The Newbury Boston Opens at Boston’s Most Celebrated Address

The Newbury Boston, located at prestigious One Newbury Street in the historic Back Bay, opened this week to fanfare and relief as the city comes out of a long year of lockdown.

The Newbury Boston’s debut follows a complete reimagining and restoration of the iconic property by Highgate, a leading real estate and hospitality management company with a portfolio that includes The James New York Nomad and Soho and Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles. The hotel’s opening was seen as a love letter to the City of Boston and coincides with the property’s 94th anniversary as it stood for so long as an iconic gateway to Boston’s chic Back Bay as a Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Located at the corner of Arlington and Newbury streets in Back Bay, Boston’s premier shopping and dining destination, and directly across from The Public Garden, the newly opened property was carefully transformed from its former footprint into a 286-room hotel, complete with signature dining experiences, 16,000 square feet of stunning event space, and a reimagined entrance plaza on Newbury Street.

The Newbury’s offerings include a new rooftop restaurant, Contessa, with sweeping views of Boston as its backdrop; a revived cherished local destination, The Street Bar; and an exclusive guest lounge, The Library. Curated guest experiences extend to Afternoon Tea in The Newbury Salon, on-demand 24-hour in-room personal dining and special events and meetings.

“As the stewards of this extraordinary hotel, we have been singularly focused on honoring the timeless and rich history of the property while incorporating new elements of modern luxury,” said Mahmood Khimji, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Highgate.

Heritage architecture and residential comfort were front of mind in its design, incorporating a calming color palette and contemporary appointment details all reflecting a tailored Bostonian aesthetic. These come in handcrafted woods, herringbone accents, and marble touches along with richly textured furnishings and original artwork. The property offers 90 luxury suites, a rarity in Boston, including 42 with wood burning fireplaces and two dramatic Presidential Suites. Dramatic window awnings and updated lighting design enhance the hotel’s neoclassical façade and complement its distinctive historic details – which include the original cobalt blue chandeliers from the Main Dining Room, into the meticulous redesign.

The robust art collection throughout the property draws upon the legendary salons of Europe, where avant-garde artists, writers, poets, musicians and fashion designers would come together for camaraderie and conversation. The collection features contemporary artists shaping the art world with new technology and innovative techniques.

Contessa, the hotel’s ambitious 4,000 square-foot glass enclosed rooftop restaurant, combines world-class hospitality and exquisite custom interiors with some of the best views in Boston. The menu focus is on Italian dishes and whimsical cocktails.

The return of a beloved watering hole, The Street Bar, comes through a separate entrance on Arlington Street across from the Public Garden, and transports guests back to the 1920s with its speakeasy ambience, cozy fireplace, and dark wood accents. The storied destination features classic cocktails, a heady wine list, and locally inspired bar fare.

Library lounge, exclusively reserved for hotel guests, is a cozy retreat and perfect for settling in with a good read or relaxing fireside with a cocktail. Shelves hold a vast selection of titles from the Boston Public Library nearby and selected to celebrate the city in some way.

The fitness center at The Newbury designed by The Wright Fit allows guests access to a variety of state of-the-art equipment, including Peloton bikes, Life Fitness and Freemotion equipment and TRX suspension trainers, as well as kettle bells and free weights. The fitness center also provides the perfect space for stretching or yoga, while overlooking Commonwealth Avenue.

The new Newbury is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.