The Langham, Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Financial District
Vibe
Jewel tones and a fireplace soften the lobby, where banker’s drawers turn the building’s former business into decoration.
“Federal Reserve finery”
The 1922 Federal Reserve Bank retains its brass seal, terrazzo floors and original frieze ceiling.
Banker’s drawers line the lobby walls, while dollar bill leaf patterns animate custom carpets.
Club guests receive dedicated attendant service, clothing pressing and shoe shines alongside daily food presentations.
Opposite Norman B. Leventhal Park in the Financial District, with Faneuil Hall a short walk away.
“they’ve shrewdly retained the stolid grandeur of its exteriors for effect while dramatically transforming the interiors to present-day standards of luxury.”
Rooms
The two-story Loft Suites have brass-embossed windows and a sculptural arrangement of about 60 wheel-thrown glazed plates.
“The accommodations incorporate design influences from travel (like the cellaret that resembles an antique travel trunk), the New England coast (pops of blue recall the nearby harbor) and Boston’s history”
Wellness
The third-floor pavilion houses a 40-foot heated indoor pool, with a whirlpool and saunas beside it.
“The ground-floor cocktail bar and a separate cavernous Italian restaurant in the former bank’s grand hall, both located off picturesque Post Office Square, is usually full of busy Bostonians passing through downtown, especially after work hours.”
Backstory
The bank commissioned the original N.C. Wyeth murals, which remain alongside a newer collection of local and regional art.
“In the lobby, the banker’s box drawers line one of the walls, while the custom-designed carpets are inspired by the leaf motif found on dollar bills.”
Eat & drink
Grana serves Italian food in the former banking hall, while The Fed pairs pub fare and cocktails with Friday jazz.
The neighborhood
Norman B. Leventhal Park sits opposite the hotel, with Faneuil Hall a short walk through the Financial District.
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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.