Raffles Boston hotel review: ‘High-end yet homely, it’s the sleek new opening the city’s been waiting for’

The hotel opened in September, making it the first North American property from the brand since Raffles Singapore opened 186 years ago. Since then, the Raffles name has become synonymous with many things — high-end luxury, old-world service, and the Singapore Sling cocktail, invented in the original’s Long Bar in 1915.

This year has been a big one for Raffles, with the launch of its first London property The OWO (the restoration of which cost £1.4bn/€1.6bn), as well as this American outpost. But does the brand fit into the spirit of Boston, and, crucially, is it worth the price tag?

The rating 9/10

Arrival & location

After a brief pitstop at the entrance, I’m whisked up to the main reception on the 17th floor, where we’re met with sweeping views of the Boston skyline. A concierge takes me into the fire-lit Writer’s Lounge to swiftly handle the arrangements, before I’m introduced to my very own butler (a signature service in all Raffles properties).

So far, so luxe. But it’s not as formal as it sounds. My butler, a charming Dutch girl named Julia, takes me to my room and pours a welcome cocktail — a Boston Sling, naturally — and explains she’s available via text throughout my stay, be it for reservations or local recommendations.

And the location is second to none. The Back Bay neighbourhood encompasses the best of Boston, from the historic landmarks on the hotel’s doorstep to the dreamy New England brownstones on Commonwealth Avenue. Boston Common is just around the corner, and the shops of Newbury Street are a couple of minutes away. 9/10

Service & style

This is where Raffles really shines. Service at this end of the scale can feel formal and fawning, but there’s a sense of friendly, American charisma alongside classic hospitality. My check-in includes a joke about Tom Brady, passing staff are smiley and chatty, and servers remember my favourite table at breakfast (a corner booth, ideal for spying).

While set in a slick, newly built skyscraper, the hotel’s interior has a soft and inviting feel, with plenty of texture from thick cushions and hand-painted murals, and curved edges on the walls and furniture. Even the larger spaces feel surprisingly intimate.

There are still a few areas yet to open, including the Guerlain spa (though I get a sneak peek, and it’s going to be a stunner). The 20-metre pool and giant hot tub on the fourth floor open during my stay — while the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows isn’t a showstopper, it’s still a great amenity. The gym is on the same floor, with Peloton bikes and ‘smart’ treadmills looking over the city. 9.5/10

The rooms

Though high-end, rooms have a homely feel, with watercolour rugs on hardwood floors, curved couches and thick wooden beds, topped with silky soft Garnier Thiebaut bedding. I liked the little touches, like proper brass clocks on the marble bedside tables, and the mahogany writing box complete with postcards and embossed paper. The giant, vintage-style minibar is seriously cool, with warm up-lighting and a triple sand timer, so you can steep your tea for the correct amount of time.

In my marble bathroom, there’s a huge, freestanding bathtub (unusual for the US), super fluffy towels and full-sized Guerlain toiletries. Rumour has it you can ask your butler to draw your evening bath, but I had to draw the line somewhere.

I’m not a fan of high-tech room panels that control lighting and curtains — I prefer a good old-fashioned light switch — but they seem to be standard in new builds. Mine has a few glitches, but they’re sorted quickly. 8.5/10

Food & drink

In the Long Bar, food is served all day in a gorgeous, light-filled room (the adjoining terrace is heaven, if there’s any hint of sun). At breakfast, expect dishes like an everything bagel stuffed with smoked salmon and chive cream cheese ($23/€21), or avocado toast with shards of seeded praline ($20). Sunset cocktail hour is celebrated with gusto by both guests and locals — my smoky mezcalita ($19) is excellent.

Fine-dining restaurant Amar has a more romantic, sultry feel. The kitchen is headed up by Michelin-starred chef George Mendes, and its Portuguese-inspired menu is making waves. It’s pretty spectacular — I eat a shellfish custard ($29) with a silky, wobbly base dotted with uni, mussels and clams, finished at the table with a zingy shiso broth. Their take on Maine lobster ($48) sees the meat arrive on a slice of Azorean pineapple and grilled fennel, and I’m still dreaming about the tuna tartare ($26), with its slivers of dehydrated tomato and a coral-esque slice of yucca. Soon, intimate cocktail bar Blind Duck will be opening, alongside a large Italian restaurant, La Padrona. 9/10

The bottom line

This is far from a budget stay (though Raffles Boston seems like a relative bargain when you consider rates at The OWO start from £1,100). But when you’re playing at this level, the quality of service makes all the difference.

Ireland’s finest five-stars have long mastered the balance between top-notch service and character — creating a luxury experience while retaining a sense of personality. And that’s exactly what they’ve achieved here. The Raffles ethos and heritage is intertwined with a buzzy, Boston spirit that has its own style. It’s the sleek, cool new opening that the city’s been waiting for.

Insider tips

The Seaport district is where local businesses make their name. Try jewellery shop Brave Daughters and Caribbean restaurant ZaZiBar on a stroll.

Take a walking tour of the neighbourhood with charismatic Boston guide Daniel Berger-Jones. cambridgehistoricaltours.org

Rates

Rooms start at $810/€743 for a double with breakfast. Nicola was a guest of the hotel. rafflesboston.com