-Is there a hotel-airport shuttle?
There are several private companies that offer shuttle service to/from BWI and the hotel district at the Inner Harbor. The cost averages $13 per person each way. A standard cab fare is about $32 each way. If you have a larger group traveling together, there are some 10-passenger van shuttles with supershuttle.com that will cost $65 each way.
-What does parking cost at the Conference?
Parking is at a premium at the Inner Harbor. If you choose to drive a car, parking is available in the Sheraton parking lot at a rate of $22 per night or $30 valet parking for overnight guests at the hotel. If you are not lodging at the Sheraton, daily parking rates start at $5 for one hour/ $14 for two hours and $26 per day.
-Is tipping the hotel staff appropriate during the Conference?
All the meals served at the hotel include a tax and service charge which covers any tipping. Thus for the waiters/waitresses no tip is expected.
Tipping of other hotel staff, for example a valet or concierge, is completely up to the individuals discretion.
-If I bring my family, what is there to do in Baltimore during the day?
The Baltimore Inner Harbor is full opportunities! MARTAC-08 is at the Sheraton, Inner Harbor and is within walking distance of the citys premier tourist attractions.
Port Discovery: A childrens museum for kids ages 2-10 includes a 3-story urban tree-house climbing structure.
Maryland Science Center: Hands-on exhibits including a science arcade and Kids Room, 14 full-sized dinosaur skeletons, multi-media planetarium presentations and IMAX theater.
National Aquarium in Baltimore: A five-story building houses a collection of 11,500 aquatic animals and includes a Childrens Discovery Cove (touch pool).
Harborplace and The Gallery: Baltimores premier retail shopping and dining destination includes two waterfront pavilions and a 4-story glass atrium that house many one-of-a-kind shops as well as top-brand retailers, 12 restaurants, and 30 eateries. http://www.harborplace.com/html/mallinfo.asp
Camden Yards/Oriole Park: For baseball fans, the Orioles are scheduled to play a home-game on Sunday, 28 Sept at 1:35 pm. Visit the official website for more information. http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com
For more information about Baltimore, see the Baltimore Visitor Center website "CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE"