Nothing compares to the sensation you experience when you reach a snug hotel on a winter’s day. With a light flurry of snow floating in the air and cool temperatures outside, one of the optimal ways to relish the ideal winter warmup this season is by the fire in a fireplace suite at The Newbury Boston.
Situated opposite the Public Garden at the junction of Newbury and Arlington Streets, this deluxe hotel could be the ultimate sojourn you can reserve in the city this winter. Upon stepping outside the relocated front entry on Tony Newbury Street, you are at the epicenter, surrounded by numerous designer boutiques, fashion houses, and art galleries. The property also houses retail stores such as Tiffany & Company and Zegna, while luxury retailers like Chanel and Burberry lay just a few steps from the hotel’s entrance.
The historical property initially debuted in 1927 as one of the first Ritz-Carlton hotels in the country. Launched in 2021, The Newbury Boston now boasts 286 guest rooms, including 90 luxury suites (the largest number in Boston),16,000 square feet of event spaces, and a stunning rooftop restaurant offering spectacular views of the city.
During the redesign of the property, The Newbury Boston took great care to preserve its storied history. Historical features that remain include original cobalt blue chandeliers, marble columns, and an original banister. Guests now check in at a rosewood desk where ornate details, including Nero Dorato marble floors, embellish the lobby.
If you desire a quick warmup after a day of shopping in Back Bay, make sure to explore the comfortable library lounge with fireplace reserved exclusively for hotel guests located off the lobby.
When reserving a stay in one of their 42 fireplace suites, ensure to inform the hotel if you intend to bring your four-legged companion. The pet friendly hotel extends a warm welcome to furry friends, providing an array of amenities that includes dog beds, bowls, treats, and toys. You can even request specialty dog food and snacks available from Polka Dog Bakery.
The corner fireplace suite located at the end of the hallway features a butler’s pantry for entertaining, oversized wet bar, dining area, living room with fireplace, and a separate king bedroom with sumptuous luxury bathroom.
Each suite here is crafted to make you feel like you are right at home with its Frette robes and linens and in-room Nespresso Vertuo espresso machines. From handcrafted wood and herringbone accents to marble touches and a spacious foyer, the peaceful suite is just what you need for a serene escape from city living.
Commence by selecting a wood varietal you prefer to have burned in your fireplace. Then reach out to Guest Services to request a personal Fireplace Butler who will aid in laying the fire. Choose from birch wood for a strong heat that burns quickly; oak wood for a two to three-hour burn time; fragrant cherry wood; or maple wood for the quintessential New England fireside experience.
The suite comes with an exclusive “fireplace menu” that features all things sweet and savory. Begin with a signature cocktail like the Uncle Pappy’s Manhattan, a Barrel Aged New Fashioned, or classic Hot Toddy.
For an enjoyable experience, be sure to sample the Campfire cocktail. When your personal butler arrives, they will toast a marshmallow to enjoy alongside the smoky tequila cocktail.
Pair it up with some savory snacks like deviled eggs topped with Kaluga caviar, a generous cheese and charcuterie board, or truffle grilled cheese and wild mushroom bisque.
Sweet treats include a warm apple cider donut and build your own s’mores kit for two.
A stay here would be incomplete without trying their signature glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant Contessa.
The northern Italian eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Offering breathtaking views that span from the Public Garden over Back Bay, the sun-filled space offers some delectable surprises.
Begin with one of their signature cocktails like a Spritz Contessa made with Aperol, Poli Italian gin, blood orange, and prosecco; a seasonal bellini; The Royale made with gin, Aperol, Italicus, Dimmi, and champagne, or opt for a traditional classic martini.
Antipasti includes delicious finds like smoky Meatballs Aldo accompanied by a side of whole grain mustard sauce. Other standouts include squash carpaccio and daily imported burrata. Proceed to a breakfast favorite like the Florentine Benedict topped with prosciutto; Carbonara Scramble with pancetta and black pepper, or Panetonne French Toast.
If you are more in the mood for a lunch entrée, try the Macaroni with Wild Boar; Classic Veal Milanese; or Spicy Lobster Capellini.
Before departing, you can burn off those extra calories in the on-site fitness center on one of their Peloton bikes or other premium equipment. The concierge team can then help in arranging private tours and other personalized experiences throughout Boston as well as transportation.
The Newbury Boston is located at 1 Newbury Street in Boston.
Image Source: Booking.com
