Raffles Boston Hotel Suite Review with Photos (2024)
The debut Raffles property in the US is a sleek and art-filled tower in Boston. Take a look around as we spend the weekend there.
Raffles Boston Review with Photos (2024)
Suite at the Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Highs: Efficient and approachable service. Endless complimentary water. Relaxing spa. Wonderful breakfast in a 17th-floor restaurant. Situated in the ideal quarter of Boston.
Lows: The electronically-controlled lighting system is completely over-designed and annoying to operate. Occasional miscommunication between staff. The hot tub was never hot enough. No desk in the suite.
Verdict: The Raffles brand has a lot to prove as it introduces itself to the US. The focus on a high-quality hard product and discreet service sets it apart.
The Room to Get: Signature 1 Bedroom Suite.
Raffles Boston Location and Architecture
Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
A completely new building from the ground up, the Raffles Boston is an important addition to the vertical “spine” that defines Boston’s skyline. The 35-story tower is comprised of 146 serviced condos, 147 hotel guest rooms, and 16 amenities spaces, among those outdoor spaces, an indoor pool, ballrooms, and speakeasies. The new hotel is also an important addition to the broader Raffles portfolio, as its the first Raffles property in the United States. The Raffles brand is part of the Accor hospitality group.
Raffles Boston Interior Designers
The guestrooms and suites are designed by Stonehill Taylor and the residences and amenities are by the Rockwell Group.
Located on the edge of the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, the building is in a great position for both business visitors and tourists. The Raffles Boston is in good proximity to Prudential Center and Copley Square, as well as the shopping streets of Boylston and Newbury. Just beyond lies the gorgeous Boston Public Garden the utterly beguiling neighborhood of Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts Statehouse. Access to North End and the Theater District is possible by foot, but it is more of a hike than a stroll.
While the exterior is wholly modern, evocative of a pin-stripe tuxedo with its glossy blue details and short overhangs, an unexpected infusion of brushed copper, dark woods, and chrome makes for a sensorially-stimulated interior with very high-quality finishes throughout.
Hallway at the Raffles bOSTON. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Soothing indirect illumination and natural light defines public spaces while liberal use of green hues offer a mildly organic feeling with strong art deco influences.
Raffles Boston Arrival and Check-in
A busy ground-floor lobby where doormen outnumber guests by 3 to 1 gives away to the check-in, situated in a sky lobby located on the 17th floor.
Lobby at The Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
This floor is the definitely the hub of the hotel, where the concierge is based, along with a monumental staircase leading to conference rooms, ballrooms, a speakeasy, a “writer’s lounge” and Long Bar, the signature bar and grill with a relaxing (and very popular) outdoor terrace.
Terrace of Long Bar at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Raffles Boston spared no expense in branding practically everything, from room keys to towel tags to all the bathroom amenities. This small touch added a lot to the sensation that no detail was left without consideration.
Branded details at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Branded details at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite
Rooms at the Raffles Boston are broken into a few types, from the standard rooms and suites to a selection of “specialty suites” and the singular Presidential Suite. The primary differences seem to lie in square footage and conceptual decorative inspirations. All rooms enjoy signature Raffles Butler Service and access to the spa facilities.
This Signature 1 Bedroom Suite is one of 14 Gallery suites which feature art collections composed of works from local and internationally-known artists including Lisa Kokin, John Johnson, Scott Troxel, and more. Kevin Barry Art Advisory served as curator.
Variety of Art Work in A Signature 1 Bedroom Suite at Raffles Boston. Image: bENJAMIN sCHMIDT.
The Raffles Signature 1 Bedroom Suite features a living room, powder room, wet bar, stocked fridge, a separate bedroom, and motorized window treatments throughout. We were surprised to even find a large-format sculpture in the room, ostensibly part of the curatorial effort.
View from the Living Room of the Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
This particular room faced the northwest, affording scenic views along busy Stuart Street and toward Back Bay. We were treated to elegant sunsets each night.
Sunset in the Raffles Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. ImAGE: bENJAMIN sCHMIDT.
The layout of the room is unique and cozy— like a cocoon— with a wide variety of textures throughout the space. You’ll find a huge variety of art, books, and objets, adding a curated and slightly lived-in feeling that can feel missing in even the finest hotels. The powder room was also outfit with bespoke art.
