For this edition of Sweet Suites, we had the opportunity last week to spend a night at the The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Located ideally in the center of downtown overlooking the historic Boston Common and Public Garden, the hotel is perfectly positioned for work or play.
Like most Ritz-Carlton properties, seamless check-in and unparalleled attention to detail made this a flawless experience. More modern in design than many Ritz-Carlton properties, the hotel boasts a soaring lobby and inviting bar, Avery, right off the main entrance.
Rooms themselves are spacious and sleek. We had the opportunity to stay in one of the newly renovated Parkview Suites. From modern furniture and to thoughtful detail like a miniature key sculpture on the entry table to sophisticated glass chandeliers, the suites offer a seamless synergy of craftsmanship and creativity reflected in environments that combine sophisticated, contemporary design with a nod to historical suggestion and inspiration.
Isabella Stewart Gardner, a famous Boston-based American art collector, inspired the design for the hotel’s luxury Parkview Suites. The rooms blend modern finishings and pops of color along with subtle touches of Gardner’s many travels, as if she brought numerous accent pieces back from her travels abroad specifically for these new guestrooms. Highlights include pillow shams adorned with Indian elephants and a vintage travel trunk, as well as walls with a platinum silver wood surface covering reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century pattern for a stunning dramatic effect. A custom mirror in the suite is inspired by one of Gardner’s dress patterns and a dining nook and reading chaise provide comfortable seating options.
The suite, which offered a living area, den, separate half bath and spacious bedroom, was lovely, but it was the view that we most admired. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of Boston Common and the Public Garden. Added perks included Club Level access, with its daily food presentations and drinks.
During our stay, we also popped in for a drink at the pre-Prohibition and craft-cocktail inspired Avery bar, a craft cocktail experience with sleek mid-century modern furnishings and intimate, inviting vibe, thanks to roaring fireplaces and small seating groupings. We loved the “the Avery Ten,” a list of ten signature martinis that pay homage to the hotel’s location on 10 Avery Street. The farm-to-table Artisan Bistro also offered the perfect place to catch up over a breakfast meeting.
While our visit was brief, we can’t wait to return — this hotel is definitely on our top list of luxury Boston properties.
