Review: The Newbury Boston

Why book? For bright, ultra-stylish boutique rooms overlooking the historic Boston Public Garden and Back Bay’s brownstones, plus two sultry dining options locals love.

Set the scene Stylish art types flock to this property for long-weekend stays at a newly restored historic property with a high-end, lived-in feel; think curated walls of art featuring works and homages to some of America’s most iconic creators, from a portrait of Ernest Hemingway beside the lobby bar to Elise Ansel paintings throughout the property.

The backstory Situated on one of Boston’s most picturesque corners, the Newbury Boston occupies a historic building that originally opened as the first-ever Ritz Carlton Hotel in 1927. Its location at the bustling corner of Newbury and Arlington streets affords prime views of the oldest public park in the country, Boston Common (founded in 1634) from the lush and manicured Public Garden side of the green. Prior to a two-year renovation and its reopening as The Newbury in May 2021, the property was the Taj Boston under different ownership. The 2019-2021 renovation overhauled all of the shared guest spaces, added several rooms and suites, and restored the property’s historic ballrooms. Floors 8 through 16 of the building are residential (you’ll notice the 20s-era elevators forgo those buttons), and the hotel’s rooftop restaurant Contessa occupies the 17th floor.

The rooms The property’s 286 rooms include a whopping 90 suites, some with wood-burning fireplaces (birch logs provided) and far-flung views of the downtown skyline across the park. All rooms are impressively spacious for this area of town at a minimum of about 500 square feet, and rates start at $564 per night. Views are either Park or City—which is clearly noted when booking. Spring for the Mansion or Corner House suites for high-floor vantage points, massive marble bathrooms with double sinks plus a separate shower and tub, and plenty of space (about 1,500 square feet each). For a smaller splurge, settle into a lower floor Grand Suite, preferably on the park side to feel like you’re nestled among the trees. Arlington Street can be noisy, but suite bedrooms are situated away from the street-side, ensuring you won’t hear a peep at night.

Food and drink In-the-know Bostonians flock to the Newbury’s rooftop restaurant Contessa, which is currently booking up weeks in advance (save for the first-come-first-serve bar seating) for Northern Italian dishes, aperitivo martinis, and stellar desserts. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant is the first Boston venture by New York–based Major Food Group (of Carbone and Santina). Stand-out seasonal menu items include the truffle-dotted beef carpaccio (vegetarians will love the squash carpaccio version), daily imported burrata, hand-made pastas like spicy lobster capellini, and perfectly seared scallops or veal chops. If you can’t get a table, squeeze into the bar for inventive cocktails like a Boston sour (a whiskey and egg white martini topped with lambrusco) or a classic espresso martini. And any visit to the hotel should kick off with a craft cocktail at the ground-level Street Bar; belly up at the bar or kick back at a lounge table surrounded by curated art works that will have you turning to inspect the walls and bookcases. A hidden back-room library is even more detailed in its decor (and great for those who want more privacy), flooded with titles ranging from Tennessee Williams to nonfiction about the New England Patriots.

The spa There’s no spa; Newbury Street boasts a plethora of salon and massage options if you’re seeking one. But the property’s in-bathroom soaking tubs and steam showers, plush Frette linens and robes, and toiletries by Byredo, designed exclusively for the hotel, are relax-in-your-room-worthy. There’s also an impressive 1,500-square-foot fitness center featuring Peloton bikes, cardio machines, and full weight sets, all designated for guests only.

The neighborhood/area Newbury Street, the historic shopping district that runs through Boston’s Back Bay, is a favorite among tourists and locals alike for its airy eateries and hundreds of street-level shops that range from mid-range to designer, many housed inside 19th-century row houses that feel more residential than commercial. In summer months the city sporadically closes the thoroughfare to traffic for Open Newbury, making for a welcome change to the perpetually cramped sidewalks. Nearby attractions within a short walk include the Freedom Trail, Massachusetts State House, Boston’s South End, the mansion-lined Commonwealth Avenue Mall, and Beacon Hill’s cobblestoned streets.

The service Boston-friendly: The staff is knowledgeable and warm without being overly fussy. Bellhops man the doors and will offer to carry your bags; calls to the front desk for an ice bucket or to in-room dining are met with speedy and efficient service. Order breakfast to your room for the worthwhile experience of a white-tablecloth service (don’t miss the lobster eggs Benedict) set up against a spectacular view of the park.

For families Families will feel at home in one of the property’s incredibly spacious suites. They range from lower-floor Classic or Grand Suites with corner views across the leafy canopies of the park, to the higher-floor Presidential Suites that connect to Queen Rooms ideal for children. Again, there are 90 unique suites, so don't hesitate to call the property and ask which one would work best for you.

Accessibility Exceptionally ADA compliant, with “ADA” as well as “ADA Deluxe” guest rooms. The property also has 36-inch check-in desks and visual (strobing) fire alarms.

Anything left to mention? The property will also begin offering an afternoon tea experience this fall curated around Make Way for Ducklings, the children’s book (which the property secured imagery rights to from author Robert McCloskey’s Maine-based family) that tells the story of a duckling family that lives on the Public Garden’s lagoon island; a copy of the book can be found in every room in the hotel for reading.