Boston is a fun, lively, and energetic city rich in culture and history. With smarty pants and arty students from Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Berklee, Northeastern, Brandeis, Tufts – the list goes on and on – it’s no wonder that Boston has a prominent arts and culture scene.
Even during an impromptu weekend trip, I managed to find myself at a performance by the Boston Choral Ensemble at the Museum of Science in the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Take a 2.5-mile walk through history along the Freedom Trail where you come across various monumental sites, or hop on the Boston Duck Tour, an amphibious vehicle that is both bus AND boat, and explore the city guided by a conDUCKtor (get it?!).
We also loved the outdoor area of Quincy Market where there are rows of restaurants, bars, and shop with musicians playing on the streets. If you’re in town beginning June 6th, Boston Pride Week is taking over with festivities and celebrations throughout the week. So long as you don’t butt heads with any die-hard Red Sox, Patriots, or Bruins fans and talk smack about their team, you’ll be sure to enjoy all that Boston has to offer.
During our visit, we loved our stay at the Onyx Hotel. Conveniently located in downtown Boston by North Station and TD Garden, it is ideal for concert and game goers, and also a short trek across the bridge to Cambridge. Most importantly (ok, maybe not the most, but still very important) is that there is a great local coffee joint around the corner where you gotta grabba Cuppa Coffee.
Part of the Kimpton Hotels and their line of modern, boutique hotels, the Onyx Hotel recently completed a refresh this past March that included all 112 guest rooms, the lobby, and their Ruby Room Lounge.
Upon entering the lobby, you can walk into the lounge and easily grab a cocktail. It is a small, intimate space, but the connectivity of the lounge to the lobby provides a more relaxing environment when you are checking in. The lobby is also where the hotel hosts their daily wine hour from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, one of the many perks staying at a Kimpton Hotel.
Designed by Group One Partners, the guest rooms included new bedding of possibly the most comfortable king bed ever, updated furniture and carpets, and even the walls and artwork. We loved the houndstooth motif of the wallpaper and duvet cover, and of course the Kimpton’s signature animal print bathrobes.
The rooms are said to evoke a “modern gentlemen’s quarter,” using a palette of cool grays mixed with warm red accents. And you definitely know you’re in Boston when even your pillow has a Boston accent. We love this sassy “Wicked Smaht” pillow!
The Onyx Hotel is indeed a small boutique hotel, but the quiet sophistication makes it a great place to stay. The staff is incredibly dedicated in making you feel welcome and cater to your needs. We asked for a brunch recommendation and they gave a great suggestion to Ferrara’s Kitchen and Bar, just a 10 minute walk to North End. The hotel is also pet friendly and we met the newest member of the staff, Shadow, the husky puppy.
To celebrate the summer, the Onyx is offering a special package: Refresh. Revive. Rejuvenate. The package includes:
- $100 Aveda Spa Credit (gratuity not included)
- Aveda Gift bag
- Fresh detox juice basket
- Late check out
- Starting rate: $499/Rate code:RANDR
The special is available through September 1st, 2014. Call the hotel directly at 617.557.9955 and book your room today.
Yours,
Von
Onyx Hotel
155 Portland Street
Boston, MA 02114
www.onyxhotel.com
617.557.9955
Onyx Hotel Facebook
@KimptonInBOS
Ruby Room Restaurant and Lounge
617.557.9950
www.rubyroomboston.com
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