Raffles Boston, one of the most exciting developments in decades for the city, is set to open later this summer. Today, it was announced that the hotel is now available for booking, with stays beginning on September 1, 2023. This property marks the first mixed-use development in North America for the illustrious Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand, which has a rich 136-year history. It represents a new chapter for both Boston’s hospitality and real estate industries. The LEED Gold building, costing over $400 million, stands 35 stories tall and promises to be an urban oasis where global cultures and local influences converge. With 147 guestrooms and 16 distinct gathering spaces, Raffles Boston offers an unprecedented hotel experience in the heart of the city’s Back Bay.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has a storied history that began in 1887 with the opening of the first Raffles property in Singapore. Renowned for its luxurious design and exceptional hospitality, Raffles has been a beloved destination for over a century. Visitors to Raffles properties are said to “arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family.” The brand is known for introducing private butlers, creating the famous Singapore Sling cocktail, and attracting writers, artists, film stars, and royalty. Raffles currently operates 18 unique properties in cities like Singapore, Paris, Bali, Warsaw, Phnom Penh, and the Maldives. Alongside Raffles Boston, the brand has upcoming openings in London and Macau, with several other properties in development.
Raffles Boston features 147 hotel guestrooms, including 21 Signature Suites, 8 Premier Suites, and a spectacular presidential Raffles Suite. These rooms, as well as the majority of the hotel amenity spaces, have been designed by the award-winning hospitality design firm Stonehill Taylor. Their work infuses an elegant and comfortable residential atmosphere, taking inspiration from Boston’s Emerald Necklace and the cultural surroundings of Raffles Boston. The design incorporates botanical influences, art, sculptural elements, and materials that reflect Boston’s iconic history and architecture. Copper accents pay homage to Paul Revere’s copper plating company, historical illustrations adorn custom wall coverings, whimsical lighting draws inspiration from florals, and greenery references the window boxes found throughout the Back Bay.
Raffles Boston introduces a unique feature to the City of Boston: a Sky Lobby spanning the 17th, 18th, and 19th floors. This three-story space goes beyond a traditional hotel check-in area and connects residents and guests to various amenity spaces. The Sky Lobby’s standout architectural feature is the dramatic Grand Stair, which spirals through the atrium and leaves a lasting impression with its curved oak stairs and copper balusters. Within the Sky Lobby, guests can find four distinct venues for dining, cocktails, and more. Acclaimed Chef George Mendes will launch the hotel’s signature restaurant, Amar, on the Sky Lobby level. Amar offers an intimate setting with moody, softly lit walls and dazzling metal finishes. It will showcase modern Portuguese cuisine influenced by Boston’s seafaring culture and heritage, with picturesque views of the Back Bay, Charles River, and Cambridge.
Raffles Boston also boasts other enticing venues, such as the Long Bar & Terrace, which offers expansive views of the South End, and a soon-to-be-unveiled Signature Sky Bar, providing a dramatic space for drinks and small bites. A hidden Speakeasy within the Sky Lobby offers a cocktail experience reminiscent of a bygone era. The Writers’ Lounge, located on the 17th floor, provides a cozy enclave for relaxation. This signature Raffles space, found in flagship Raffles Singapore and several other Raffles hotels worldwide, is named in honor of the esteemed literary figures who have frequented and even composed works at Raffles properties, such as Ernest Hemingway, W. Somerset Maugham, and Noël Coward.
Ascending the Grand Stair, Raffles Boston’s Sky Lobby offers two full floors dedicated to meeting and entertainment spaces. The hotel’s Ballroom, situated on the 19th floor, provides a unique event venue in Boston with stunning views stretching from the Financial District to Cambridge. Additionally, there are spacious pre-function areas and beautifully designed meeting rooms, including a Board Room and smaller breakout rooms, offering residents and guests a variety of options for both business events and social gatherings.
Completing the world-class array of amenities, guests and residents of Raffles Boston will find a sanctuary on the 4th floor. This exclusive space features a state-of-the-art gym, Raffles Spa, and a 20-meter indoor pool that provides expansive views of the city while offering a tranquil escape.
As the first Raffles hotel and residences in North America, Raffles Boston will reinforce the global reputation of Boston’s Back Bay as a premier international neighborhood. The hotel’s prime location adjacent to The University Club and near Boston’s Back Bay train station places it within a block of notable landmarks such as Copley Square, Trinity Church, upscale shopping at Copley Place, and the renowned shops and galleries of Newbury Street. Other attractions within a short walking distance include Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, the Charles River Esplanade, and an abundance of restaurants, bars, and cafes, ensuring a vibrant and culturally rich experience for guests.
The Raffles Boston project is committed to providing public benefits, totaling over $22 million. These benefits include street and public realm improvements, the provision of seven on-site affordable housing units, and a contribution of over $13 million to the City of Boston’s affordable housing fund.
Led by a primarily local team who deeply appreciates the city of Boston, the project is helmed by Trinity Stuart Development LLC. This partnership combines the expertise of developer Jordan Warshaw from The Noannet Group and hotelier Gary Saunders from Saunders Hotel Group, along with their equity partner Cain International. Accor, a world-leading hospitality group and the parent company of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, serves as the hotel management partner, while construction financing is provided by Madison Realty Capital.
Raffles Boston, with its exceptional design, luxurious amenities, and prime location, is set to redefine the hospitality and real estate landscape in Boston. This highly anticipated development represents a significant milestone for the city, introducing the renowned Raffles brand to North America and elevating the Back Bay neighborhood to new heights of international prestige. Whether guests are seeking a memorable stay, exquisite dining experiences, or elegant event spaces, Raffles Boston promises to deliver an unparalleled level of service, sophistication, and timeless elegance.
With its rich history and reputation for excellence, Raffles Hotels & Resorts has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. The opening of Raffles Boston adds to the brand’s legacy and expands its global portfolio of distinctive properties. As Raffles continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to offering guests exceptional experiences, blending local culture with the brand’s signature style and legendary service.
As the grand opening of Raffles Boston approaches, excitement and anticipation are building. The hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the world of Raffles, where adventure, style, and warm hospitality converge. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant city of Boston, indulging in world-class dining, or simply relaxing in the elegant surroundings of the hotel, Raffles Boston is poised to become a destination of choice for discerning travelers and a source of pride for the city.
Hotel website
Raffles Boston
40 Trinity Pl
Boston, MA 02116
United States
+1 617-351-8888
Appeared first on: hospitalitynet.org