Credit cards accepted.