First-Timers Guide to the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, MD: Where to Stay for the Ultimate Travel Baseball Getaway

Little Luxe Family Travel
Nov 20, 2024
2 min read

When I’m not mapping out family vacations, I'm usually on the road for travel baseball. Our latest stop? The Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, MD – where every trip comes with an inning of trial and error (or two). Whether you're gearing up for your first visit or a repeat season, here’s the lowdown on the stay situation.

On-Property: The Residence Inn & Courtyard Marriott

For newcomers, staying on property at either the Residence Inn or Courtyard Marriott is a rite of passage. Pros? Well, your baseball star can run out for warm-ups while you’re still in PJs, free breakfast fuels everyone up for early mornings, and the convenience of rolling from bed to the ballpark in 0.3 seconds is unbeatable. There’s also that camaraderie vibe – your neighbors are likely other baseball families, so you’re in good company.

But (there’s always a “but”): be prepared for a no-alcohol waiver, meaning that you can only purchase adult beverages from their in-house restaurant. Also, let's just say it has that... distinctive baseball hotel aroma (we’re talking hints of grass and leather with a hint of bat bag). Add to that the wild, unsupervised ding-and-dash rounds from boys sprinting down the hallways, and it’s a full baseball experience. Plus, these rooms sell out fast, require a two-night minimum, and the rates are definitely not a steal.

Off-Property Options: Hampton Inn & Hilton Garden Inn

For return trips, we branched out – and you might want to, too. If you’re open to a slightly longer commute (okay, it’s a few minutes more, nothing major), the Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn have everything you need with fewer surprises.

The Hampton Inn gives you a free breakfast and plenty of room to spread out, with an indoor pool for post-game cool-offs. The Hilton Garden Inn, though it has a paid breakfast, comes with all the family essentials: clean rooms, a pool, and a quiet night’s sleep – no hallway ding-and-dash. If you're a Hilton member, breakfast might even be included – a quick call to confirm could score you that freebie.

Staying on-property is a great first-time experience, but once you’ve been to Ripken a few times, you’ll know the drill.

Hampton Inn