Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is taking a cue from the Beatles’ popular birthday song, preparing for a week of good times and special events November 11-16, 2012 to celebrate the Hotel’s first birthday and thank loyal patrons and valued guests for their support over the past year.

On November 14, 2011, after eleven months of hard work by a team of dedicated employees, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore opened its doors, celebrating its first day of business with a ribbon-cutting event and opening bash at the Hotel’s signature modern American tavern, Wit & Wisdom.

With its advanced technology, beautiful contemporary interiors, stunning views and unparalleled service, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is the first establishment in the city to offer its guests and local patrons the services and amenities that define a premiere city. The Hotel also offers the city’s first and only resort oasis, with a bi-level terrace overlooking the harbor and offering an infinity pool, whirlpool, reflection pool, lounges and cabanas, and a Pool Bar and Grill. Destination spa and dining add to the urban resort-like experience, and spacious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling views offer guests their own private retreat in the heart of downtown Baltimore’s hip new Harbor East neighbourhood.

“It’s been a tremendous year for Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore,” notes General Manager Julien Carralero. “I first arrived in Baltimore on January 1, 2011 with the task of opening the 86th Four Seasons hotel, knowing that it would be the first of its kind in a city that has already seen an impressive transformation in the last two decades. The Hotel has played an important role in this urban renaissance by helping to establish Baltimore as a leading destination in its own right. In return, the great city of Baltimore has welcomed us with open arms, and made our guests from near and far feel right at home. It is truly deserving of the nickname of Charm City.”

In its first year of operation, the Hotel has contributed significantly to the revitalization of the Harbor East neighbourhood, Visit Baltimore’s tourism initiatives and laid the groundwork for a future of giving back to the community. A firm believer that true hospitality extends beyond the confines of the Hotel, restaurants and spa, Carralero is honoured to lead the Hotel in giving back to a community in which it is so pleased to be a part. “I am proud to say that in our first year of operation, we have donated to several nonprofit events, charities, and global causes that have captured our hearts.”

Marking the one year milestone has also inspired the Hotel to reflect upon its many achievements. The Hotel was named one of the Best New Hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012, and recently ranked among the top hotels in the United States by readers of the renowned travel publication. Food & Wine magazine honoured the Hotel with recognition as one of the Best Hotels for Food Lovers, noting its expansion of the Baltimore dining scene with three acclaimed restaurants by celebrity chef Michael Mina: Wit & Wisdom, PABU, a Japanese izakaya style dining experience, and LAMILL COFFEE. Locally, the Hotel received top honours from Baltimore magazine with nods for Best Spa and Best Pastry Chef.

“This is an exciting time to be in Baltimore, and we are proud of our active and positive contribution to the community. We are grateful for all of the support and recognition, and we look forward to many more years of welcoming our cherished guests from Baltimore and around the world,” says Carralero.

One year anniversary events and special offers include:

Post a Memory and Win a Complimentary Overnight Stay and Dinner

Beginning Monday, November 5, the Hotel is inviting local and global guests to share their favourite memory or experience over the past year. Tweet, Facebook, or email a photo or video of a favourite recollection at the Hotel – from the remarkable views out onto the historic harbor, to food items served in any of the three restaurants, spa services, or an experience at the pool – for a chance to win a complimentary overnight stay and dinner for two. The winning entry will be announced via the Hotel’s Twitter and Facebook pages on November 14. Photos and videos should be tweeted to @FSBaltimore Twitter handle with hashtag #FSHB1, posted on the Hotel’s Facebook page with a caption that reads “FSHB1,” or sent via email to [email protected] with the subject line “FSHB1.”

Toast to Good Health During the Spa’s Birthday Week

Monday, November 12 through Friday, November 16

Spa guests can rejuvenate and recharge in Baltimore’s luxurious day Spa with a special rate of USD 99.00 for 50 minute facials and massages. Nestled at the edge of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor East waterfront, guests will be pampered from head to toe in the 10,000 square foot (930 square metre) state-of-the art zen playground. As a departing gift, spa goers will receive a complimentary offering from ESPA, the Spa’s signature line that offers natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients supported by the best science.

Sip, Savour, and Celebrate All Week Long at Wit & Wisdom, a Tavern by Michael Mina

Sunday, November 11: Neighbourhood Block Party

As a thank you for welcoming the restaurant to the Harbor East neighbourhood, and to kick off a week of birthday festivities, guests and locals can enjoy 11.14 percent off dinner entrees in the dining room along with half-priced bottles of wine. Named one of Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in the US for 2012, it’s a great opportunity to explore Wit & Wisdom’s extensive list of American wines with European accents.

  Monday, November 12 – Friday, November 16: Local Appreciation Dinner

Experience a fresh taste of Wit & Wisdom with new Executive Chef Clay Miller’s three-course showcase menu. Inspired by the Mid-Atlantic region and focused on the Eastern seaboard’s culinary heritage, the restaurant pays homage to the area’s history, tapping locally sourced ingredients, prepared using classic wood fire grilling and hearth cooking techniques. Chef Miller has cultivated great relationships with farmers and ranchers in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and actively supports the Baltimore area farmers markets and small-scale farms by sourcing the majority of the restaurant’s produce within 100 miles (160 kilometres). In appreciation of their support, and that of loyal patrons over the past year.

Wednesday, November 14: First Birthday Celebration

Celebrate the big day with complimentary cupcakes at lunch and a Champagne toast at dinner - Wit & Wisdom’s birthday present to valued diners. Cheers!

Special menus and complimentary promotions are available in the dining room only with lunch or dinner.

A Party to Remember at PABU

Wednesday, November 14: Japanese Culture Festival

The newest addition to the Hotel may not be celebrating a first birthday just yet, but the izakaya style Japanese restaurant is joining in the festivities with a culture festival that honours its rich heritage. The celebration will include action stations featuring modern Japanese street food from Executive Chef Jonah Kim, sake specials and education with Master Sake Sommelier Tiffany Soto, a Japanese Beer Garden, and live entertainment including Japanese taiko drummers and a DJ spinning tunes.