There’s not much we’re bigger fans of than a staycation in the city. Whether coming from one of the local neighborhoods, across the river from Somerville or from an outlying suburb, setting into a luxury room right in the center of it all feels so indulgent and fun. Recently, we had the opportunity to take a weekend break at the breathtaking Boston Harbor Hotel, and beyond those famous views, here’s what to expect.
History of the Boston Harbor Hotel
A luxury hotel overlooking the Boston Harbor and Rose Kennedy Greenway, the Boston Harbor Hotel, part of the Rowes Wharf building, was built in 1987.
With a location that overlooks the stunning harbor on one side, with views of the Harbor Islands, East Boston and flights coming in and out of Logan airport, and spilling out onto the Greenway on the other, this hotel is all about the fantastic location.
For a romantic city getaway with your partner, it’s tough to beat being within walking distance of the North End, downtown and the theater district.
The rooms at the Boston Harbor Hotel
The rooms are all luxuriously appointed with classic modern furnishings, and the hotel offers allergen and feather free floors. While we’ll always choose the harbor views, the city views many of the rooms offer are stunning as well. Sailing and history enthusiasts will enjoy all the nods to Boston’s past with history maps and seafaring art rooting the property with a true sense of the city.
All rooms have either a king size bed or two queens, and offer Diptyque bath amenities. A real treat is the hotels turndown service, which sees slippers and a mat placed near the bed for guests, and a Diptiyque turndown gift (hand lotion and face lotion).
The Boston Wine and Food Festival
Every winter the Boston Harbor Hotel hosts the annual Boston Wine and Food Festival, with events running January 12th through March 29th, 2024. Events include winemaker dinners, caviar and Champagne dinners and region specific dinners featuring the wines of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and pop up tastings of Chilean wine. Don’t want to drive afterwards? The hotel is offering specials on rooms, so you can just glide back to your room.
The John Adams Presidential Suite
The hotel is famous for having one of the most luxurious suites in town, with a price tag to match. At $15,000 a night, the suite offers four bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms, a private elevator directly into the suite (a favorite of celebrities), a 20 foot glass-domed ceiling, a dining room, bar area and full kitchen (you can book a chef to prepare a meal in your suite), fresh flower arrangements and an outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.
What to do in the area
Get breakfast at the sunny and sophisticated Rowes Wharf Sea Grill – we like the salmon benedict and corned beef hash – and walk out of the hotel into the North End, get a coffee and check out the sights, such as the Paul Revere House. Get some lunch at one of the pizza spots, or settle in for a nice long Italian lunch or dinner. We promise the people watching will deliver.
Or, get tickets to a show in Boston’s theater district, enjoy a meal at one of Boston’s most romantic restaurants, spend an afternoon gallery hopping or just enjoying the city sights.
Don’t forget to finish the evening with a nightcap at the Rowes Wharf Bar. Tucked toward the back of the lobby, the dark bar is decorated with red cherry wood and lots of candles, and a full cocktail list along with a menu of bar bites.