After a $200 million makeover, the Langham Boston is back and better than ever.
With subtle, and not-so-subtle, nods to cash (the building formerly housed the Boston Federal Reserve Bank), everything about the updated space is golden.
The Vibe
Built in 1922, this glorious Renaissance Revival building once served as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the makeover has maintained that historical integrity. The high ceilings, vintage-inspired dark green lobby lamps, and gigantic oil paintings are juxtaposed against plush jewel-toned upholstery and updated finishings. The lobby is a gorgeous mix of old and new, including a large portrait of famous Bostonian John Singleton Copley, created exclusively for the property by artist Samuel Gareginyan.
Situated in the middle of Boston’s Financial District, and just down the road from touristy hotspots like Fanuiel Hall and the New England Aquarium, you’ll find the space swarming with a medley of suits and out-of-towners.
The Rooms
The 312 guest rooms, including 17 luxurious suites, are impeccably designed by Richmond International (who worked on The Langham London and The Langham Chicago). The upscale, cosy rooms are an extension of the property’s vintage-meets-modern vibe and the decor is inspired by the New England coastline and Boston’s rich history. The design touches include a leather cellarette holding an espresso machine, snacks and refrigerated water, soft drinks and spirits, and photos of Boston scenes on the walls.
The Langham, Boston
Two-level loft suites feel like your very own city pied-à-terre, whilst the hotel’s flagship Chairman’s Suite, offers the ultimate in luxury living. The penthouse has a king-size bedroom, a dining room that seats eight, and a large living room, complete with a baby grand piano.
The Little Extras
The Langham Club on the eighth floor overlooks the city and is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or for doing work. Find refreshments here all day and the option to have clothes pressed on arrival. Access comes with an executive room or any suite, but hotel guests can also purchase access for $150 a day.
The Langham, Boston
Lovers of the art on display will delight in the fact that the property is loaded with gorgeous artwork. A seven-foot tall wire sculpture of the Lady Liberty coin head hangs over the entrance to GRANA and inside the restaurant, there are eight portraits of former presidents of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, commissioned by American portraitist Debra Keirce. The Wyeth function room is adorned with larger-than-life oil paintings commissioned by the Bank, depicting the banking system of the United States and historical photographs of the building and an assembly of antique maps of the Boston area can be found throughout the rest of the function space.
As for the performing arts, the property has an interesting partnership with the Boston Ballet. A short promo video runs in each room and features an exclusive piece of choreography in an artistic reinterpretation of “A New American Classic,” followed by some of the dancers’ tips on how to spend your time in Boston…
The Food + Drink
Snack on “lobster fries,” a warm pretzel loaf or a heaping tower of New England seafood at the hotel’s swanky cocktail bar, The Fed. We highly recommend the Lobster BLT and the Whoopie Pies—which quite frankly just may be the best casual dessert in New England. Wash it all down with their Beantown-themed signature cocktails. “I’m Sipping up to Boston,” features the hotel’s proprietary barrel-aged whiskey from Knob Creek, coffee-infused amaro, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. “Kool & the Gang,” is mixed with Celebration gin from Roxbury-based Bully Boy Distillers, lime, ginger, aquafaba, raspberry, and tonic.
The Langham, Boston
Also on site is Grana, an upscale Italian restaurant located in the former grand hall of the Bank. Indulge in shareable Italian dishes like beef and pork Bolognese or lobster agnolotti—made with New England lobster, obviously! Brunch menu items include delish spaghetti pancakes and decadent hash brown waffles.
The To-Do List
Once divided by a highway overpass, Boston is now connected by a 17-acre linear park that stretches across several downtown Boston neighborhoods. Completed in 2008, after Boston’s infamous “Big Dig,” the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway houses occasional food trucks and markets, a vintage carousel and consists of fountains, street art, parks, promenades and plazas that stretch over one mile. It’s highly worth a stroll through while you’re in town.
Take another stroll through the nearby Freedom Trail, an iconic 2.5 mile route that connects 16 nationally-significant, historic city sites. Along the route, step inside the museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution. Whilst in the Italian-American North End neighborhood, refuel at one of the many authentic Italian restaurants and devour a cannoli at the famous Mike’s Pastry. Not to worry, you’ll walk off each decadent calorie on your historical trek.
No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the beloved New England Aquarium, which features a cylindrical 200,000-US-gallon tank simulating a Caribbean coral reef, filled with marine life. The spiral walkway of the central tank will take you to the exhibits of various forms of fresh water and sea water animals. Just below are a pack of adorable penguins and outside, you’ll find a grouping of seals and sea lions that will melt your heart.
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