Luxury Explorer Review

5-Star Hotel Review

The Taj Boston

USA

Classically decorated grand-luxe landmark

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The Taj Boston
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The Taj Boston

Location

Boston Common, Theatre District, Copley Place

Travel Information

A mere 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport

Top Tips

Take in exsquisite city views over a champagne sunday brunch at Taj's rooftop restaurant

5-Star X-Factors

Award winning martinis in The Bar overlooking the picturesque Public Garden

Boston Remembered

During the half term we took three of our children to Boston and New York. Moments after my choice of in-flight film, The Departed, had completed its final credit, we landed in Boston. Without any delays we did the customs-baggage-exit scenario in record time, in what has to be one of the cleanest airports in the world. This smooth passage continued with our hotel driver waiting outside with water and candies; the airport is only 20 minutes from the hotel so, from landing to decamping took about an hour.

Our landmark hotel - The Taj Boston

This hotel has meant many things to many people all over the world. It is referred to as the Grand Dame of Boston, stealing prime position on the crest of Newbury Street overlooking the pretty Public Garden. The Taj Boston, previously the Ritz Carlton, is the choice for those who like grand-luxe style with a devoted team of smooth operators. Recently refurbished, the hotel is washed in tones of blues and apricot with many antiques, gilded sconces and a helping hand every step of the ‘marble’ way.

From our luxurious suite we witnessed the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House, which, when the sun set, glowed like a global planet. Only hours before, I had been engrossed in a film with this view, repeated several times, from Matt Damon’s swish apartment. I scanned the Public Garden for Jack Nicholson but consoled myself with the probability that they had all stayed here during filming.

Our baths were drawn by the time we arrived to help with our jetlag: a frenzy of bubbles with smothered rubber ducks, mugs of hot chocolate, a plate of chocolate cookies for the children and a herbal tea was placed next to my lavender and sea salt bath of steaming glory.

The Luxury of the Location and a crash course in American History

Location is paramount for short stays and, aside from it being an impressive hotel, it could not be better situated for cultural and historical pursuits. Everything we set out to do was in walking distance and walking in Boston is a real pleasure. We did the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walk demonstrating the proud Bostonian’s struggle for freedom. The trail is a cohesive story built around four organized historical ‘chapters’ from intent to war. We ended up at the seemingly invincible frigate USS Constitution berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard.  Feeling well and truly out-gunned, we headed for the oldest restaurant in town, The Union Oyster House, in the Blackstone Block, which is affectionately referred to as the city’s ‘family attic’ near the Haymarket.

There are more than three centuries of architecture on view here and a short stroll away is Paul Revere’s much-revered house. Paul Revere was a silversmith who, in 1775, became one of America’s most talked about heroes. Acting as a Son of Liberty, he took a horse from Charlestown to Lexington to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were marching from Boston to arrest them and seize munitions. A good walk to scatter some Boston calories is necessary here.

We packed in so much during our short trip: museums, penguin pantomimes, a ferry ride, Starbucks, but, above all else, we felt really spoilt in our premium hotel. We were allowed access to the 17th floor rooftop and enjoyed our own little Boston tea party surrounded by staggering views of this handsome city.

Our Fireplace Butler

The children were desperate for a roaring fire at the end of an impressive and highly enjoyable day and they chose their wood from the firewood menu. They went for Cherry Wood as it was the choice of George Washington and promised to glow deep into the night. The fireplace butler arrived laden with sweet smelling promise and within moments created the desired effect. The children’s intention was to indulge in an abundance of room service beside a warming fire while they played with their in-suite gift, Boston Monopoly. No sooner had the silver spoons hit the china than all three were slumped in the comfortable sofas while the city lit up magnificently under a cloudless night. Needless to say, the beds are fabulous with glorious linen and, thankfully, the dressing gowns can be purchased downstairs. We felt at home in Boston.

The Outstanding Concierge

You really feel you should be paying a high price for this kind of dedication. We changed our minds so many times that most concierge managers would have lost interest. Not James Goshen. Nothing was too much for him, and I felt comfortable with every Boston titbit he gave us. He really did know his city, and being highly perceptive, he soon worked out what would work for us. From sensational affiliated Spas and fantastic shops on Newbury Street, to exciting dining with historical diversions, James showed us the way in an impeccable manner. When we could not get a table at a restaurant on the other side of the Public Garden, No. 9 Park, which specialises in excellent seafood, James had one reserved for us within ten minutes.

The service at the Taj Boston is outstanding in a hotel with a longstanding legacy of legendary service: the Grand Dame’s predecessors would be suitably impressed.

Sophie Marchant
Sophie Marchant


Luxury Explorer
Luxury Explorer