The Newbury Boston now welcoming guests

i By May 18, 2021 No Comments

The Newbury Boston officially opened today in historic Back Bay, following a complete reimagining and restoration by real estate and hospitality management company, Highgate.

Opened in 1927 as one of the first Ritz Carlton hotels in the United States, Highgate has transformed the property into a 286-room hotel, with signature dining experiences, 16,000 square feet of event space, and a revitalized entrance plaza on Newbury Street.

“As the stewards of this extraordinary hotel, we are thrilled to introduce The Newbury to Boston,” said Mahmood Khimji, managing principal and co-founder of Highgate. “We have been singularly focused on honouring the timeless and rich history of the property while incorporating new elements of modern luxury. Thoughtful guest touches complement gracious and luxurious service, which has been a hallmark of the property for nearly a century.”

Highlights of the restoration and renovation include:

  • A comprehensive revamp of the property’s guestrooms and suites by interior design firm Champalimaud Design. Design elements include a calming colour palette, handcrafted wood, herringbone accents, marble touches, textured furnishings and original artwork. The overall look is “contemporary, yet reflective of the tailored Bostonian aesthetic.” (Photo of guestroom at top of post is by Durston Saylor.)
  • A made-over entrance on Newbury Street, which features dramatic window awnings and updated lighting, and is flanked by a landscaped terrace plaza (a visual nod to The Public Garden across the street).
  • A comprehensive, curated art collection displayed in the lobby and public spaces, which brings to life the building’s heritage as a salon for the arts. This “intentional and inclusive” collection features works by contemporary artists shaping the art world with new technology and innovative techniques.
  • A signature, 4,000-square-foot, rooftop restaurant called Contessa. Helmed by hospitality company Major Food Group – the company behind Carbone, The Grill and Sadelle’s – Contessa’s menu will feature iconic Italian dishes and whimsical cocktails delivered in a room designed by Ken Fulk, who is a long-time Boston resident and an award-winning interior designer.
  • The return of The Street Bar, a beloved local watering hole, to the property. Accessed through a separate entrance on Arlington Street, it transports guests back to the 1920s with its speakeasy ambiance and classic leather barstools, fireplace and dark wood accents.
  • The Library Lounge – This exclusive space for guests is located off the lobby and stocked with a large selection of books curated for The Newbury by the Boston Public Library.

The property also offers:

  • 90 suites, the most in all of Boston, including 42 with wood-burning fireplaces and two Presidential Suites.
  • a fitness center designed by The Wright Fit and stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, including Peloton bikes, Life Fitness and Freemotion equipment and TRX suspension trainers.
  • Afternoon Tea in The Newbury Salon, a service reimagined by Major Food Group. This taste treat features tea sandwiches and scones served on Bernardaud tableware.

The Newbury Boston is backed by a partnership including Highgate, Scott Sartiano, Rockpoint Group, Lubert-Adler, New England Development, and Eastern Real Estate. SCS Advisors is providing asset management services. The Newbury is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.