The Newbury Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Back Bay East
Vibe
Antique crystal chandeliers and a sculptural staircase set the lobby's tone, while local artists' work punctuates the public spaces.
“Fireplace butler glamour”
Fireplace Suite butlers present fragrant wood choices, then light and tend your fire.
Contessa pairs multicolored mosaic floors with emerald banquettes beneath a glass rooftop enclosure.
Original Ritz-Carlton letter boxes and retained wainscoting preserve traces of the 1927 hotel.
Opposite Boston Public Garden, with Newbury Street boutiques and Arlington station a short walk away.
“Some rooms face the garden, a few feature wood-burning fireplaces, and all are classically elegant and impeccably well-equipped.”
Rooms
Light woods and cream tones give interiors a residential feel, with marble bathrooms and a copy of Make Way for Ducklings.
Wellness
The third-floor gym overlooks Commonwealth Avenue and stays open around the clock, with free weights, suspension trainers and yoga mats.
“The design at the Back Bay hotel is warm and inviting with antique crystal chandeliers, jewel tones and a sculptural lobby staircase.”
Backstory
Formerly the Ritz-Carlton and then the Taj, the hotel moved its entrance from Arlington Street to Newbury Street during its reinvention.
“There’s also an impressive 1,500-square-foot fitness center featuring Peloton bikes, cardio machines, and full weight sets, all designated for guests only.”
Eat & drink
Contessa serves Northern Italian dishes beneath a glass rooftop enclosure, while The Street Bar pairs lobster chowder with classic cocktails downstairs.
“the wood-paneled Street Bar has oversize leather sofas and classic cocktails, like a Manhattan and a Sidecar. It’s also steeped in history:”
The neighborhood
Boston Public Garden sits opposite, Newbury Street's boutiques and galleries unfold outside, and Arlington station is one block 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.