Raffles Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Prudential / St. Botolph
Vibe
A grand staircase with curved oak stairs and copper balusters spirals through the Sky Lobby atrium.
“Spiral staircase eyrie”
Long Bar pairs sculpted travertine arches with fluted leather alcoves and bronze inlays.
Around-the-clock butlers unpack luggage, draw baths, and arrange city reservations for every room.
Hydrotherapy treatment suites, saunas, and steam complement a 20-meter pool overlooking Back Bay.
Beside Back Bay Station, with Copley Square and Newbury Street a short walk away.
“the hotel occupies the bottom half, from the ground floor to the three-story Sky Lobby on the 17th floor.”
Rooms
Textured wallpapers and wood paneling give the interiors a residential feel, while every marble bathroom has a full soaking tub.
“With spectacular views of the South End from its 17th-floor perch, the Long Bar & Terrace is a lovely place to enjoy a drink.”
Wellness
The 20-meter heated indoor lap pool overlooks Back Bay, while saunas, a steam room and an oversized hot tub round out the circuit.
“From street level, you’re whisked by elevator up to the seventeenth floor, where the soaring three-story Sky Lobby exudes a certain gravitas and scale”
Backstory
The interiors’ copper accents nod to Paul Revere’s copper company, connecting their decorative details to Boston’s history.
“The interior design emphasises longevity through the use of solid wood, precious stone, and cast plaster.”
Eat & drink
Long Bar & Terrace serves lobster rolls, oysters and cranberry-tinged Boston Slings, with views over the South End.
“The Raffles Boston experience begins in the sparkling Sky Lobby on the 17th floor, which is decorated with seasonal flower arrangements.”
The neighborhood
Back Bay Station sits beside the hotel, with Copley Square and Newbury Street a short walk 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.