Baltimore's Urban Oasis: good neighbor guesthouse

As a newly married couple of entrepreneurs and professionals, hailing from Brazil and Puerto Rico, our lives are a mosaic of cultures and journeys. We travel constantly due to our diverse backgrounds as a graphic designer and a scientist, yet among the many accommodations we have sought, the good neighbor guesthouse has etched a lasting impression on our hearts, offering us an unforgettable retreat in Baltimore, the city we now call home.

From the moment you step into this boutique hotel and the good neighbor design shop, you are immersed in an atmosphere of refined taste and creative brilliance. Owned and curated by Shawn Chopra and Anne Morgan, the guesthouse pays homage to their Indian and Egyptian heritages, blending elements inspired by the architectural marvels of those countries’ intricate textiles, art, and architecture.

With its blend of history, sustainability, and community, the guesthouse by good neighbor (lowercase with intention) is a testament to the transformative power of design and genuine hospitality. This fusion of cultures creates a unique ambiance that reflects the couple’s deep-rooted appreciation for both traditions. Their commitment to showcasing their love for the Charm City is also evident in every detail, as hospitality flows through the space, inviting guests to experience the warmth of their diverse backgrounds.

The good neighbor guesthouse began with Chopra and Morgan acquiring a century-old building, formerly a Hampden hardware store, which they remodeled to accommodate the guesthouse, coffee shop, and an outdoor space with green neighbor, an intimate plant shop and greenhouse. The idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel options were limited. Throughout the renovation process, they prioritized sustainable design practices and local craftsmanship. Reclaimed wood, expertly crafted by the builder and master woodworker Alejandro Villaseñor-Garcia, can be found throughout the space, reflecting their commitment to the environment and community.

The guesthouse comprises seven thoughtfully designed spaces, each providing a shoppable experience that reflects the design shop downstairs. Guests have the opportunity to purchase showcased plants, soap, books, and even the bedding, taking a piece of the charming atmosphere home with them. Inspired by the archaeological wonders of Egypt, the muted color palette and meticulously curated objects in each space reflect the owners’ taste. Every corner of the guesthouse exudes impeccable indoor design and attention to detail, with rare house plants, locally sourced floors, and bespoke concrete sinks and countertops.

In an age where speed often takes precedence, the good neighbor guesthouse encourages a slower pace, an intentional pause.

Raquel Castedo and Radamés JB Cordero

One of the most enchanting aspects of staying at the good neighbor guesthouse is its scented voyage, crafted in partnership with Le Labo. As you enter, the subtle aroma transports you to a serene oasis, evoking the atmosphere of a high-end spa, both green and woodsy. The scent serves as a soothing reset, enveloping guests in a calm ambiance that complements the design of the space.

As we explored the guesthouse, we discovered spaces that beckoned us to linger and left a lasting impression. The living room, situated at the main entrance, features a vintage Braun record player boasting a diverse selection of albums that tempted us to stay for hours, thoroughly enjoying their collection, including LPs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Terence Nance, Solange, and Alice Coltrane.

On the second floor, we stumbled upon a tucked-away corner featuring a comfortable puffy lounge chair by the brand Hem, a perfect refuge for reading. A washroom nestled beneath the staircase revealed a beautiful concrete sink, artfully crafted to mimic ancient Indian stepwells by Baltimore-based Luke Works. These spaces added a personal touch to our stay, embodying the essence of the guesthouse as more than just a place to rest our heads, but an immersive experience where every sight, sound, and scent contributed to a feeling of serenity and belonging.

Each room in the Guesthouse has a unique name and was designed with that inspiration in mind. In our room, The Pyramids, a king bed framed in oak, sunset-facing windows, and a living room adorned with furniture by Hem. The space extended to a spacious bathroom with a generous shower, ensuring comfort and ease. The water pressure was invigorating, the floor was not slippery and the shower walls, made of glass, further contributed to the spacious feel, creating an atmosphere of indulgent space.

In an age where speed often takes precedence, the good neighbor guesthouse encourages a slower pace, an intentional pause. It’s a place where the concept of time transforms, allowing guests to savor the richness of the moment and forge connections that extend beyond the physical boundaries of the guesthouse, celebrating diversity, not just in its design but in its spirit.

From Baltimore to the world, the objects within the good neighbor guesthouse are a window into the art and objects that Chopra and Morgan love, like the Untitled painting, an early portrait experiment by Amy Sherald in the lobby, Egyptian alabaster vessels all around the house, and the Japan Sofa, designed by Finn Juhl. Each piece has been curated to enhance the ambiance and reflect their passion for design and history. Chopra and Morgan integrate their favorite global brands with local treasures, creating a harmonious blend of styles that showcase the city’s creative brilliance within the context of global awareness.

The good neighbor guesthouse is more than just a place to stay; it is a curated design space that reflects Baltimore’s resilience and creativity. With elegant global taste, locally sourced materials, and carefully selected objects, it invites guests to slow down, appreciate the details, and contemplate the idea of home.