Onsite Review: Boston Welcomes the Celebrated Raffles Brand

ROOMBoston Welcomes the Celebrated Raffles BrandBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoWhen a storied hotel brand and a historic city come together, you know it’s going to be a marriage made in heaven for those who crave a sublime hotel experience. Cue Raffles Boston—the first North American property for the ultra-luxury hotel brand, whose story harks back to 1887 when the Raffles Singapore swung open its doors. At this incomparable property, butlers know your name, the culinary experience is inimitable, the accommodations are divine and the views are unparalleled. Director of Sales and Marketing Simon Rodrigues tells Recommend, “Several things make Raffles Boston the new ‘it’ spot including the incredible views throughout, lots of natural lighting, our culinary program headed by Michelin-star chef George Mendes and the design of the hotel itself, which is inspired by the historic brownstone homes of Boston.” Entering via street level, guests are whisked away to the hotel’s 3-story Sky Lobby located on the 17th, 18th and 19th floors. Here, they are checked-in while sitting comfortably in the Writer’s Lounge, enveloped by that natural light that Rodrigues mentions and awed by the mesmerizing views as well as the stunning colorful flower arrangements sprinkled throughout. CONCEIRAGE AREA The Sky Lobby is also where one finds one of the property’s most striking architectural features—the 3-story Grand Staircase that spirals through its atrium. It’s from here, too, where one heads off to Amar, the hotel’s signature restaurant, as well as the Long Bar & Terrace, serving the signature Raffles cocktail, the Singapore Sling. During our visit, we got a taste of what both these dining venues had on offer, but first I need to take a moment to comment on those gorgeous views. As we stepped into Amar, we were blown away by the sophisticated design touches but even more so by the panorama that spread out before us—from these heights, we could see the Charles River, Back Bay and Cambridge and what a sight it is. Then we feasted…on Portuguese Carabinero shrimp, croquettes, Rohan duck, pasteis de nata and the like, every morsel heavenly. Over at the Long Bar & Terrace, we chose scrumptious gluten-free almond pancakes for breakfast, and for lunch, sampled a delicious lobster roll and a Boston cream pie…when in Beantown. (A 2-story speakeasy-easy style bar, Blind Duck, opened after our visit.) Then there are the 147 accommodations, which include 21 Signature Suites, eight Premier Suites and a presidential Raffles Suite. Upon entering our 450-sq.-ft Premier King room, our butler handed us a Boston Sling cocktail—a nod to the hotel brand’s newest home—and we sat back to admire our surroundings. This room category features one of the plushest beds we’ve ever spent a night on; an exquisite, Art Deco-style high-gloss wood cabinet tethered to the bar; Garnier Thiebaut linens; an elegant marble bathroom that’s adorned with whimsical hand-painted wall coverings and whose centerpiece is a deep-soaking tub that’s made for luxuriating in (there’s also a rain shower); designer coffee table books; tech-froward consoles for lighting, drapes and housekeeping; and a Nespresso coffee maker and tea. That aforementioned Raffles butler? They’ll make your clients feel like royalty (think dinner reservations; custom time for housekeeping; in-room flower refresh and more). VIEWS OF NOTE: Secure a room on the side of the hotel facing Back Bay and the Charles River. Head on over to the fourth floor, and one finds the wellness hub, with a fitness center that features an eye-catching living green wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, an impressive 20-meter indoor pool and The Guerlain Spa with three individual treatment rooms and one couples’ treatment room, with private hydrotherapy baths and showers, sauna and steam rooms. Top-notch amenities? Check. Exquisite culinary experiences? Check. Impeccable service? Check. Sumptuous accommodations? Check. 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