Set in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, the XV Beacon (said as “15 Beacon” after its address) is one of the city’s most luxurious boutique hotels. It’s also a great base for exploring Boston, as it’s located a short walk from the city’s main attractions such as the North End, the Back Bay, and Faneuil Hall.
The first thing I noticed—aside from the beautiful Lexus house car parked out front—was the hotel’s setting, a stately turn-of-the-century landmark Beaux Arts building, which houses 63 rooms. These rooms come in seven varieties, starting with the “Classic,” rooms which are 300 square feet and feature walk-in rainforest showers and queen sized beds, and going up to the 1400-square-foot, two-bedroom “Gilbert Stuart Suites,” which include a separate parlor with dining space for 12 people. I was staying in a spacious “Boston Common Studio” room, which measures a generous 475 square feet—more than enough room for my husband and I to spread out.
I was immediately struck by the room’s sophisticated decor and the opulent furnishings of leather, chrome, and cashmere. A sumptuous four-poster king bed dominated one end of the room, while the other invited relaxation on the couch or in front of the fire. With large windows (that actually opened) on two sides, there were amazing views of Boston below, and plenty of light to read on the sofa or work at the wooden desk.
A Smart TV hung over the gas fireplace and the minibar was stocked with high-end brands like Ketel One, Château Lafite Rothschild and Krug Champagne. The Italian marble bathroom was its own mini spa, with soft Frette robes, herbal bath salts, heated towel racks, a rainforest shower and a deep whirlpool tub.
While the layout of each room style varies, each room is decorated in the same elegant color scheme—espresso, taupe, cream—and every room features a gas fireplace, Smart TV, surround-sound stereo, rainforest shower, Italian marble bathroom with heated towel rack and Frette linens and bathrobes, cashmere throw blankets, in-room safe, and fully stocked minibar. Additionally, there’s complimentary wifi and overnight shoe shine, evening turndown service, umbrellas for guest use, and the services of a complementary Lexus house car that will take guests to the airport and around Boston. In short, there was nothing I wanted for….except to stay a bit longer.
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Throughout the hotel, there’s an air of privacy and seclusion—thanks, in part, to the fact that there are only seven rooms per floor. Additional touches like the grand marble staircase, mahogany paneling, and an original caged-glass elevator give the hotel a luxurious residential feel. But that doesn’t mean guests are on their own. Upon check-in, I was given a map, a thorough overview of the city and the area surrounding the hotel, and offers of assistance with transport and dinner reservations. In-room massages are available and there’s an onsite fitness center and a sophisticated steakhouse, Moo…, adjacent to the hotel, so guests get all the perks of a bigger hotel with a much more exclusive feel.
With superlative service and an intimate feel, sexy and sophisticated rooms, a perfect location, and just about every amenity you could want, the XV Beacon reigns supreme as a top choice for a luxurious stay in the heart of Boston.
If you go: Room rates start at around $380 per night. The XV Beacon is pet-friendly.
I was a guest of the XV Beacon but all opinions are my own.
