Why book
CitizenM offers a counterpoint to the city’s established hotel scene. This is the choice for travelers who value design, efficiency and location over things like square footage or concierge service.
Set the scene
Stepping into the lobby, it’s clear that this is a departure from ye olde Boston. Gone are the oak paneled walls and antique furniture–instead, CitizenM is all about color, art and energy. The overall vibe is part boutique hotel and part co-working lounge, with plenty of spots to post up with a book or a laptop. It’s social, but not chaotic.
The backstory
In a city that feels quintessentially American, CitizenM offers a European-tinged atmosphere: one that cuts out the excess, keeps the good stuff that modern travelers want, and makes it all look Instagram-ready. This Back Bay location, built into the new Lyrik development, feels new for Boston: it’s perched over the Mass Pike, at the very top of Newbury Street, literally and figuratively opposite the luxury hotels at the other end (The Newbury and the Four Seasons Boston).
The rooms
They’re small. But that’s part of the deal! And they’re surprisingly efficient–the mark of being well designed. The bed stretches wall-to-wall, the storage is neatly tucked away, and everything from the lighting and temperature to the blackout shades is controlled via a table. You don’t feel like you’re compromising here. Floor-to-ceiling windows help, especially on the higher floors, which offer impressive views over Back Bay and the Charles River.
Food and drink
The rooftop Bubble Bar by acclaimed local chef Tiffany Faison is the moment. The city views here are out of this world, and an indulgent menu of Champagnes, cocktails, snacks and caviar makes this the ideal spot for a date night or nightcap. Downstairs, CanteenM is good for basic refuelings, but with Newbury Street and some of Boston’s best restaurants on your doorstep, it’s best to head out for your meals here.
The neighborhood/area
Back Bay is Boston’s grandest neighborhood–think brownstones, tree-lined streets, and elegant shopping on Newbury Street and at the Prudential Center. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Fenway Park and a short distance from the Hynes Convention Center, making it ideal for leisure and business travelers alike. The surrounding Lyrik development has landed here with a splash–namely, with some exciting new restaurants including posh Avra Estiatorio and Rosa Y Marigold, a Peruvian-Mexican concept from the chef-owners behind local favorite Celeste.
The service
There’s no traditional front desk experience here–instead, you check in via self-service kiosk, with some floating “ambassadors” who can step in when needed. You won’t get the white-glove treatment of Boston’s luxury hotels, but that’s the point. This CitizenM excels at efficiency and approachability.
Accessibility
Many of Boston’s luxury hotels benefit from grand, historic buildings that struggle with accessibility. Not the case here, thanks to the building’s modern construction. Elevators access every floor, hallways and doorways are wide, and accessible rooms are available.
Anything left to mention?
The gym is basic, but gets the job done–and features more of those fantastic views that make this hotel’s vantage point over Back Bay feel so special.
408 Newbury St, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
United States
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/boszb-citizenm-boston-back-bay/overview/
(617) 861-2626