Hotel full of empty rooms is a symbol of Democrat failure in Baltimore
Baltimore taxpayers are still on the hook for a massive hotel debt after a city-owned Hilton suffered its worst financial year on record, despite charging guests more than ever.
TL;DR
- The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor recorded its worst financial year in 2025, with a 52.3% occupancy rate.
- Taxpayers are still responsible for a significant portion of the $300 million debt incurred to build the hotel, which opened in 2008.
- The city has already spent and refunded $143.7 million to support the struggling hotel.
- Despite record-high room rates in 2025, revenue per available room hit its lowest point since 2009.
- The hotel has consistently failed to meet its original occupancy and revenue targets.
- Baltimore's downtown hotel market is shrinking, with occupancy averaging 55.7% in 2025 and available rooms decreasing.
- The Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel closed earlier this year.
- Despite current struggles, developers are planning a new luxury hotel near Harborplace.
- Officials claim hotel fortunes are improving in 2026 due to major events and increased bookings.