Boston’s skyline has welcomed a new landmark with the grand opening of Raffles Boston hotel. The hotel marks a significant milestone as the first mixed-use development in North America for the esteemed Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand, infusing the city with a blend of luxury, sustainability, and cultural fusion.
Raffles Boston provides a luxury option for VIP guests, plus 6,800 square feet of meeting space and a collection of bar and restaurant options. This new upscale hotel is situated in the heart of the historic Back Bay neighborhood, a short walk from the Hynes Convention Center and a 15-minute drive from the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Raffles Boston was curated by a predominantly local team passionate about showcasing the best of Boston. Designed by Massachusetts-based The Architectural Team (TAT) Inc., with interiors by award-winning firms Stonehill Taylor and Rockwell Group, the property seamlessly integrates into the fabric of Back Bay while offering a serene retreat from the bustling city streets.
At 35 stories tall, Raffles Boston has 147 lavish guestrooms and a plethora of unique gathering spaces, including the 17th floor lobby, dining and café options, and a pool and spa area.
1st and 17th floor lobby
As visitors ascend to the 17th floor, they are greeted by the Sky Lobby, featuring a grand spiral staircase—a hallmark of the Raffles brand. This dramatic stairway connects visitors with the three-story space of the hotel lobby, one that serves as a hub for social interactions and relaxation.
The lobby is copper themed, a nod to the industrial revolution, and displays year-round floral arrangements by Boston-based Winston Flowers (founded as a pushcart in 1944 on historic Newbury Street).
Also on the ground floor, Café Pastel serves an array of pastries, parfaits, and breakfast sandwiches served alongside drinks ranging from aromatic coffee to cold pressed juices.
17th – 19th Floor Dining, Café, and Speakeasy
The culinary journey at Raffles Boston celebrates the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Amar, helmed by acclaimed Chef George Mendes, takes guests on a gastronomic adventure with its modern Portuguese cuisine infused with local flavors and influences. The Long Bar & Terrace, designed by Paolo Ferrari, is open for all-day dining with an elegant setting for savoring handcrafted cocktails against the backdrop of panoramic city views. La Padrona specializes in traditional and classic Italian cuisine, sourced both locally and directly from Italy.
Perhaps the sleekest spot at Raffles Boston may not be obvious to the casual observer. But if you head past the sculpture with the red vase and look for the “fire exit” on the 17th floor, you will find the hidden Blind Duck Speakeasy. Blind Duck pours specialty cocktails and mocktails on their seasonally changing menu, plus a bites menu with toasts, dips, and other savory treats.
The speakeasy provides sweeping views of the city through giant floor-to-ceiling windows and features a leather floor, glass chandelier, and ornate restroom facilities with five-star vibes.
And for those seeking inspiration, the Raffles Writer’s Lounge on the 17th floor pays homage to the brand’s literary heritage, shaping a serene sanctuary for contemplation and creativity.
4th Floor Gym, Pool, and Spa
Raffles Boston offers an array of exclusive amenities designed to pamper and rejuvenate guests. The 4th floor is home to a state-of-the-art gym, where guests are greeted by a live moss wall before discovering rows of Technogym equipment designed with cutting-edge technology.
In the aquatics area is a 20-meter indoor pool boasting expansive city vistas, alongside an accessible, oversized hot tub. At the prestigious Guerlain Spa, guests can indulge in luxurious treatments in collaboration with the renowned Parisian beauty brand. Private hydrotherapy baths, relaxation pods, a his & her sauna, steam rooms, and ice showers are also available at Guerlain.
Immersed in the City, Aligned with Boston
When guests venture outside Raffles Boston, they stand at a gateway to the city’s cultural and historical treasures. Within walking distance, guests can explore iconic landmarks such as Copley Square, Trinity Church, and the upscale shopping destination of Copley Place.
In addition to proximity within the city, Raffles Boston is committed to aligning with Boston’s sustainability vision for a greener future. From its energy-efficient design to its partnership with local suppliers and initiatives to reduce waste, the hotel strives to minimize its environmental footprint while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Whether indulging in culinary delights, unwinding in luxurious accommodations, or exploring the vibrant city of Boston, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Raffles Boston—a sanctuary where luxury meets sustainability, and every moment is a celebration of culture and refinement.
The hotel landscape is constantly changing in Boston. Our innovative, first-of-its-kind, Hotel Relations & Services Team is your personal concierge to the Boston hotel community – and they have their finger on the pulse of Boston’s hot hotel market. Our easy-to-use Hotel Finder can help you to explore Boston hotels and to identify which ones are best suited to meet your event’s housing requirements.
This blog post was written by our intern, Fiona Chan, who is a recent graduate of Boston University’s School of Hospitality.