Housed in a Boston landmark built in 1927, this grand hotel has gone through a series of metamorphoses. First, as the Ritz Carlton Boston, opened in 1927, and then as the Taj Boston, which closed in 2019.
The Newbury Boston is ushering this iconic property into a fabulous new era, with modern design that suits this legendary locale. It’s picture-perfect location overlooking the Public Garden and the city’s most fabulous shopping street (which the hotel is actually named after) make this property one of the most sought-after in the area.
The Vibe
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Newbury Boston is a meeting spot for hotel guests and chic Bostonians alike. Upon entering the original revolving doors, a black marble herringbone floor meets your pretty feet and a twisting glamorous staircase welcomes you to your left. To the right of the entryway you’ll find Street Bar, a newly reimagined space, where Bostonians gather to sip, nibble, gawk, and gossip.
The Rooms
Of the hotel’s 90 luxury suites, 42 have wood-burning fireplaces and two are dramatic presidential suites, called The Mansion and The Corner House.
Credit: Read McKendree
The contemporary rooms feature muted tones with delicate pops of colour and offer all of the creature comforts one would find at home. Original artwork by illustrator Veronica Lawlor adorns the walls and custom-designed furnishings by acclaimed interior designer, Alexandra Champalimaud fill the impeccably designed space, which also features handcrafted woods and marble finishings.
The Little Extras
Bespoke amenities include BYREDO bath products made for the hotel, Frette robes and linens, an in-room Nespresso Vertuo espresso maker, and private access to the library and fitness centre.
Credit: Nikolas Koenig
The library has a handpicked selection of books curated by the legendary Boston Public Library, while the fitness centre – designed by The Wright Fit and its Founder, celebrity trainer Jay Wright – is filled with elite equipment like Peloton bikes, Life Fitness, and Freemotion, as well as TRX suspension trainers. Lockers and a variety of waters and drinks are also available.
The Food + Drink
Watch the world go by from a window seat at Street Bar and enjoy a drink (or three) from their extensive list of ‘Shaken and Stirred’ cocktails and Martinis. Menu favourites include spicy pink lobster chowder, deviled eggs, and a club sandwich with hand-carved turkey breast, fried egg, tomatoes, bacon, and dijonaise.
Credit: Nikolas Koenig
Contessa, the 4,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant, designed by Boston resident Ken Fulk, offers sweeping views of the Boston Commons and the city skyline from a glass wall and ceiling enclosure that slides open on warm days. Blush and teal velvet banquettes and chairs, a jewel-toned marble floor, fringed lamps, colourful wallpaper, potted plants, and other playful design elements make this place pure fun. A Northern Italian-inspired menu by chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi includes dishes like imported burrata cheese, fusilli Genovese, grilled Mediterranean branzino, and three distinct Tuscan steak dishes. Sit in the sun-soaked space for breakfast, lunch, and brunch or under the stars for drinks and dinner.
The To-Do List
Located in the heart of Back Bay and just down the road from Boston’s historic Beacon Hill, this area is prime for exploring.
A stroll down Newbury Street is a must. Pop into the massive Chanel boutique and local luxury favourite, Alan Bilzerian for pieces from Rick Owens, Junya Watanabe, Les Tien, Bao Bao Issey Miyake, and many other eclectic items for men and women. Stop by the massive Restoration Hardware located in a historic Neoclassical redbrick-and-brownstone building, formerly the Museum of Natural History, and make your way down the street for a bite at French favourite La Voile, sister to the original in Cannes. Around the corner, Boylston Street, The Prudential Center, and Copley Place offer more shopping and dining.
A few minutes northwest of the hotel is the ever-so-charming Charles Street in historic Beacon Hill. One of the poshest zip codes in Beantown, is also the idyllic home to glorious brownstone townhouses, cobblestone streets, and adorable boutiques, as well as some feted local watering holes. While almost all the shops on Charles Street are unique and well curated, there are two which particularly stand out: December Thieves and Thieves Next Door. The shops are adjacent to each other and one offers cool clothing and accessories from around the globe, while the other sells homeware and gift items created by emerging designers – each hand-selected by owner, Lana Barakat.
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