The Vibe
Set on the harbor in the heart of the city, the Boston Harbor Hotel is an elegant oasis. The Forbes five-star luxury hotel’s refined, yet casual vibe means tuxedo-clad guests feel just as comfortable as casually dressed sightseers.
The property is punctuated by a striking archway and Foster’s Pavilion, a glass-paneled round gathering space overlooking the water. Multiple special event spaces make the hotel a popular destination for weddings.
How I Felt
Spoiled. From the staff checking in to see if I needed anything to my name appearing on the in-room tablet, I was treated like a welcomed guest. Exquisite displays of orchids in the lobby, complimentary trail mix in the fitness center – the little details give the property an elegant feel. Soft plush carpeting, cozy Frette robes and a selection of curated regional magazines made me want to linger in this AAA Five Diamond urban waterfront escape.
The Digs
From my 500-foot spacious King Superior Harbor View room, I watched planes land at Boston Logan International Airport across the harbor as the evening sky turned orange. Plush neutral fabrics with pops of blue gave a royal feeling to the room. Fluffy comforters, just-right pillows and a firm mattress made for restful sleep.
I enjoyed coffee from the Nespresso machine each morning as I sat in the velvety easy chair enjoying the view. The marble bathroom has a rain forest shower, oversized towels and French Diptyque bath products. You’ll also find thoughtful amenities like stain remover and collar stays. Sumptuous travel sized lotions were left on the bed each night. Housekeeping is immaculate, having organized my stray charging cords, refreshing coffee supplies and setting slippers and water by my bed each night.
The Agenda
It was a challenge to tear myself away from the comfortable room, but the harbor front location beckoned me out to the water. It’s a short walk to Long Wharf, where my husband and I hopped on a ferry to enjoy the harbor views and explore Boston’s South shore. The Seaport District, with shops, restaurants and colorful sculptures is an easy walk. If you visit in winter, don’t miss Snowport, the annual popular holiday market.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway runs in front of the hotel, offering a shady walking path filled with public art, fountains, a carousel and a full calendar of markets and music throughout the year. A 15-minute stroll leads to the North End, Boston’s popular Italian neighborhood. In less than 10 minutes you’ll reach Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Freedom Trail and Haymarket Fruit Market, one of the nation’s oldest open-air markets.
The Eats
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, offers elevated harbor front dining with indoor and outdoor seating (in season). Indulge in the weekend breakfast buffet, soak in the sea air at lunch or treat yourself to local seafood dinner at sunset. For lighter fare, the Dandelion Café serves a great selection of quick breakfast items, coffee and all-day snacks. The Dark Bar specializes in the city’s most extensive selection of fine scotch.
Outside the hotel, you’re surrounded by restaurants (Legal Sea Foods is a nearby favorite) and cafes. Flour Bakery & Café in Seaport is just far enough of a walk to justify their delicious scones, cookies and sweet treats. You can also pick up a salad or sandwich here for a picnic by the water.
Why I Would Go Back
The staff treats guests like royalty. I would go back for the luxurious rooms with sweeping harbor views, the extensive fitness center and attention to detail that seems rare these days. The Boston Harbor Hotel is a pampered escape from the city, yet close to everything. The combination of waterfront location and five-star service make this hotel unmatched in Boston.
Kirsten Harrington
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