The capital of Massachusetts is one of the most historic areas in the US. Home of the Boston Tea Party, Cheers, The Freedom Trail and baked beans, the ‘Athens of America’ makes for a wonderful and quirky break. Visit in the fall to experience the rich autumnal colour palette, or in the summer, to soak up some of its thriving pavement cafe culture. The Bay State is a nature-lovers paradise too, with plenty of green spaces in the form of expansive parks, gardens and arboretum. If you’re planning a stay in Boston, here are the top hotels to consider.
Langham Boston
Following a two-year, multi-million dollar renovation The Langham, Boston opens its doors once more. The American classic hotel is located at 250 Franklin Street in the former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and still retains some of the original architectural and interior features. All guest rooms and suites have been completely redesigned with New England-inspired décor and marble-clad bathrooms. Guests can relax in the luxurious new lobby, decorated in jewel tones, with a cozy fireplace or enjoy craft cocktails and elevated pub grub at The Fed – the hotel’s new destination luxe cocktail club. GRANA is the new Italian restaurant, which sits in the former great hall of the bank and is architecturally breathtaking. The Langham Club – a private space in which guests can meet, eat and socialise, throughout the day – this signature feature of The Langham Hotels & Resorts brand will be available to those who have purchased Club access.
Mandarin Oriental Boston
Centrally located beside the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Mandarin Oriental sports a modern style with vintage early 20th century touches. Head to the fourth floor to visit the 6,000-square-foot spa – quite possibly the best in the city. Aromatherapy Associates and Linda Meredith products are used for the therapies and there’s a large suite for couples’ treatments. Bar Boulud features a wall of windows and European meets New England cuisine designed by the restaurant’s namesake chef, Daniel Boulud. Following the hotel’s family-friendly credentials, children’s menus are also provided. 148 rooms and public areas are all fully accessible and the hotel and spa have been awarded Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Stars.
Boston Harbour Hotel
Opened in 1987, the hotel became a landmark with its 60-foot archway linking the harbour to the city. It has received a host of high profile awards and accolades, including Forbes Five-Star Hotel, AAA Five-Diamond Hotel and Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice. Its set on Rowes Wharf, offering excellent views of the maritime comings and goings. Inside, you’ll find a large health club with a pool, 232 plush guestrooms, luxe residential suites and a gym. The fresh fish and crustacean offerings at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille are unmissable and can be enjoyed alfresco while the bar has the feel of an exclusive private members’ club.
Four Seasons
The red brick facade of the Four Seasons is the kind of building you probably imagine when thinking of Boston. The building was once the city’s Playboy Club and is found among Victorian brownstone buildings. Once inside it’s unashamedly fancy, with chandeliers, marble, plush bespoke textiles and abundant space and light. Guests can dine in the Aujourd Hui Lounge, the Sottovento Coffe Bar, outdoors at The Sanctuary or poolside. Rooms range from deluxe kings to speciality suites offering separate living and sleeping areas (perfect for extended stays). Accessible rooms across each of the categories are also available to book. The indoor pool has a great view and there’s a gym for those wishing to work out.
Ritz Carlton
Found in the trendy district of Downtown Crossing, right across from Boston common, the Ritz-Carlton stands out on the skyline as a gleaming tower. Inside, soft greys lead the colour scheme with pops of vibrant colour here and there. This creates a calming, serene ambience, aided by the slick, five-star service. 193 bedrooms and suites have a clear mid-century influence. The Artisan Bistro serves pasta, salads and New England favourites. In the lobby, Avery Bar features dark wood panelling, signature martinis and a lit fireplace providing a cosy backdrop for a little imbibement. Additional amenities in the multi-storey hotel include Equinox Sports Club, a pool and a spa.
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Liberty’s previous life – as the Charles Street jail – is evidenced throughout the building, in the trendiest urban-chic style. Dating back to 1851, the building was renovated to form a 298 bedroom hotel in 2007. Everything revolves around the atrium of the lobby, the central hub of the old slammer, in which live music, fashions shows and art displays are frequent occurrences. Guests can choose to stay in a ‘jail room’ or in the new wing, and enjoy drinks and food at the aptly named Alibi and Clink.
XV Beacon Hotel
Located in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood, this Beaux-Arts era boutique hotel has 63 rooms. Each of these is designed as a place to linger – there are iHome systems, flat-screen TVs, Frette linens and gas fireplaces, with in-room massage therapies or and cocktails available to order from the on-site wine cellar. Venture to the public areas via an original-cage elevator or the grand marble staircase, and you’ll discover the classic steakhouse Mooo, a gym, a rooftop terrace and a hot tub. The hotel’s town car is available for short excursions and an around-the-clock concierge is on hand for everything from dinner reservations to jogging routes.
