Fairmont Copley Plaza
138 St. James Avenue
Boston Massachusetts, United States
02116
TEL + 1 617 267 5300
http://www.fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston/
My Rating: 80%
Price Rating: $$$$
Summary of Stay: I spent a few nights at the Copley Plaza after a break in Cape Cod. Instantly you'll be charmed by the grandeur of walking down Peacock Alley and into the spacious lobby. The hotel originally opened in 1912 and went through a $20 million face-lift on its 100th anniversary.
I was upgraded to a Signature Room that I found spacious and relaxing, modern yet keeping with the classic charm of the hotel. You can tell that a great deal of thought has been put into the renovation of the rooms. The bed was heavenly. The bathroom was spacious with stunning marble and a spacious shower. However the bathroom toiletries were basic Nicole Miller and a bit disappointing.
The location of the hotel is ideal whether you're in town on business, wanting to hit the shops or wanting to take in the sights. Boston is a very walkable city and the hotel is conveniently located in the Back Bay area.
Other perks of the hotel include a rooftop health club and deck. There is a Fairmont Gold floor which I did not see. The hotel also houses a secret supper club, 140 Supper Club, that holds special dining experiences that require a special password for entrance. Slightly less exclusive is OAK Long Bar + Kitchen which I had an incredible brunch at.
Highlight of the Hotel: The hotel's lobby is exquisite and it transports you back to an ultra glamorous time and place. New York's Plaza Hotel is this hotel's sister property having been designed by the same architect. With over 5000 square feet adorned with gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers and Italian marble, the lobby is stunning first impression that never gets old.
Highlight of the Stay: OAK Bar + Kitchen is an excellent stop for great eats. Cocktails are of the highest quality and their bartenders are the best in the city. While evenings can be crowded and lively, lunches are filled with powerbrokers and businessmen. My favourite meal there was brunch and I still remember the breakfast Mac & Cheese that I devoured.
Drawbacks: Before my stay, I had a few issues with getting replies from the concierges. It finally took an angry call to the front desk and then I finally got replies back. Unfortunately the concierge team was not able to help me coordinate the travel details or tickets I had requested. I also asked what my options were for baseball tickets and they suggested I just search online. Not the level of service I had expected.
The other drawback is that this hotel is a landmark and a popular tourist destination. I encountered 3 weddings while I was there - and that required having to fight crowds in the lobby regularly.
