WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Open since 2001, the Ritz-Carlton refreshed its lobby, bar and bistro two years ago. The 193-room property is located in a twin-tower complex that also includes residences and the 19-screen MC Loews Theatres.
It's a modern, elegant property that gives you a warm welcome from the moment you pull up and are greeted by the doormen. Soft music plays in the marble and wood-panelled lobby, with concierge located to the left and reception to the right – there are seats to sit down and relax in while you check in.
The smart Avery bar is immediately ahead, with its horseshoe bar, glittering chandelier and big fire feature, and Artisan bistro is to the left. The property boasts a US$1 million collection of works by New England artists.
WHERE IS IT?
The hotel is well located on Avery Street, a minute's walk from Boston Common and a short walk from the Financial District and the offices, restaurants and shops of the Back Bay.
ROOM FACILITIES
Guestrooms are located on floors nine to 12 of the building and start from a spacious 39 sqm for the entry-level Deluxe category. There are also Deluxe City View and Park View rooms and Executive, Luxury, Luxury Park View and Presidential suites.
Facilities and services that come as standard include 37-inch HD flatscreen TVs (42 inches in suites), Bose radio/CD players (Bang and Olufsen stereos in suites), work desks, minibars, safes, complimentary shoeshine, twice-daily housekeeping, 24-hour room service, a free morning newspaper, robes and slippers, Egyptian cotton bed linens, iron/ironing boards, and roomy marble bathrooms with tubs, walk-in showers and lovely Asprey amenities.
Those who wish to avail of the 12th-floor Ritz-Carlton Club lounge can do so for about US$100 extra on top of their room rate per day. Open from 0630 to 2200, it offers five complimentary food and drink presentations throughout the day, and computer access.
Club guests also get free wifi (internet access otherwise costs US$10 per 24 hours for up to five devices), free local phone calls, two laundry pressings per day and free access to the Sports Club LA (see below).
My 11th floor Deluxe City View room looked on to buildings ahead and Boston Common to the left. Classic in decor, it was comfortable and peaceful and I slept well in the king-size bed. The shower was also suitably strong.
Upgrading the CD player to an iPod dock would be a welcome addition, but otherwise the room had everything I might need for my stay. Taking breakfast in the Club lounge was a pleasant way to start the day.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Artisan Bistro is a smart street-facing venue serving flavoursome, well-presented dishes. It had a nice buzz on the Tuesday night I dined there.
On the recommendation of our server I had the lobster tacos with mango-sweet chili and guacamole (US$15) to start, which were beautifully fresh and zingy, followed by George's bank seared cod with seafood sausage, bean ragout and linguica-tomato jam (US$29) – again, delicious. My companion also raved about his Bistro burger with mushrooms, caramelised onion, pepper jack and fries (US$22).
Artisan is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays.
Avery bar's cocktail list includes ten signature martinis – "the Avery ten". Small bites are available. It's open from 1700 until midnight on Mondays to Thursdays, and until 0100 on Fridays and Saturdays.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
The hotel has 1,022 sqm of event space on the second floor. The largest venue is a 332 sqm ballroom with views of Boston Common and capacity for 300 delegates theatre-style, and there are eight other rooms for between nine and 250 people.
Four theatres in the AMC Loews complex can also be booked for events, accommodating 215 to 654 people amphitheatre-style.
The back section of Avery bar can be reserved for semi-private functions for 75 guests, and a section of Artisan bistro for 30. There is also a business centre.
LEISURE FACILITIES
Club guests get free access to the separately run Sports Club LA on the fourth floor of the building (it otherwise costs US$15).
The 10,591 sqm two-floor venue has an excellent range of facilities, including a big gym overlooking the Common, steam room and sauna, junior Olympic pool, basketball, volleyball and squash courts, cycling and yoga studios, a large number of exercise classes, a spa, beauty salon, restaurant and bar.
There is an Asprey boutique in the lobby open from 1000 to 1800 on Tuesdays to Saturdays or by private appointment.
VERDICT
Good facilities, friendly, helpful staff and an excellent location make this a great option for business travellers visiting Boston. The restaurant comes recommended, and having such a well-equipped fitness centre at your disposal is a real bonus.
FACT FILE
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in December started from US$509 for a Deluxe room
- CONTACT The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, 10 Avery Street; tel +1 617 574 7100; ritzcarlton.com/boston
Michelle Harbi
