The Newbury Boston review: a historic icon madeover and modernised
A plethora of international designers have reinvigorated this beauty.
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is positively steeped in history. But it’s one particular corner—at the intersection of Newbury and Arlington streets—that has long held a special place in the hearts of Bostonians and its visitors. We check into The Newbury Boston to discover a new take on one of the city’s most iconic addresses.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of The Newbury Boston
Location, location, location!
They say in real estate that location is everything and if that’s so, then The Newbury Boston certainly lucked out. From its prime position in the tonnish Back Bay neighbourhood, this luxe hotel offers guests instant access to fashionable Newbury Street—stacked with a plethora of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
From here, guests are just a stone’s throw from the designer boutiques of Tiffany & Co, Ermenegildo Zegna, Chanel, and Cartier, along with beloved high-street names like skincare brand Glossier, cult athleisure store Vuori, and local favourite coffee purveyors Pavement Coffeehouse.
A Bostonian icon
In May 1927, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel opened to much fanfare. 200 of Boston’s—and America’s— most prominent movers and shakers convened at the hotel for an elegant opening affair that featured a seven-course dinner laced with caviar, soufflés, and other appropriately lavish delicacies. Quickly, the opulent property became a Boston landmark, with locals and visitors alike flocking here to see and be seen.
Legend has it that at the former Ritz-Carlton, Judy Garland imbibed a few too many cocktails one night; actress Mitzi Gaynor and the King of Belgium played a hotly contested game of cards; Frank Sinatra was involved in a brawl over—what else?—a woman; and a fresh-faced John F. Kennedy and post-war Winston Churchill strolled its corridors. It was just that kind of place. That patina of elegance and debauchery persisted through the 20th century, though it later took on a different form when the hotel was bought out by India’s Tata Group and renamed Taj Boston in 2007.
Despite retaining some of the hotel’s legendary shine, Taj Boston shut its doors in 2019. And a period of uncertainty followed thanks to the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the iconic property prevailed, and under the management of Highgate, it reopened in May 2021 as The Newbury Boston.
These days…
In its latest guise, the hotel pays homage to its rich history, but a thorough revitalisation ensures every modern comfort. Guests are immediately welcomed by the hotel’s neoclassical façade and step into a lavishly dressed (think plenty of marble) yet minimally styled lobby that incorporates many of the building’s original details, including dazzling chandeliers and marble columns.
Art is a key part of The Newbury’s experience, with curators Mike Carroll and Lynne Kortenhaus of C+K Art Advisory building a collection of artworks that references Boston’s rich history while showcasing the avant-garde style of contemporary artists.
In the library, guests will find—appropriately—paintings of book covers from Boston authors by Richard Baker, along with contemplative portraits by Yousuf Karsh. Throughout the public spaces, witty, intriguing pieces by the likes of Sarah Lutz, Francis Olschafskie, David Akiba, and Fred Liang capture the attention with bold colours, innovative techniques, and a touch of technology.
A refined bolthole
Like the rest of the property, the 286 guestrooms and suites at The Newbury Boston feature hints of history in their architecture, but interiors by Champalimaud Design offer contemporary residential comfort.
My Park View King Room is dressed in a soothing colour palette of creams, greys, and blues, with postcard windows and plush blue velvet seating offering verdant views of the Boston Public Gardens just across the street. Throughout, there are marble accents, herringbone patterns, and handcrafted wood that offer a sense of refinement. In addition, plenty of small touches throughout the room are designed to envelop guests in a sense of modern Bostonian luxury.
Walls are adorned with scenes of Boston by local illustrator Veronica Lawlor. The wardrobe is cavernous, giving enough space to store luggage and hang clothes so that the rest of the room can stay neat. And, there’s a spacious marble bathroom which features a large walk-in rainforest shower and custom-made amenities by Byredo. It’s all rather lovely and well-thought-out, if a little unsurprising.
It’s in the Suites and Collection Suites where the design really ramps up, with fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elevated lighting and fixtures bringing the luxury.
All the extras
The unparalleled jewel in The Newbury’s crown is Contessa, the rooftop bar that offers exquisite, contemporary Italian-inspired menus and craft cocktails alongside elegant custom interiors and knowledgeable service. Evoking the hotel’s bygone days, when celebrities, politicians, and local socialites would dance the night away in this hallowed space, Contessa features 4,000 sq-ft of lavish interiors by designer Ken Fulk, all surrounded by glass to offer unrestricted views across Boston. In typical Fulk style, there are patterned tiles on the floors, textured ceilings, heavy wood tables, and plush seating in an array of colours. The dinner menu is equally resplendent, with a selection of modern Italian antipasti, robustly flavoured pasta, and decadent secondi, all ably seconded by a creative cocktail selection.
Downstairs, The Street Bar—designed by Jeffrey Beers International—features aesthetics that recall 1920s Boston in its dark wood accents, leather seating, and warming fireplace. At all times of day, this is a spot for locals to connect or take a break. One evening, there’s a group of friends catching up over Martinis and quintessential New England bites – think Deviled Eggs, Beef Tartare, Oysters, and The Street Bar Burger. The next morning, a finance-bro type—dressed in a Patagonia gilet, naturally—is treating himself to a lavish breakfast while hammering importantly at his laptop.
Perhaps the best guest amenity, though, is the private lounge that sits just past the reception. Stepping through the double doors, guests enter an exclusive space decked out like the library of an old Back Bay townhouse. Coffee, tea, and an array of daily snacks are available throughout the day – perfect for a quick croissant and coffee to go in the mornings—though the space sometimes functions as an extension of The Street Bar during busy breakfast services.
Rounding out The Newbury’s onsite offerings is an expansive, beautifully fitted-out gym boasting all the modern equipment necessary for a heart-racing workout. More impressive, though, is the way the hotel has its finger firmly on the pulse of Boston. Throughout the stay, guests will notice subtle invitations to enjoy the city the Newbury way. It might be private tours of the Boston Public Gardens or the city’s brownstone neighbourhoods, sessions on shucking local oysters, or premium seats for a performance at the annual Shakespeare on the Common festival.
Final thoughts
The Newbury Boston beautifully references Boston’s rich history and the property’s storied past, while ensuring it’s firmly ensconced in the 21st century. There is a definite sense of timelessness throughout, which is both soothing and elegant, and is the perfect place for any traveller who favours understated luxe. Its charm and history—as well as the twin bright spots of Contessa and The Street Bar—will certainly keep people coming back for more.
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