BOSTON — At around 5 o’clock on our first night at the Raffles Boston, our butler, Steve, knocked on the door.
He was there with two Celtics caps, the city’s NBA team, after hearing my son say he and his dad were going to the game that night. He also brought me a plush sleep mask since I wasn’t going.
It was one of many ways that the staff here goes the extra mile to look after guests, making them feel not only welcome but special.
For those familiar with the Raffles brand, now at 22 hotels, these gestures might not come as a surprise. The luxury flag has earned a loyal following at its hotels in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. But although the Accor-owned brand has been around since the late 1800s and began expanding globally in the 1990s, this property represented its first U.S. outpost when it opened in September.
The Raffles Boston experience starts in the Sky Lobby on the 17th floor of the 35-story tower that houses the hotel’s 147 rooms and 146 condominium residences. Guests enter to see a spiral staircase surrounded by walls of plants and three-story windows exposing the Boston skyline; fresh orchids abound, a Raffles staple. We were met at the elevator and escorted into the Writers Lounge to sit comfortably and enjoy a refreshing beverage while the staff quickly handled the paperwork and introduced us to Steve.
Every Raffles is unique to its location, but fans of the brand will enjoy its signature features found here. Butler service has its origins at the original Raffles Singapore and is offered at every property. The Boston property also has a version of the flagship’s Long Bar, famous for being home to the Singapore Sling cocktail.
The bar here serves a Boston Sling, featuring a compote of cranberry, which is native to New England’s coast. (The original version of the drink can also be found on the menu.)
It’s one of the ways the hotel tries to reflect the city’s architecture, nature and history. Rooms are designed to resemble the residential feel of a brownstone in Back Bay, the neighborhood where the property is located. The botanical influences throughout the property are inspired by the city’s Emerald Necklace, a 1,100-acre chain of parks and waterways. Even the copper accents throughout are a nod to Paul Revere’s copper-plating company.
The room’s tall, glass minibar cabinet, one of the nicest I’ve seen, is stocked with drinks and snacks from Boston purveyors, such as GrandTen Distilling spirits and maple bourbon pecans from Q’s Nuts. I loved touches like the proper teapot, a traditional brewing timer and an impressive variety of teas to choose from.
Our entry-level, two queens room had a spacious foyer, which along with hardwood floors gave the room a residential feel. Fresh orchids popped on the marble, two-sink bathroom vanity. Ours had bath products from Guerlain and a spacious rain shower, while rooms in higher categories also feature soaking tubs.
Robes for all ages
Another touch: among three plush robes, one that fit my 10-year-old. We wore them when we visited one of the hotel’s signature amenities: a 20-meter lap pool and hot tub surrounded by loungers and floor-to-ceiling windows.
With wellness being a signature focus of the Raffles brand, the pool and fitness center were designed with the same style and thought given to other public spaces. And as with every Raffles, the spa is an integral part of the experience.
The Parisian spa brand Guerlain operates the spa here, with a menu created specifically for the property. Signature treatments include Boston Energy — addressing stiffness, soreness and sluggishness — and ones that include orchid treatment: the theme runs strong here.
My facialist told me the that all massage therapists and aestheticians are trained by Guerlain. The facial included a comprehensive discussion of my skin type and tips for anti-aging. While Guerlain products were recommended, the sell was soft. It’s worth getting to the spa early to experience unique features like his and hers saunas with Himalayan salt panels.
Tea time at the Long Bar
Among the bars and restaurants at the Raffles, I experienced Amar and the Long Bar, both of which have clearly caught on with the locals and were buzzing on a weeknight in March.
Long Bar, which features a New England menu (lobster rolls, raw bar), was a popular early evening spot for drinks. But don’t miss the Ora King Salmon with butter beans and piquillo peppers, which one of my traveling companions declared good enough to make a special trip back to Boston for. It’s also where Raffles’ Afternoon Tea is held, and taken seriously, with three tiers of sweet pastries and savory sandwiches.
Thanks to its perch on the 17th floor, the Long Bar also serves up views of much of Boston, and while it was too cold during my visit in March, I’d imagine its outdoor terrace will be packed on warm evenings.
There was a wait for a table at Amar, the Raffles’ signature restaurant, helmed by chef George Mendes, previously of the Michelin-starred New York restaurant Aldea. Amar is a sort of homecoming for Mendes, who is Portuguese and from New England.
Here, his modern Portuguese cuisine is fused with regional traditions, seen in such dishes as Maine lobster with Azorean pineapple and quail stuffed with linguica sausage. The menu includes both local beers and spirits and an impressive Portuguese wine list.
With city lights in view, plush banquets, leather seats and metal accents, the space is both cozy and sleek.