When word got out a few years ago that Boston was the chosen city for the ultra-luxurious Raffles Hotel & Resorts brand to open its first North American location, locals and travelers waited with bated breath for the Singapore brand’s swanky new arrival.
Since opening here in 2023, Raffles Boston, a shimmering, mixed-use development boasting opulent residences, lavish restaurants, and an ornate hotel, has set out to transform Boston’s luxury scene.
Raising the bar as high as it can go, the 35-story tower with all-glass façade features 147 hotel rooms (including pet friendly accommodations for four-legged companions) spanning floors six to 14 that range from standard guest rooms and signature suites to premier suites and a sprawling presidential suite (one of Boston’s largest, offering 2,000 square feet of over-the-top luxury).
Upon arrival, valet attendants whisk cars away and show guests to the elevator to check in. Uniquely, guests are ushered up to the 17th floor Sky Lobby and offered a spot to relax in the adjacent Writer’s Lounge while the check-in process is finalized.
This level is also where guests can dine on coastal-inspired fare at Raffles Boston’s signature restaurant Amar or enjoy a classic cocktail like a Singapore Sling (created by a Raffles bartender back in 1915) or the locally inspired rendition Boston Sling at the swanky Long Bar & Terrace.
A dramatic, three-story grand staircase spiraling from the 17th to the 19th floor provides the perfect spot for a photo opportunity before checking in.
The interior of each guest room here is inspired by Back Bay’s historic brownstone homes.
We recommend a stay in the Emerald Suite with butler service.
The 700-square-foot unit designed for two guests features a lavish king bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, a spacious living room with separate dining table, and 1.5 bathrooms.
From the elegant hardwood floors with herringbone design and ornate marble bathroom outfitted with Guerlain amenities, rain shower and soaking tub to the smart features controlling everything from the curtains to the lighting, every luxurious detail was considered when creating these guest rooms.
When it comes to relaxing, Raffles Boston has dedicated an entire level to wellness. The Guerlain Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center with TechnoGym equipment, and a 65-foot indoor pool can all be found on the fourth floor.
There are five food and beverage concepts offered at Raffles Boston, including Italian fare served at La Padrona, small plates offered at the speakeasy Blind Duck, and fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches served up at the street level Café Pastel.
For an unforgettable fine dining experience, be sure to make a reservation at the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Amar.
We recommend starting off with one of their signature martinis like the Citrone di Mare (“Lemon of the Sea”) made with Sipsmith Gin, vermouth, preserved lemon, and orange prepared tableside.
Pair it up with a sampling of fresh oysters accompanied by a side of mignonette and spicy cocktail sauce. The decadent ricotta gnocchi is a top appetizer, arriving in a delicious chive butter sauce topped with white sturgeon caviar. A melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef skewer topped with a flavorful chimichurri aioli was so tender and juicy you may not want to share it. House made focaccia is accompanied by a side of whipped ricotta and Spanish olive oil for dipping.
For main events, the butter poached lobster tagliatelle and oven baked wild striped bass were both standouts. Other entrees include grilled prime beef filet, charred semi boneless chicken, grilled halibut, a butcher’s cut, and catch of the day. Side dishes designed for sharing include wild mushrooms with toasted pine nuts, crispy potatoes with feta and lemon, grilled asparagus with tzatziki, and broccolini with tahini.
If you can save room for dessert and we recommend you do, the Bonfire Chocolate Cake is worth every overindulgent calorie. A heavenly seven-layer chocolate cake arrives, smoked to order, featuring hot fudge, Maldon sea salt, and a delicious graham cracker whip.
For a more casual dining experience, head over to Long Bar & Terrace.
Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the beautiful dining room offers spectacular views of the city and an outdoor patio designed for alfresco dining or an after-work cocktail.
Earlier this spring, Raffles Boston recently announced a partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to provide both guests and residents with curated experiences, including private tours, curatorial presentations, and workshops along with insider access and previews to special exhibitions.
The Affair of the Arts experience includes suite accommodation, hotel museum pass for two, roundtrip transfers, a dining credit, and a keepsake from the MFA and Raffles Boston.
Raffles Boston is located at 40 Trinity Place in Boston.