Wet bar in a Raffles Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The wet bar in the living room is a well-stocked selection of consumables, from snacks to slightly-larger-than-normal bottles of spirts and liquors. The mix is interesting, composed of both local and top-shelf items. These products are fairly pricey, but the brands are very high-quality. Most impressive was the bottle of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old right on the counter.
Coffee service, tea service, and the Singapore Sling (the signature cocktail of Singapore and invented at the original Raffles Hotel) are all complimentary, along with still or sparkling water from Saratoga.
The stock of glassware is also unusually impressive. There are no universal glasses here but a mix of champagne flutes, red glasses, and even liquor snifters—giving the impression the set up is oriented toward hosting a cocktail party. Tea and coffee service is by Rosenthal.
Wet Bar in the Raffles Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. Image: Benjamin schmidt.
The room features two closets, both outfit with hangers, lighting, mirrors, robes and a selection of drawers. Furniture throughout this suite was built by Indonesia-based Saniharto.
Closet space was plentiful. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Across its portfolio of properties, The Raffles School of Interior Design— as we like to call it— definitely eschews monochrome consistency for an all-out bonanza of textures, shapes, and colors. Materials are first-rate, but the visual interest may not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, the obsessive attention to detail and recognition of local culture is appreciated and makes for truly unique experiences any time you visit a Raffles property.
Bedroom at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The bedroom features Frette linens, including a delicately embroidered duvet cover and plenty of huge pillows. The room features reading lamps and bespoke wall art.
To note: Large, brightly-illuminated control panels can be found throughout the room, featuring designated lighting moods, along with controls for air conditioning, shades, and sheers. This is a well-intentioned feature of the room but ended up being frustrating to use to the point it almost ruined the stay.
The intent of this panel is clear: enable a selection of intentional and bespoke light settings (such as “Relax” and “Reading”). Unfortunately, the lighting settings weren’t comfortable or particularly elegant, and it wasn’t possible to dim or change individual lights through the room.
It is also not possible to turn off individual lights without turning the master switch to “off”. Further and more unfortunately, not all panels have a master “off” switch. That requires you to go to the bedroom or entry hall to reset the entire suite, briefly forcing everyone to be in the dark.
“Bar” was the most relaxing lighting setting. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The bigger issue was the fact that the bedside control panels do not dim or turn off (ostensibly to enable “nighttime” operation). Nonetheless, these control panels are full brightness, all night. If you are like me and require complete darkness to sleep, you’ll be dissatisfied. In order to get good rest, I had to stack books to cover the glowing panel.
LIving Room in a Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Otherwise, the room is a comfortable place to unwind or get work done. Two large TVs allow for easy content streaming and access to Bluetooth soundbars allowed for background music.
Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite Bathroom
Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite Bathroom. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite Bathroom is comfortable place to be. Entirely lined in marble, the space is well-appointed with dual vanities and countless towels in all shapes and sizes. A live orchid brought a comfortable liveliness to the room. Storage in the bathroom is confined to a low shelf under the sinks.
Guerlain amenities in the Bathroom of a Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The suite of amenities are provided by Guerlain, while many of the minor disposables are branded by Raffles, including bamboo shaving kits and toothbrushes, intended to reduce ecological impact. Most products are scented with honeyed floral notes.
Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite Bathroom. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The full-size bathtub went unused, but looked comfortable and relaxing. Of course, the Butler can draw a bath at your request.
Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite SHOWER . Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The large shower area sports two water features: a handheld device and a fixed showerhead with a rainfall effect. The shower controls are attached to the wall on the opposite side, making it easy to avoid getting wet prematurely (or be forced to stand in cold water). Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are by Guerlain. These large bottles are refillable but not removable, intended to elaborate on Raffles’ overall goal of sustainability. The shower does not have any seating.
Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite Toilet. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
A separate toilet room features a two-speed toilet but no bidet or hygiene attachments.
Raffles Boston Service and Staff
Hand-written notes at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
From the moment you step foot in the Raffles Boston, its obvious that elevated service is top of mind. From the greetings from valets and doormen to the guest services manager and butlers, there is a distinctly welcoming and cautious tone from staff.
Subtle interactions such as a staff member asking if they can join you in the elevator may seem contrived, but its actually a reflection of Raffles’ global sensibility and encompassing approach. This type of discretion is rare in hospitality originating from the US.
Bedroom in the Raffles Boston Signature 1 Bedroom Suite. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Many services are provided by the Butler, which is another idea that Americans might struggle with. Raffles does handle its signature butler service differently compared to, say, the St. Regis, opting for a more hands-off and discreet approach relative than the hand-held, heavily-escorted engagement of other brands.
