Inspired by Boston’s own Emerald Necklace, Raffles Boston stakes its claim as the epitome of elevated elegance, rising like a sparkling jewel in the Back Bay, offering exemplary luxury and exceptional service. A botanical theme runs throughout the establishment, from the stunning display of orchids, glorious lilies, calla lilies, protea, and foxtail lilies of the Sky Lobby to the elegant rugs and wallpaper with floral accents. Every point of contact with Raffles staff is luminous, designed to make one feel not only welcome, but entirely celebrated. Ideal for the 50th birthday I was quietly celebrating on the night we stayed.
Our Emerald Suite came with a living room, a bedroom, a wet bar, and two bathrooms. Botanical flourishes backed by deep green walls and lit by large windows letting in the Boston sky created a calm and tranquil environment. Lighting, temperature, and window treatments were all controlled by touchpads, and the Emerald Suite also included a Butler Service, which connects you to a staff member who responds to direct texts during your stay.
The bathrooms – ah the bathrooms – were magnificent works of art – the main bathroom featuring a spacious layout with a full shower and full bathtub.
The bathroom was a spa in and of itself (more on the real spa in a moment) and I fell instantly in love with the Guerlain soap and lotion on hand (more on that as well).
The wet bar offered an assortment of goodies, and an excellent space for hosting should one want to welcome guests. It was just Andy and me, which was all we needed.
The second bathroom was near the entryway, and just as elegant as the main one – this time with marble and magnolias – and the kind of lighting that is ideal for selfies (see future posts for those).
It also features Guerlain soap – which brings us to the spa. I wasn’t convinced that anything could approach the amazing spa experience I’d had at the Mandarin Oriental, but we finally have a contender – and it might even surpass that glorious space. With a pool and hot tub, his and hers saunas, steam rooms and ice showers, there is enough to make luxurious wellness a priority – and a destination unto itself.
There is also a Guerlain fragrance bar, which now has me obsessed with that historical perfume house, and dreaming of that Eau Imperiale body wash and lotion.
There are several restaurants and bars on site, including the amazing Amar, where we once enjoyed an anniversary dinner. With so many entertaining options at hand, there’s no need to even step outside of the premises – and given how much I love Boston, that is saying a lot. Happily, the care and consideration the Raffles group has put into their Boston location is apparent at every beautiful turn. Even more impressive than the exquisite design, is the personal service for which Raffles is so rightly renowned. That service is what is so astoundingly good – not overbearing – never overbearing, just exactly what you want, precisely when you want it – and that is what sets this gorgeous place apart from every other space in Boston.
