The moment you walk into the luxurious entrance of the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston you’ll step into the past, a 100 years of history! On August 19, 2012, the 7-story, Renaissance-revival-style “Grande Dame of Boston” hotel celebrates its 100th birthday. Built in 1912, the hotel boasts one of Boston’s most distinguished neighborhoods facing the historic Copley Plaza and overlooking busy Dartmouth Street in the heart of Back Bay.
The elegant lobby at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
Adding to its August centennial celebrations, the Fairmont Copley Plaza will debut its $20 million renovation. The project includes remodeling of the 383 guestrooms and suites, enhancements to meeting rooms and public spaces, addition of a new restaurant and a 3,000 square foot rooftop health club.
Entrance & Lobby
Enter the lobby via the Fairmont Copley Plaza foyer.
It’s as if your queen for the day as you walk down the long, ornate hallway to the reception desk. In fact, that’s the moment when I experienced déjà vu and remembered staying at the Fairmont Copley Plaza during my only other hotel stay in Boston more than 20 years ago! From the doorman to the receptionist, the staff are quick to greet guests and extremely friendly.
Accommodations & Amenities
Since our accommodations were located on the concierge floor, Fairmont Gold, check-in is on the concierge floor, the brand’s signature exclusive hotel experience. The Fairmont Gold floor includes elite levels of service, such as private check-in desk with dedicated service and staff, exclusive concierge service, and access to the Fairmont Gold lounge.
The Fairmont Copley’s Gold lounge.
My favorite pampering amenity is the Fairmont Gold lounge and (in my opinion) worth the extra charge as breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres are included. We enjoyed an amazing spread of sushi, a perfect afternoon starter as we had late dinner reservations! Gold floor guests also have access to an honor bar and a library. The lounge includes nooks and crannies with seating at tables or on overstuffed chairs and couches.
Internet access is complimentary in the Fairmont Gold lounge either on the 2 public computers in the lounge or in your room with your personal computer. TIP: Join Fairmont’s frequent-guest program (free to join) and Internet access is free at any Fairmont.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza held to their standard of simple, yet lavishly elegant accommodations. The bathroom was a bit small, but it is an historic property.
Accommodations at the Fairmont Copley Plaza
Dining
The Fairmont Copley Plaza’s $20 million plus renovation includes a refreshment of award-winning Oak Room restaurant, set to open this summer. When I stayed in April, I enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the elegant St. James Room.
Summary
The Fairmont Copley Plaza offers Boston visitors a historic hotel with superb accommodations and the Fairmont Gold lounge amenities crafts yet another level of pampering.
Fairmont Copley Plaza is all about location.
However, perhaps what seals the deal is the hotel’s central location in Boston’s historic Back Bay just 5 minute walk to Boston Common. Steps away are the Boston Public Library, historic Beacon Hill and within minutes you can walk the Freedom Trail. Shoppers will also be rewarded with its close proximity to the shops at Copley Place Mall and the Prudential Center and the boutiques on Newbury Street.
Rates: The Fairmont Copley Plaza is in the midst of 100 days of celebration leading up to its anniversary on August 19, 2012. Check its website for unique packages and deals.
You also make reservations online at Hotels.com.
I was a guest of Fairmont Copley Plaza during my Boston visit.
Photos Courtesy of Diana Rowe