Common room-specific services were completed quickly (such as pressing of shirts, additional amenities, or turndown service), but the Butler service seems to have less success when it came to other requests. For example, the team delivered a stranger’s luggage to the room at check-in, which was an alarming discovery.
Even more pointedly, we requested two or three seats in the Long Bar for early dinner one evening with mixed results. First, the butler said the restaurant was fully committed. Then they said they couldn’t reach the host. Finally, the butler proposed I go down to the restaurant myself. Indeed, we were seated immediately at a half-empty Long Bar. It was a case of wanting to leverage the butler service as intended to no effect.
On the other hand, we requested a table for primetime at the popular Blind Duck speakeasy and were accommodated without issue. A burnt-out light bulb in the room was replaced in record time, thanks to the Butler and an engineer.
Fresh things in the room at the Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt
In the room, small touches like fresh orchids, fruit, and desserts made us feel recognized and cared-for. Hand-written notes from the staff made us feel welcomed.
Raffles Boston Food and Dining
Long Bar at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The Raffles Boston has one full-service restaurant under its direct management (Long Bar), but there are two other restaurants in the building with priority reservations available to guests. Long Bar, bathed in tans, taupes, and a emerald green was a comfortable place to pause any time of day. The interiors here are by Studio Paolo Ferrari and the space is unexpectedly monumental with towering ceilings and sculptural alcoves containing lurking booths.
We took breakfast each day at Long Bar, where we were treated to an à la carte menu.
Where is the original Long Bar located?
The original Long Bar is located at the first Raffles Hotel in Singapore, which opened in 1887 by Martin, Tigran, Aviet, and Arshak Sarkies. Here, the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented and is now considered the national drink of Singapore.
Some booking packages include a credit toward breakfast. Note: drink and food credit is offered per person, based on the number of guests on the booking reservation.
Breakfast at the Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
While Long Bar is an all-day escape, a speakeasy known as Blind Duck lurks not far away. The sleek, two-story bar feels more akin to a Singaporean penthouse with its flowing staircase and low seating, only trading views of Orchard Road for a glittering Downtown Boston. There are no reservations available to the public, but the hotel can often help facilitate access.
Other dining options include Amar, an elegant restaurant that has become a very choice reservation in Boston. Situated on the 17th floor, it features a menu influenced and inspired by Portuguese cuisine.
Amar at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
Meanwhile on the ground floor, La Padrona is modern Italian spot with dishes sporting tasteful variations on traditional recipes. We really appreciated the banquette-style seating at most of these restaurants, which felt like a throwback to more refined dining of yesteryear. We never felt rushed at any of these restaurants.
Raffles Boston Facilities and Amenities
Raffles Boston has partnered with luxury wellness brand Guerlain to provide spa services as well as in-room amenities. The Guerlain Spa at Raffles Boston features three private treatment suites, a couples treatment suite, a hot tub, and a 65-foot indoor pool.
Pool and Hot Tub at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
In addition, there are separate wellness lounges for men and women, which each feature storage lockers, showers, steam and sauna rooms, and ice rinses. Vanities are stocked with hair dryers, dental kits, shaving sets and more. While rooms are stocked with robes and slippers, each locker featured a robe and slipper set as well.
Overall, I came to really appreciate the spa. Escaping to this 4th floor aerie became one of my favorite daily activities. Despite the hot tub never seeming warm enough, I enjoyed moving between each of the water features or simply relaxing in sun streaming through towering windows.
Gym at Raffles Boston. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.
The elevated gym is open 24 hours per day and features a pleasant view of the city and plenty of machines, weights, yoga mats, balance balls, and other fitness essentials. The spa and gym feature Everybody Water throughout, a brand that intentionally supports clean water projects around the world.
Raffles Boston Conclusion
We can recommend the Raffles Boston to loyal friends of the brand as well as domestic travelers looking to explore a very different approach to hospitality. The focus on service and the highly curated rooms will delight any traveler but be especially appreciated by art and culture enthusiasts.
But don’t just take our word for it, as the awards speak for themselves: The Long Bar & Terrace took top honors at the Hospitality Design Awards and the hotel itself took home LIV Hospitality Design Awards’ prestigious Architectural Design Award for the luxury hotel category.
Raffles Boston is located at 40 Trinity Pl, Boston, MA 02116. More information and bookings here.
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