Omni Parker House, Historic Downtown Boston Hotel

During my last visit to Boston, I spotted the historic Omni Parker House and immediately placed a stay on my bucket list of hotel accommodations. The longest continuously running luxury hotel (since 1855) is just that – luxurious, first-class, plush and all the things you’d expect of a historic hotel, including hosting every American President since Ulysses S. Grant. Not surprising, Massachusetts native John F. Kennedy kept strong ties to this hotel, including announcing his presidential candidacy here.

The grand "Old World" style lobby at the Omni Parker House

The grand “Old World” style lobby at the Omni Parker House

Arrival

Located on the Freedom Trail and adjacent to Beacon Hill, the 551-room Omni Parker House is a luxury Boston Hotel, a short 2.3 miles from Logan International Airport, and easy to access whether by taxi or public transportation. Your first inkling of its history is the bronze doors at the entrance, and then you step into an “Old World” sprawling lobby. Although the hotel dates back to 1855, the hotel and its furnishings are kept in topnotch condition, thanks to regular renovations.

Exterior of the historic Omni Parker House

Exterior of the historic Omni Parker House

We arrived at 12noon, earlier than the 3:00 pm check-in, yet the receptionist immediately called housekeeping to ready our room. We found a comfortable chair in the lobby, waiting just 15 minutes for our room.

Small elevators, as per usual for historic hotels, brought us to our suite. My husband and I had traveled to Boston to meet our adult daughter, so two double beds and sitting area was perfect for the 3 of us. The bathroom was small but adequate. The bonus was the small area near the beds, boasting a vanity table and large closet.

Our spacious accommodations at Omni Parker House.

Our spacious accommodations at Omni Parker House.

Aside, I also got a glimpse at the Freedom Trail Kid Nook, a family friendly hotel room with bunk beds. This hotel is popular with families and tourists, with their weekend deal packages. Kids love the free gift at check-in!

Family Suites at Omni Parker House include this Kid Nook with Bunkbeds

Family Suites at Omni Parker House include this Kid Nook with Bunkbeds

For business travelers, the work space was set up behind the sofa with the windows to your back. I’m a member of the FREE Select Guest Loyalty Program. Sign into the internet with your loyalty number, and the hotel waives the in-room Internet access fee, in addition to other perks.

Dining
I bet you’ve heard of the Boston Cream  pie, an amazing dessert that got its start here, at the Parker Restaurant. Yes, this is also where Parker House rolls were invented. Until 1933 Parker House rolls recipe was secret, but now you can download both recipes here.

The Last Harrah Pub, the finale of the evening at Omni Parker House

The Last Harrah Pub, the finale of the evening at Omni Parker House

Historically, Table 40 at Parker’s Restaurant was also where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. I didn’t get the opportunity to dine here, but the entire evening was a constant flow of traffic in and out of this restaurant.

Late evening we did stop for a nightcap at the Old Harrah, and again experienced friendly customer service.

Summary
The best element of our short stay (just one night) is that Boston’s Omni Park House lived up to its expectations and then some with its stellar customer service. Beginning with accommodating an early check-in, the staff were simply professional and willing to make exceptions. Second best – its location couldn’t be more perfect. We were able to walk to nearly anything Boston we desired – from following the Freedom Trail to walking to landmarks such as Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall marketplace.

For room rates, check the hotel’s website. You can also compare rates at Hotels.com.

The Omni Parker House provided my accommodations, but the review is strictly my opinion. Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe & Omni Parker House.

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