Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental Boston

The name Mandarin Oriental is synonymous with luxury and yet in all of our travels we have not yet been lucky enough to enjoy a stay at one. Recently, Marina and I spent a weekend in Boston, a city neither of us had ever been to. Growing up in Washington, DC I spent many weekends in NYC but for some reason was never able to make it up to Boston.

With so much to see in the city and only a weekend to take it all in, we were most interested in a centrally located hotel which would allow us to walk much of the city as well as be close to a T stop for further city exploration. We had a lot planned during our trip and the staff at Mandarin Oriental was extremely helpful in getting us acquainted with the city and what we couldn’t miss on a weekend in Boston.

Situated next to the Prudential building and actually connected to the Prudential mall through the hotel, the back bay location right on bustling Boylston Street is simply a perfect location. The Mandarin Oriental Boston provided us with a great location, and an especially comfortable stay. The hotel offers a world class restaurant, Asana, which provides the best in American contemporary fare with especially delicious Tuna Sashimi or Confit of Trumpet Royal Mushroom. The M bar, perfect for people watching on busy Boyslton offers great cocktails and some interesting and seasonal concoctions like the 8th & Orchard, with Bulleit Rye, MO Grenadine and local apple cider or the Pumpkin Patch, with crop organic Pumpkin Vodka, Godiva White and nutmeg.

As soon as we entered the room we were greeted by a stunning view of the late afternoon Boston skyline, complete with a gorgeous view of the frozen over Charles River, with MIT and Harvard nestled on the opposite banks. A huge duel headed shower, large bathtub, walk in closet, full couch, complete working desk and the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in made our room feel like home. We woke up to a beautiful dusting of snow over the whole city and the hustle of the back bay.

Exploring Boston and discovering a new city together was absolutely wonderful and only made us wish we had more time to fully explore everything we missed. We definitely know where we will be staying the next time we find ourselves in Boston and will will make the Mandarin Oriental our home away from home.

The city of Boston, the people, the restaurants and all the history make it truly one of America’s must see cities and not to be missed on a trip to the States. Sure New York is popular, DC has the White House and LA has the glitz and glamour, but Boston has a heart not found in many other American cities. Let’s just hope the Redsox are playing the next time we are in town so we can take in a game!

Room rates start at $595 and can include free wifi, valet parking and passes to their spa.