Photo: Boston Harbor Hotel / Courtesy of the Boston Harbor Hotel
No need to forego big city pleasures to enjoy the soothing effects of nature. If the Boston Harbor Hotel were any closer to the water, you’d be swimming. Located on Rowes Wharf, ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands leave right from the dock. Explore this pristine chain of islands and get back to the city in time for dinner and a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry in the North End.
This modern property’s public spaces exploit the location with dazzling harbor views. The nautical feel extends to the guest rooms and suites, where cool coastal décor and a calming color scheme dominate. Classic and contemporary design elements are present in equal proportions. Refined materials, including silky Frette linens, cradle in a cocoon of comfort.
Rooms are spacious and the panoramic city and harbor views from picture windows make them seem even bigger. These windows serve double duty, allowing an abundance of natural light to shine in. Amenities run the gamut from tech-savvy in-room tablets to low-key bath salts. Room service is available around the clock.
Personalized service is a big part of the hotel’s popularity so don’t be surprised if the welcoming staff call you by your name. It also helps to explain why there are so many repeat visitors. Appealing floral arrangements and plenty of seating make the lobby a pleasing spot to congregate.
Despite being in the city center, the property's harborside location and 34-slip marina make it feel like a resort. There's also a spa, fitness center, and 60-foot indoor lap pool all on-site.
Those looking for serenity smack in the middle of Boston will be over the moon. The hotel attracts oenophiles from around the globe. Meritage, helmed by acclaimed Chef Daniel Bruce, has a legendary wine cellar and serves a delectable vineyard-to-table menu. Each winter, the hotel hosts the Boston Wine Festival. It’s the nation’s longest running food and wine festival offering seminars, tastings, and intimate dinners with top international winemakers. Chef Bruce spearheaded the festival over 30 years ago and continues to bring each edition to a new level.
Though by no means stuffy, there’s a gracious, traditional feel throughout the property. If you’re looking for a hipster vibe, trendy furnishings, and party scene, you’d be better served elsewhere.
The property hosts the annual Summer in the City entertainment series. Free live music and moonlight movies are scheduled every night, Tuesday through Friday.
Wifi, in-room Illy coffee service, and Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze bath amenities are complimentary. Additionally, the fitness center — which includes group exercise classes such as yoga and water aerobics — is free for guests.
There are no additional resort fees.
The hotel's offers page is the best place to find deals and discounts, especially in winter.
Boston Harbor Hotel is across the street from the Rose Kennedy Greenway. This mile-and-a-half long ribbon of urban park is a wonderland of flora, from three types of bamboo to countless beautiful blooms. The organic landscape is maintained without the use of pesticides. Art installations, a wine garden, and an abundance of public programming, including free yoga and tai chi, are some of the offerings.
The property is just a short walk from the North End, Financial District, Faneuil Hall, and South Station. A stroll across the bridge brings you to the Seaport District, home to the Institute of Contemporary Art’s cutting edge exhibits.
Additionally, the hotel is about a five-minute walk from the New England Aquarium and 10 minutes to the Boston Children’s Museum, which are both great for families.
Ride the water taxi shuttle from the hotel’s dock to Logan International Airport. The journey in the heated enclosed vessel takes 10 minutes.
It takes approximately seven minutes to walk to South Station, the city’s transportation hub for Amtrak, MBTA rapid transit, and MBTA commuter rail, along with regional and local buses. Also, multiple passenger ferries to a variety of locations depart from the dock outside the hotel’s door.
If you want to be in the center of Boston but still feel like you’re on vacation, this waterfront property has the flavor of an urban resort.