If you follow me on social media, you already know that I have the pleasure of visiting Boston several times a year because my son attends Boston University.  (And plays goal for the BU Club Ice Hockey team – Roll Pups!)

Visitors are steeped in history wherever they go in Boston, but this time I got some new history lessons in the Back Bay and Kenmore neighborhoods.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is an institution in Boston, and you feel it as soon as you walk in the front door. It’s evident in the architectural details and photographs on the wall, and it’s no surprise the Fairmont is included in Historic Hotels of America.

A grand entrance!

If only I had a wide angle lens to capture all the details.

But rest assured, the rooms have modern amenities, and the junior suites are especially spacious! For something really unique, check out their Signature Suites!

Who says historic hotels have to have tiny rooms?

Virtuoso amenities for my clients are:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, in OAK Long Bar & Kitchen
  • $100 Hotel credit
  • Complimentary Wi-fi
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

I toured the hotel with a staff member who pointed out many interesting features, such as the ballroom built during the Prohibition, the tracks in OAK from an old carousel, and autographed pictures of past Presidents and celebrities.

Can you guess what is hidden behind one of these panels?

Wish I could have seen this in person!

Especially dear to my heart are the hotel’s canine ambassadors. On my first visit, I got to meet Catie, who passed away in May. She was beloved by the entire city, and has been honored in many ways, including having one of the famous Duck Boats named after her. (It’s the white one with paw prints.)

Catie on the job in 2014.

We had less time for sightseeing on this trip, so we were struggling to with how to spend the few hours we had left. Then we remembered: Fenway Park offers tours! I am not a baseball fan at all, but even this appealed to me, because I have seen the famous landmark in many movies.

I was not disappointed. The tour was very interesting, as we learned about the history of the park, the team, and the neighborhood. There were gorgeous views of the Boston skyline, and the highlight was getting to sit on top of the Green Monster.

Gorgeous day, gorgeous view.

On top of the monstah!

My insider tip: Go on a game day. The Red Sox were playing the Toronto Blue Jays, so it was even more fun to experience the game day vibe around the stadium and see the teams warm up on the field.

For dining, we went to some old favorites like Luke’s Lobster and Flour Bakery. We also tried some new places including Audubon near Fenway, and La Piazza in Eataly.

Crab, shrimp, lobster AND chowder for those who can’t decide.

Don’t be scared away by the line at Flour, it moves fast & it’s worth the wait.

Nobody ever has to worry about finding a good place to eat in Boston, but you do need to make reservations very far in advance for weekends and holidays at popular restaurants!

I’ve visited all the luxury hotels in Boston, plus a few solid 4 star hotels, so I can help you find the best option for your trip, and share more of my insider tips.  Email me at suzette@suzettemacktravel.com, or use the Contact button in the top menu.