261 Newbury St, Boston, Massachusetts, United States | (501) 232-4463
Located in the heart of the Back Bay brownstone district, right on trendy Newbury Street
Homey decor throughout makes for a romantic vibe
Parking is available for a fee that's a bargain for the area
Free full breakfast daily
Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi can spotty
Street noise is a problem in some rooms
No in-room coffeemakers, but coffee and tea are available 24/7 in the lobby
This 32-room boutique hotel is actually three converted attached brownstones on trendy Newbury Street in the upscale Back Bay district of Boston. It is reasonably priced for the area and includes free breakfast; it is home to the popular French restaurant La Voile in the basement. The hotel is within walking distance to some great shopping and restaurants as well as many of Boston's attractions. The views from the rooms facing Newbury Street are wonderful, and their bay windows make it even more appealing. The location is great for tourists and business people alike, but the spotty Wi-Fi may make working there a little difficult, and there are few on-site amenities.
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Scene
Old-time charm
The decor of the hotel is cozy and homey in a brownstone setting. To add to the intimate feel, the hotel has old photos of the families that lived in the brownstones before it was made into a hotel. The rooms have a modern clean elegance to them. The basement has a famous, well-regarded French restaurant, and there is a second restaurant in the hotel as well. With few on-site amenities, it largely attracts couples looking for a boutique stay.
Location
Uber-convenient, but plan ahead for parking
The hotel is located right on Newbury Street in the heart of the upscale Back Bay district of Boston. It is a short walk to the Freedom Trail, trendy shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. Guests can also walk (30 minutes) or take the T to Fenway Park and the Charles River Esplanade. The Hynes Convention Center is a short walk (5 minutes or fewer) away. Boston Common is about a 10 to 15-minute walk and Copley Square is within five minutes. If you need to go a little farther, there is a T stop nearby, about a five to 10-minute walk as well.Because of the location, parking in the area is difficult. Street parking, if you can find it, has a two-hour limit. Garages are expensive. Luckily the hotel has a parking lot and you can park there for a fee (which is much less expensive than what you'd pay at the garage). But space is limited so book your parking spot when you make your reservation.
Rooms
Nice views, but can be noisy
The rooms are clean with fresh-feeling decor and they are average size. The free in-room WiFi is spotty. For a great view, ask for a "bay" room (that has bay windows) overlooking trendy Newbury Street. Keep in mind it can be a little noisy, though, so the view may come with a trade off. If you are a light sleeper, stay on a higher floor or ask for a room in the back not overlooking the street. The problem is then you are looking at a not-so-nice alley. Most say it is quieter, but others say early morning garbage pickup in the alley is a problem. Hallway noise is also a problem so ask for a room away from the elevators and stairs. Overall the rooms are fine, and at this price for a hotel in this area, it is hard to find a better deal.
Features
Great dining options are the main draw here.
The hotel itself doesn't boast that many features. It's a nice place to stay with a homey feel at a reasonable price in a great part of the city. But you won't find a pool, fitness center, or any of the luxuries of bigger, more expensive hotels. But you get free full breakfast and a location that can't be beat.