I blame expense accounts. Even if the food is decent (and it often no longer is even that), the prices are usually outrageous. If I'm having to eat in a hotel, I'm usually on an expense account, but I don't like to work for employers I feel comfortable ripping off.

These days, it wouldn't even occure to me to eat in a hotel restaurant, unless I were absolutely stuck (and then I'd go eat in the bar).

I agree prices tend to be much higher than something down the street. Just getting back from my New England 2 week road trip- we didint eat at one place within the hotel because of prices.

The only places that are some what normal prices within hotels are the chain places (TGI Fridays, Outback, etc)

Until the change in focus a couple of years ago, Hampton's at the Harbor Court was always ranked among Baltimore's top 5 restaurants.

There are still some great restaurants in hotels, maybe not in Baltimore, but D.C. has the Willard Room.

Some luxury hotels as well as boutique hotels are now attracting celebrity chefs. Places like the Liasion Capital Hill have a new restaurant with Art Smith of Oprah fame at the helm.

Of course, there are also the resorts. The Greenbrier is headed up by a certified master chef, one of about 100 in this county.

I think the problem with many of the hotel restaurants in this county is not the proximity to the hotel; rather, it the presence of food service companies in the operations of hotel restaurants. Great restaurants can be in hotels, but great restaurants are not run by Aramark.

I am looking forward to reading the review of Pisces. The view is breath-taking (we've been for drinks and apps), but I've never been sure about the food.