There is nothing quite like the feeling when you arrive at a cozy hotel on a winter’s day. With a light flurry of snow drifting in the air and chilly temperatures outside, one of the best ways to enjoy the perfect winter warmup this season is by the fire in a fireplace suite at The Newbury Boston.
Located across from the Public Garden at the intersection of Newbury and Arlington Streets, this luxury hotel might be the best staycation you can book in the city this winter. As soon as you step outside the relocated front entry on Tony Newbury Street, you are centrally located amidst the numerous designer boutiques, fashion houses, and art galleries. Tiffany & Company and Zegna retail stores can also be found on property with luxury retailers like Chanel and Burberry located just steps from the hotel’s front door.
The historic property originally opened back in 1927 as one of the first Ritz-Carlton hotels in the country. Opened 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.
When redesigning the property, The Newbury Boston took great care to maintain its storied history. Historical details remaining 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, adorn the lobby.
If you are looking for a quick warmup after an afternoon of shopping in Back Bay, be sure to check out the cozy library lounge with fireplace reserved just for hotel guests located off the lobby.
When you are booking a stay in one of their 42 fireplace suites, be sure to let the hotel know if you plan on bringing your four-legged friend. The pet friendly hotel rolls out the red carpet for furry friends, offering a host of amenities that includes dog beds, bowls, treats, and toys. You can even order 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 designed 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 tranquil escape from city living.
Start by choosing a wood varietal you prefer to have burned in your fireplace. Then place a call to Guest Services to request a personal Fireplace Butler who will assist in laying the fire. Select among 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. Start off with a signature cocktail like the Uncle Pappy’s Manhattan, a Barrel Aged New Fashioned, or classic Hot Toddy.
For a fun experience, be sure to try 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 remiss without checking out 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 tasty surprises.
Start off 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. Move along 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 checking out, you can work off all those extra calories in the on-site fitness center on one of their Peloton bikes or other luxury equipment. The concierge team can then assist in coordinating private tours and other personalized experiences throughout Boston as well as transportation.
The Newbury Boston is located at 1 Newbury Street in Boston.
