BALTIMORE (WJZ) — International recognition for Baltimore’s posh new Four Seasons hotel, named one of the hottest places to stay in the world. The hotel is a crown jewel in the fast-growing Harbor East neighborhood.

Kai Jackson explains it’s a good sign for the city.

The award is a big honor for the Four Seasons and a promising sign for downtown development.

The Four Seasons is a world-class hotel in the heart of Baltimore’s trendy Harbor East neighborhood. Employees have just learned that Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has named it one of the best new hotels in the world.

“It means a lot. It means the beginning of a great path that we have ahead of us as a great looking hotel. We’re here to keep establishing ourselves in the future,” said Four Seasons General Manager Julien Carralero.

The Four Seasons appears to be another link in a chain of successful Harbor East ventures, businesses many hope will promote shopping and encourage new retail shops.

The Four Seasons wanted to be in the running for the award yet even they were surprised to make the cut, having just opened in November 2011.

The Four Seasons Baltimore competed with hotels around the world for this award. They were critiqued in several areas, including food, service, atmosphere and amenities. The hotel received high marks for its service and for amenities like the Wit and Wisdom Restaurant and the popular bar. Conde Nast did, however, critique the spa, saying it could be better with more skilled workers.

“Conde Nast Traveler just pointed out a couple of things there that we’re working very hard on,” Carralero said.

The Four Seasons hotel chain is based on Toronto.