The ultimate in romance, The Ritz-Carlton Boston, the city's grand hotel built in 1927, understands how to treat lovers.
From its white-gloved elevator operators to its Caviar Indulgence repasts, this romantic classic epitomizes discretion, elegance and social grace.
Note: Since this writing, the hotel has been reflagged as a Taj Hotel.
Twice the winner of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the property also impresses with its service and cleanliness.
After checking in, admiring the expansive view of Boston Public Garden below us, bouncing on our feather-filled king-size bed, and inspecting the wood-burning fireplace in the living room, my better half and I decided to take a romantic walk where the monied meander.
First we strolled into the Boston Public Garden, right across from the hotel. Then we window-shopped along Newbury and Arlington streets. (If you forget to pack your Chanel or Armani, you'll find both boutiques nearby, along with several Starbucks to quench your thirst for coffee, if not couture fashion.)
When we returned to the Ritz, a delicious surprise was waiting: Room service had wheeled in a table with a complimentary bottle of Champagne, glasses, twin roses in bud vases, and a plate bearing ripe strawberries dipped in white and milk chocolate and decorated as if they were wearing mini-tuxedoes. And the entire table was strewn with fresh red rose petals....
Guests who lodge in any of the 39 Ritz-Carlton Club rooms or 10 suites will not go hungry, even if they don't receive such a sensual feast. The Club Lounge, which has its own concierge, prepares five complimentary food and beverage presentations during the day. You can start with breakfast, which features smoked salmon and fresh bagels, danish, and croissants. Work your way up to afternoon tea and if you haven't yet bedded down, a midnight snack awaits.
Long the social center of Boston, and host to countless weddings, cotillions, and gala events, the Ritz-Carlton is even more romantic in summer: Friday and Saturday nights, there's dining and dancing to The Ritz-Carlton Orchestra on The Ritz Roof.
Should this sound too formal for your taste, just cross the park: Modernists have another Ritz to call their own. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common.
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Boston Weddings
Planning a Boston wedding? While most people think of ceremonies here as quite formal, and they certainly can be, the ones I've been to have been high-spirited and fun. Here are some resources to help you get started:
Priscilla of Boston
Home of those legendary hand-made gowns for more than 50 years.
Ritz-Carlton Weddings and Honeymoons
If you hold your reception at The Ritz-Carlton and spend your honeymoon at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Resort within one month of your reception, the company automatically upgrades your reservation, based on availability and a four-night minimum stay.
