There is nothing quite like planning a weekend getaway, but it’s even better when you don’t have to travel very far. We recently enjoyed a staycation at one of Boston’s newest additions – Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston – centrally located on Devonshire Street that is within walking distance to sports games at TD Garden, family fun at the New England Aquarium, shopping and restaurants at Quincy Market and, of course, steps from historic Faneuil Hall.
The pet-friendly hotel is one of Hyatt Hotels’ newest concepts. Hyatt Centric offers numerous amenities designed for both business and leisure travelers with their latest lifestyle brand. The historic building is located just off the Freedom Trail and steps from the Old State House, Boston’s oldest surviving public building and the site of the Boston Massacre.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly valet attendant and offered assistance with our luggage. There are luggage carts located inside the valet area to assist guests with check-in. The front desk attendants were extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area, offering recommendations and providing information on the hotel’s amenities. We were allowed to check in a little bit earlier than the normal 4 p.m. check-in time as our room was ready.
The 163-room hotel offers a variety of complimentary amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center and business center along with free Wi-Fi. Our comfortable room featured a 55-inch flat screen TV with Chromecast streaming capability and a small fridge drawer. The bathroom offers Drybar Buttercup hairdryers, BeeKind bath products and the bathroom mirror has a built-in clock.
The guest room itself has a minimalist design with a small closet to hang your clothes, but there is no standard desk. Instead, they offer a small modern style that is lightweight so you can set up your own mobile office anywhere in the room and pair it up with the plush chair.
The hotel is very pet welcoming. We brought along our English bulldog, Gertie, and the attendants were so accommodating to her every needs offering pet bowls and treats during her stay.
There is a coffee shop located in the lobby where you can purchase bagels, pastries and other assorted bakery items along with freshly brewed coffee. Be sure to visit Bar Cicchetti during your stay. Whether you come here for a cocktail and some appetizers or prefer to linger longer over dinner, the Italian restaurant headed up by Fabio Viviani should not be missed.
We recommend starting off with one of their creative cocktails (a Sicilian peach perhaps?) and pairing it up with a sampling of starters. The Burrata Crostino with crispy pancetta was delicious served with a side of tangy tomato jam. The Polpetti di Fabio, the chef’s signature meatballs topped with whole milk ricotta, was the standout appetizer.
There is a nice selection of Roman style pizzas with fresh toppings that range from N’duja featuring smoky roasted eggplant puree to Brussels and Brie with a farm egg and truffle honey. Moving right along, our server recommended the Rigatoni Bolognese and we were glad he did. The signature dish featured house made pasta in a deliciously rich beef ragu. The hearty Chianti Lamb Shank was served with an addicting parmesan polenta and fresh Brussels sprouts. Be sure to finish off with a sampling of limoncello mascarpone cake. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
While staying here, we recommend a visit to High Street Place, a food hall that opened earlier this year. Located just a quick walk from the hotel, the popular downtown spot features more than 20 different culinary destinations to visit. From a champagne focused wine bar to a 70s and 80s-inspired pizza and grinder shop, there are so many places to choose from.
We recommend checking out Blackbird Doughnuts for a sweet morning (or afternoon – no one’s looking!) treat, Tenderoni’s for a sampling of their addicting mushroom pizza and Alewives Tap Room for a craft brew, gluten-free cider or hard seltzer.
