Raffles Boston Opening
Raffles, the Singapore-originated luxury hospitality brand, is making its debut in North America with the opening of Raffles Boston on Sept. 15. The sleek 35-story new building, located in Boston’s ritzy Back Bay neighborhood, boasts a 147-key hotel and residences for sale.
“The United States is a leader in the global tourism landscape, which is why we used the utmost discernment in choosing the inaugural American property for Raffles,” Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Orient Express, stated. “What led us to Boston was that the city has remained a living tapestry of American heritage for centuries. Today, it is most notable for being a global epicenter for education, while its culinary landscape offers a dynamic range of flavors from different cultures around the world.”
Culinary Offerings
The new luxury hotel features awe-inspiring and impeccably designed spaces, including the three-story Sky Lobby on the 17th floor, which includes an elegant spiral staircase, stunning city views, and three distinct restaurants and bars. It also hosts the brand’s signature Raffles Writer’s Lounge found in multiple Raffles properties across the globe.
The dining options include a modern Portuguese eatery, Amar, by chef George Mendes, and a speakeasy adorned with floral decor inspired by Boston’s Emerald Necklace—a network of parks and green spaces—offering handcrafted cocktails and small bites. Furthermore, another elegant lounge and bar with a terrace will present guests with panoramic views over Boston’s South End and a variety of drinks.
“Boston’s culinary scene is a blend of innovation and tradition with many visionary chefs showcasing the boundless possibility of the epicurean arts. This inspiration became the ethos of Raffles Boston’s restaurant Amar, the latest from Michelin-starred chef George Mendes whose cuisine is influenced by his Portuguese heritage,” Acar explained.
Luxury Amenities
The rooms and suites, designed by the firm behind New York City’s The Ned NoMad and Thompson Central Park, uniquely blend soothing materials and patterns with bold art and furniture.
Notable amenities at Raffles Boston include a 65-foot indoor swimming pool boasting spectacular city views, a gym, and a tranquil spa, developed in collaboration with Parisian beauty company Guerlain.
Future Expansion Plans
“We want our clients to arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. To ensure this is accomplished, we prioritize highly personalized service and experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind, specially curated for our guests,” Oliver Dudler, the hotel’s general manager, noted.
As part of Accor, Raffles Hotels & Resorts will open another eagerly anticipated property later this month: Raffles London at The OWO. Acar explained that the launch of Raffles Boston is just the beginning of the esteemed brand’s journey on this side of the Atlantic, with an eye on cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami.
“While our expansion will remain calibrated to preserve the level of curation known across all Raffles Hotels, Resorts, and Residences, we will continue to explore opportunities that align with our commitment to exceptional service and culturally rich guest experiences,” he emphasized.
For those considering Raffles Boston, nightly rates begin at $1,300.
