You've Never Seen a Courtyard Like This
Yes. This is a Courtyard Marriott. Chic, modern, stylish, refined, yet comfortable are the words that come to mind to describe this stunning property in Boston’s Theatre District. Originally built in the 1920’s as an Elk’s Lodge, the property has had various iterations over the years and has settled on what I consider to be its best. Generally regarded as a solid, affordable hotel, this Courtyard is both of those and then some. The property has been extensively renovated in the past several years implementing a palette of purple hues, black, white, and pops of yellow in all areas from the lobby and meeting rooms, to guest rooms.
The lobby is grand to say the least, but still makes for a cozy setting. That cozy feeling miiiiight come from the bar tucked over to the right side of the lobby seeing as I’ve I never met a hotel bar I didn’t like. The bar serves up cocktails and small bites for guests and was the perfect spot to grab a Maker’s Mash before we headed out to dinner. Behind the bar sits a small restaurant that’s home to a delicious breakfast buffet. Generally I grade hotels based on their bar and breakfast. In this instance, the Courtyard Boston Downtown gets very high marks.
We were lucky enough to stay in a 12th floor King Suite for the night. Gazing out of the massive windows, the view of the Hancock and The Pru was phenomenal to say the least. The room itself is a bevy of high end finishes from the pillows on the couch, to the counters of the wet bar. The main bedroom did not disappoint with its king size bed wrapped in high quality linens. Little touches in the room like the roll down light diffusing shades, backlit vanity mirror, outlets in both bedside lamps, and a killer showerhead all factor into an overall stellar experience.
While not experienced by all guest, the 5th floor event space is perhaps the most stunning area of the entire hotel. As you step off the elevator, a grand (elk antler inspired) chandelier greets guests giving way to a long ornate hall. The hallway walls are a deep rich grey and crystal chandeliers cast a shimmering glow. Off the hall are several event spaces that can accommodate anything from a board meeting, to a bar mitzvah. One of my favorite elements on the 5th floor is the original phone booths which have been converted into charging stations.
Making our way back down to the lobby, the library just off the main entrance is my favorite space at the property. The walls are donned with vintage inspired elk portraits, stylized elk antler sconces, and a nearly wall spanning fireplace. The furnishings carry the color pallet from the lobby complete with yellow accents and deep rich greys.
I’m going to be completely honest here… I didn’t expect to be blown away like I was. I expected a comfortable, clean room with modern amenities, but I never imagined the level of design, service and elegance the Courtyard Boston Downtown served up. I’ve stayed at many of Boston’s finest (and much more expensive) hotels and quite frankly, this Courtyard blows them all out of the water.
The Courtyard Marriott provided lodging and food and beverage credit in exchange for social media posts and recap. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
