history of the belvedere - weddings corporate & · pdf file ·...
TRANSCRIPT
1
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
2
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.
General Information:
• 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
Cocktail Reception 125
3
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.
General Information:
• 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
Cocktail Reception 220
4
General Information:
• 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.
General Information:
• 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
Cocktail Reception 320
Reception 80
Ceremony 140
Cocktail Reception 150
5
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.
General Information:
• 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
Cocktail Reception 350
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.
6
General Information:
• 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
Cocktail Reception 370