The Francis Scott Key Hotel is a historic property at 100 West Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland, occupying a 1923 brick building in the heart of Frederick's downtown historic district. Named for Francis Scott Key — the Frederick-born lawyer who composed the poem that became The Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812 — the hotel occupies a prominent corner position at West Patrick and South Market Streets, one of the main commercial corridors in western Maryland's largest city. The building's 1920s brick facade with classical detailing has been preserved through renovation, and the property is recognised among Frederick's significant historic structures. Frederick is positioned at the junction of Interstates 70 and 270, approximately 45 miles northwest of Washington D.C. and 50 miles west of Baltimore, making it a practical base for exploring western Maryland. Day trips from the hotel reach Antietam National Battlefield in roughly 30 minutes, Catoctin Mountain Park and Camp David's environs in 20 minutes, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park along the Potomac River in 25 minutes. The hotel's location on West Patrick Street places guests within immediate walking distance of Carroll Creek Linear Park, the Weinberg Center for the Arts, and Frederick's well-developed independent dining scene. Guest room categories include Standard Queen, King Room, Junior Suite, and the Governor's Suite on upper floors. The building's historic character is reflected throughout the rooms' fitout and architectural detailing. An on-site restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and Frederick's independent restaurant row along East Market Street and Carroll Creek provides extensive evening dining within a short walk. A fitness centre handles basic workout requirements, and meeting rooms accommodate small business groups. MARC commuter train service to Washington D.C. departs from Frederick's station approximately two miles from the hotel.
Room types
- Standard Queen
- King Room
- Junior Suite
- Governor's Suite
Amenities
- Historic 1923 building
- On-site restaurant
- Fitness center
- Meeting rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Walking distance to historic downtown Frederick
Location
100 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
39.4143, -77.4105 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1923 building in downtown Frederick named for the author of The Star-Spangled Banner
- Walking distance to Carroll Creek Linear Park, the Weinberg Center, and Frederick's restaurant row
- Central location for day trips to Antietam Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park, and the C&O Canal
- On-site restaurant and meeting rooms in a preserved early twentieth-century building
- MARC commuter rail to Washington D.C. available from Frederick station two miles away
Tips for visiting
- Downtown Frederick's parking fills on weekend evenings; the hotel is near several public garages on Court and Record Streets.
- Antietam National Battlefield is approximately 25 miles west — a 30-minute drive via Route 40 or I-70 through Boonsboro.
- Frederick's First Saturday art walks draw large crowds on the first Saturday of each month; book accommodation early for those dates.
- The free downtown trolley service connects major Frederick attractions and stops near the hotel.
- MARC commuter trains to Washington D.C. Union Station depart from Frederick station approximately two miles away — check the schedule for weekend service, which is reduced.
Accessibility
The Francis Scott Key Hotel's 1923 historic structure presents some accessibility limitations. The hotel provides accessible rooms with grab bars and widened doorways. Guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids should contact the hotel directly in advance to confirm accessible room availability and to discuss specific needs for navigating the historic building.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Francis Scott Key and why is he significant to Frederick?
Francis Scott Key was a Frederick, Maryland-born lawyer who composed the poem that became The Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812. Key's burial site and a small memorial park are located in Frederick, and his legacy is a central part of the city's heritage tourism.
How far is the hotel from Washington D.C.?
Washington D.C. is approximately 45 miles southeast of Frederick via Interstate 270, a drive of 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. MARC commuter trains to Washington D.C.'s Union Station depart from Frederick station, roughly two miles from the hotel.
Is the hotel close to Antietam National Battlefield?
Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg is approximately 25 miles west of Frederick, about a 30-minute drive via I-70 or Route 40 through Boonsboro. It is one of the most visited Civil War sites in Maryland.
What dining options are near the hotel?
Frederick's downtown has a well-developed independent dining scene including farm-to-table restaurants, brewpubs, and seafood venues concentrated along East Market Street and Carroll Creek Linear Park, all within a short walk of the hotel's West Patrick Street address.
Does the hotel have a pool?
The Francis Scott Key Hotel does not have a pool. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and meeting rooms. Guests seeking swimming facilities should inquire locally about community pool or fitness club day pass options.