Boston – We are Raffles Bostonour butler Steve knocks on the door.
After hearing my son say he and his dad were going to the game that night, he showed up wearing two Celtics hats (the city’s NBA team) and, since I wasn’t going, he also brought me a plush sleep mask.
It’s one of the many ways the staff here go out of their way to take care of their guests, making them feel not only welcome, but special.
The moves may not come as a surprise to those familiar with the Raffles brand, which now has 22 hotels, which has earned a loyal following at properties in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Although Raffles, an Accor-owned brand that has been around since the late 19th century and began expanding globally in the 1990s, the hotel, which opened in September, is its first in the U.S.
The Raffles Boston experience begins at the 17th floor sky lobby of the 35-story tower, which features 147 guest rooms and 146 residences. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a spiral staircase surrounded by a living wall, and triple-height windows that frame the Boston skyline; fresh orchids are everywhere, a staple of Raffles hotels. We were greeted at the elevator and taken to the Writers Lounge, where we were comfortably seated with a refreshing drink while the staff quickly processed our paperwork and introduced us to Steve.
A two-bedroom room at the hotel. Photo credit: Johanna Jainchill
Each Raffles hotel has its own unique location, but fans of the Raffles brand will love the distinctive service here. Raffles Hotel Singapore The service is available at every hotel. The Boston Hotel also features the flagship Long Bar, which is famous for its Singapore Sling cocktail.
The bar here serves the Boston Sling, a cocktail made with cranberry jam, a fruit native to the New England coast. (The original version of the drink can also be found on the menu.)
It’s one of the ways the hotel seeks to reflect the city’s architecture, nature, and history. The rooms are designed to mimic the residential feel of the hotel’s neighborhood, the Back Bay brownstones. Plants throughout the hotel are inspired by the city’s Emerald Necklace, an 1,100-acre chain of parks and waterways. Even the copper accents throughout the hotel pay homage to Paul Revere’s copper-plating company.
The room has a tall glass mini-bar cabinet, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, stocked with drinks and snacks from Boston purveyors, like spirits from GrandTen Distilling and maple bourbon pecan from Q’s Nuts. I loved the little details, like the proper tea kettle, traditional brewing timer, and wide selection of teas.
Our entry-level double queen room had a spacious foyer, and hardwood floors gave the room a residential feel. Fresh orchids bloomed on the marble double sink bathroom vanity. Our room had Guerlain bath products and a spacious shower, while higher-level rooms also had a bathtub.
The hotel’s 20-metre pool is bathed in sunlight from floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo credit: Johanna Jainchill
Robes for all ages
Another highlight: Among the three plush bathrobes, one was the right size for my 10-year-old. We wore them to visit one of the hotel’s signature amenities: a 20-meter pool and hot tub surrounded by lounge chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Wellness is a signature focus of the Raffles brand, so the swimming pool and fitness centre were designed with the same style and thinking as other public spaces. As with every Raffles hotel, the spa is an integral part of the experience.
Parisian spa brand Guerlain runs the spa and has created a menu specifically for the hotel. Signature treatments include Boston Energy – which addresses stiffness, soreness and sluggishness – and the Orchid Therapy: The theme is strong here.
My beautician told me that all masseurs and aestheticians are trained by Guerlain. The facial included a thorough discussion of my skin type and anti-aging tips. The sales pitch was gentle, although Guerlain products were recommended. It’s worth getting to the spa early to experience the unique facilities, such as the men’s and women’s saunas with Himalayan salt plates.
Bathrooms have spacious showers and, in higher-end rooms, bathtubs. Photo credit: Johanna Jainchill
Afternoon tea time at Long Bar
Among the bars and restaurants at Raffles, I tried Amar and Long Bar, both of which were clearly popular with locals and were bustling on a weekday evening in March.
The Long Bar offers a New England menu (lobster rolls, raw bar) and is a popular spot for drinks in the early evening. But don’t miss the Ora King Salmon with butter beans and chili, which one of my travel companions said was so good that I made a special trip back to Boston to try it. This is also the location of the Raffles Afternoon Tea, which is well worth trying, with a three-tiered dessert and delicious sandwiches.
Thanks to its 17th-floor location, the Long Bar also offers great views of Boston, and while it was too cold when I visited in March, I can imagine its outdoor patio filling up on warm evenings.
There’s a waiting list for Amar, Raffles’ signature restaurant, helmed by chef George Mendes, formerly of New York’s Michelin-starred Aldea. For Mr. Mendes, a Portuguese from New England, Amar is a homecoming.
Here, his modern Portuguese cuisine is fused with local traditions, with dishes like Maine lobster with Azorean pineapple and quail stuffed with Portuguese sausage. The menu includes local beers and spirits and an impressive Portuguese wine list.
With city lights, plush ballroom, leather seating and metallic accents, the space is both comfortable and stylish.
