Boston melds European sophistication and New England charm to create a year-round culturally vibrant experience. And, with an impressive array of luxurious accommodations and cuisine that tantalizes tastebuds, you’re in for a true treat in Beantown.
Where to Stay:
Boston Harbor Hotel (Rowes Wharf): Cusping Boston’s seaside, maritime history is weaved through the walls of this storied property. Crisp and elegant decor, the hotel’s five-star, customer-facing service is perhaps its greatest asset: the doormen greet guests as they enter the opulent lobby and stellar service pervades throughout a guest’s visit. The hotel boasts a 34-slip marina, a contemporary spa and fitness center with a lap pool, and copious on-site eating options, including Rowes Wharf Grille. The Boston Harbor Hotel has copious global recognition for its superior level of guest services and amenities. And that is with good reason: not a thread is out of place at this pristine hotel. Insider Tip: Choose a room facing the waterfront for superior, literal birds-eye views sweeping over the city.
The Whitney Hotel (Beacon Hill): Beacon Hill epitomizes quintessential Bostonian charm, with hilly cobbled streets descending to Boston Common, a manicured park optimal for spring strolling. The Whitney, designed as a Beacon Hill brick townhouse, commands the end of Boston’s famed Charles Street, standing tall and with grace. Be sure to check out the hotel’s copious social area—including an outdoor firepit and spacious lobby—to enjoy anything from an iced coffee to a glass of bubbly. The rooms are crisp and elegantly decorated, with large windows overlooking the bustling Boston streets. Insider Tip: Reserve one of the hotel’s free bicycles from the lobby and bike along the Charles River Esplanade.
The Liberty Hotel (Beacon Hill): The Liberty Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is another iconic Beacon Hill property that stands grand with 298 rooms and suites has a unique story—in fact, it used to be a jail! That’s right, what was once Charles Street Jail, a national historical landmark and architectural gem built in 1851, has transformed into a luxurious getaway with impeccable service, modern amenities, and distinctive charm in Boston’s most picturesque neighborhood. This is a must-visit if you’re a history buff—read more about the property’s captivating history. Insider Tip: Stay in one of the multi-room luxury suites suite on an upper floor for sweeping views overlooking Cambridge and Boston. Also, have a drink in The Yard, the hotel’s chic bar named the former jailhouse yard.
Where to Eat:
Bricco (North End): You’ll be momentarily transported to a quaint Italian village as you meander the streets of Boston’s North End, notorious for its winding streets and the perpetual pungency of freshly-made gnocchi. While here, a visit to Bricco, the lively cornerstone on the classic Hanover Street, is a must. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a popular eatery in Rome and the food is dually authentic and delicious—served family-style, the focus is on Italy’s Piedmonte region. Insider Tip: Try some homemade pasta, such as the Pappardelle with wild boar ragu (boar sourced from the Piedmonte region in Italy.) The meatballs are also Boston’s best, made with top sirloin beef.
Buttermilk & Bourbon (Back Bay): If keen on a taste of the South while in Beantown, Buttermilk & Bourbon in Back Bay will certainly hit the spot. A spirited and dynamic restaurant with an American menu featuring southern influences, you’ll feel like you’re in New Orleans any time of the day here. And this was on purpose—Chef Jason Santos, who also owns and operates Boston’s Citrus & Salt, hoped to bring that Bayou spirit up to Boston. Insider Tip: Try the alligator fries, made with pimento queso, comeback sauce, and…yes..real ‘gator!
Bistro du Midi (Boston Commons): Face it—we all dream of being transported to a quaint village on the southern coast of France for momentary bliss. Bistro du Midi’s Chef Sisca, known for working under Eric Ripert at Le Bernadin and winning against Bobby Flay on “Beat Bobby Flay” for his rendition of Bouillabaisse, brings this vision to life in the midst of downtown Boston. Recently reopened and renovated, this airy, two-floor restaurant overlooks the calm and colorful Boston Public Gardens. Insider Tip: Choose a window-front table on the second floor at lunchtime overlooking the park for ultimate serenity. And try the oysters!
Summer Shack (Back Bay): Chowda’ in New England is a staple. Few Boston restaurants do it better than Summer Shack, a bright and airy seafood restaurant that was the brainchild of Jasper White, the award-winning chef regarded as an authority on New England food. This is Boston’s premiere hotspot to sample New England classics like lobster mac n’ cheese, crispy fried seafood, and their signature lobster clambake. Insider Tip: Summer Shack’s creative cocktail menu is perfect if visiting on a day with inclement weather, as they capture a Boston summer in their flavor and vibrant colors.
Rochambeau (Back Bay): It’s been said Boston has undergone a food and hospitality renaissance in the last five years. And stepping into Rochambeau, an eclectic melding of swank lounge, Parisian cafe, and ’50s diner vibes, you definitely feel said renaissance. Menu delights include French classics such as coq a vin, steak fries, and French onion soup, as well as chicken tagine and the best fried chicken burger you’ll ever eat (trust us!). Insider Tip: Visit for lunch one day, apéritifs the next, and late-night cocktails the third at Rochambeau—you’ll be impressed with their multifaceted vibes!
Empire (Seaport District): Empire is the place to see and be seen in Boston’s trendy Seaport District on the weekend, with its moody and seductive lighting, lounge beats, and an impressive array of sushi and Asian fusion cuisine. The cocktails and beverage menu (and the “scorpion bowls” AKA oversized cocktails to share) are also a highlight. Insider Tip: Consider ordering dishes family-style because the portion sizes are so large—and come hungry!
