Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Back Bay
Vibe
Gilded coffered ceilings and intricate molding draw your eyes upward in the lobby, while historic mosaic floors reward a downward glance.
“Copper bar gilded halls”
This landmarked 1912 hotel preserves Peacock Alley, historic mosaic floors and its Grand Ballroom.
Gilded coffered ceilings crown the lobby and grand hallway, framed by intricate molding.
Boston weddings unfold beneath ballroom chandeliers; the original lobby clock still marks time.
On Copley Square in Back Bay, two blocks from Newbury Street’s shops and restaurants.
“This stately hotel is adorned with marble and oak accents, with the seating areas decorated in plum, blue and red décor.”
Rooms
Plum and blue palettes give the classic interiors color, with black-and-white drawings adding a contemporary note and pillowtop mattresses softening bedtime.
“From the first “woof” of welcome from the resident Canine Ambassador, guests feel a part of this storied hotel’s century-plus history.”
Wellness
The 3,000-square-foot rooftop gym stays open around the clock, with free weights, cardio equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Back Bay.
Backstory
Surviving carousel track recalls the former Merry-Go-Round Bar, where a working indoor carousel completed one rotation an hour in the 1930s.
Eat & drink
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen serves seasonal American dishes and cocktails at an 83-foot copper bar beneath oak vaulted ceilings.
The neighborhood
Copley Square puts Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library beside you, with Newbury Street’s shops and restaurants two blocks away.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.