Visitation Hotel Frederick Opens as First Frederick, Maryland Downtown Hotel in 50 Years

Visitation Hotel Frederick, part of the Tribute Portfolio, opened yesterday at 211 E. Church Street in Frederick, Maryland. The hotel is a renovation of a former convent and Catholic school that maintains the building’s historic grandeur while introducing a modern minimalist design. It will be the first hotel to open in downtown Frederick in 50 years.

The hotel features 65 rooms and will serve as a gathering place and dining destination for locals and visitors. Local chef Bryan Voltaggio created the dining concept with his brother, Michael Voltaggio. Together, they will launch a restaurant and bar, an all-day cafe, and full-scale catering services.

The hotel is being developed by Jim O’Hare and his business partner, Lance Jaccard, CEO of OTJ Architects. O’Hare has a history of rejuvenating properties in historic neighborhoods. The hotel will be part of the Historical Hotels of America program and managed by HHM Hotels.

The Visitation Hotel Frederick honors its building’s history by maintaining it’s nearly 200-year-old brick exterior while incorporating modern amenities. The property also includes Visitation Frederick Condominiums, with 10 single-floor units currently in use and seven more expected to be delivered in 2025.

The hotel’s dining options include the Wye Oak Tavern and the Acorn Provisions cafe, both run by the Voltaggio brothers. The Wye Oak Tavern offers a modern-day tavern experience with a diverse menu, while Acorn Provisions serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and pastries throughout the day.

The property also offers several event spaces, including a grand ballroom and a smaller event room, catering to weddings and business meetings. The hotel will participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the travel program from Marriott International, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay.

Visitation Hotel Frederick was previously the Visitation Academy, a Catholic boarding school for girls founded in 1846 and closed in 2016. The building’s historic significance has been preserved during its transformation into a hotel.