Traveling to Boston? Take a peak inside a historic Boston hotel located on the Freedom Trail. The Omni Parker House in Boston is a classic choice for New England travel.
Pulling up to the Omni Parker House Boston’s School Street entrance, a valet rushes around to open the car door and sweep the car away. It’s like a scene in a movie — and this Boston hotel makes it seem so seamless and easy.
After a spin through the revolving door and up a few stairs, you’re in beautiful lobby of the Omni Parker House Boston. It’s charming, with an elegance that reveals the hotels historic luxury — a glimpse into a bygone era. When my kids visited this hotel with me in February, they gasped at the ornate lobby, and the intricately decorated elevators complete with golden doors.
At the front desk, friendly and helpful staff welcome guests to the hotel. On my first trip to Boston, I was invited by the Omni Parker House to stay as a guest of the hotel. On my second trip, I chose to book this hotel for a trip with my kids because the first stay had been so pleasant.
The elegant Omni Parker House Boston opened in 1855 and has been in operation ever since. With a convenient location, and a friendly staff, it’s no wonder that people near and far like to stay here — including a couple I chatted with over dinner at Parker’s Restaurant in the hotel. They told me that they visit yearly to celebrate their wedding anniversary — a sweet tradition. Speaking of Parker’s Restaurant, it’s the birthplace of light, fluffy, buttery Parker House Rolls and the sweet confection that is Boston Cream Pie. But, perhaps coolest, Parker’s also once employed revolutionary Ho Chi Min as a pastry chef.
On my first stay at the Parker House, my room was on the 10th floor, which was an interesting twist of events. Before leaving for my Boston trip, I had stumbled on some websites — including the hotel’s own site — that talked about the hotel’s haunted history. And one of the most haunted places in the hotel? The 10th floor, naturally. It didn’t tamper my excitement one bit — actually, I love that the hotel embraces the lore.
When I got to my room, the crisp white cotton bed linens and soft pillows looked so inviting. This bed was crazy comfortable. I slept so well that night (take that haunted history!).
On my second trip, my kids and I received a room on the 4th floor. It had two beds and a small bathroom, but was perfect for our needs. As a paying guest, I found the room was in the same pristine condition I’d experienced on my first trip — always a good thing.
A flat-panel television and a good sized desk were also in both rooms. The 10th floor room felt more spacious with only one bed, though it really was only ideal for accommodating two guests. Any more and it would have felt cramped. When booking, be sure to choose a room that will best accommodate the number of travelers you’ll be with. Other rooms, like our long but narrow 4th floor room, can accommodate more travelers.
If you are seeking a huge and luxurious bathroom … well, this Boston hotel probably won’t be it. The small bathrooms were efficient and just enough. With limited space and counter tops, neither bathroom was remarkable — just efficient.
The Omni Parker House Boston is located next door to King’s Chapel and Burying Ground, a stop on the Freedom Trail. Some rooms, including the room I stayed in on the 10th floor, have a great view of the historic site where several of my ancestors are buried (how fun/cool/weird is that?). Others, like our 4th floor room, have views of nearby buildings. Ours looked into offices next door.
The hotel is centrally located, allowing guests to easily walk Boston’s Freedom Trail on foot. Boston Common is also short walk away as is Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. If theater is your thing, the Omni Parker House is also located nearby the theater district — it’s about a 10 minute walk.
One things you should know: the walls are rather thin, so expect to hear other guests coming home from evenings of fun. On our trip in February, we could practically hear every word between children in an adjacent room. Also, for children, the hotel provides cookies and milk on your first night there, which was a welcome surprise. Finally, if you are interested in the haunted past, be sure to ask at the front desk to see the log of alleged haunted happenings.
Omni Parker House Boston
60 School St
Boston, MA 02108
Disclosure: This review has been updated with additional information and opinions following my second stay, which I paid for at a public rate. As a blogger, I am required to disclose that the Omni Parker House Boston provided me with a free room during my first Boston trip. I wasn’t required to write about it or compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.
Kate
Thursday 30th of July 2015
I would love to stay there.