Langham Hotel
250 Franklin St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, USA, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, USA
Why We Like It
The Langham is an absolutely beautiful retreat in the Financial District. It's rare to find a spot in Boston that has cheaper deals on the weekends than during the work week.
Fodor's Expert Review
This 1922 Renaissance Revival landmark (the former Federal Reserve Building) strikes an admirable balance between historic, old-world charm and sleek, modern appointments. Historic photographs and paintings (including two huge N.C. Wyeth works commissioned by the Federal Reserve) adorn many walls; the Governor's Room has a large collection of historic Boston-area maps on loan from the Boston Public Library. Out front sits a bright pink London taxi, made available to guests for in-town jaunts (but no rides to the airport). The beautiful Post Office Square park adjacent to the Langham is a quiet oasis where you can grab a patch of grass.
Tip While the Post Office Square spot is all business during the week, families and couples drop in on weekends for much lower room rates.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Jewel-tone fabrics swath recently updated guest rooms—the decor isn't exactly daring, but it is impeccable and elegant. Suites have espresso machines, with regular coffeemakers in others, and all rooms feature alarm clocks with iPod/iPhone docks. There are 37-inch LCD flat-screen HDTV's, comfortable working desks, and complimentary newspapers available upon request. Views are either of Norman B. Leventhal Park at Post Office Square or the Boston skyline.
Bathroom
Italian marble bathrooms come equipped with Chaun Spa bath amenities and a plush robe with slippers.
Lobby
The Reserve is the Langham's lovely lobby lounge, where guests can enjoy British High Tea or cocktails in style. On Sunday and Monday evenings, guests can also order dinner in the Reserve.
Pool
The beautiful indoor heated pool on the hotel's third floor is surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs where you can lay back and relax.
Spa
Guests enjoy special deals at the Chuan Body + Soul spa, where Chinese medicine is the inspiration for wellness.
Gym
The fitness studio at the Langham features cardio equipment with 15" LCD TV screens and iPod technology, a Technogym cable system, and plenty of equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and foam rollers. Grab a machine overlooking the sparkling swimming pool, then jump in the cool off. There's also a whirlpool and a sauna.
Tip If you'd like to schedule a session with one of the gym's personal trainers, call Chaun Body + Soul.
Dining
At BOND, the Langham's in-house restaurant-bar, there's a lounge-y vibe, where guests knock back beverages from an extensive wine and champagne list under a 25-foot vaulted ceiling with opulent crystal chandeliers. Café Fleuri serves up contemporary New England cuisine, as well as a wonderful Saturday brunch filled with crepes, waffles, and an extensive raw bar. Also, don't miss the divine Saturday Chocolate Bar at Café Fleuri, a buffet spread that would have any sweet tooth in absolute heaven. (There's even a vegan station, and another one just for kids!) The Reserve capitalizes on the hotel's British heritage with their signature Langham Afternoon Tea.
Drinking
At BOND, a 12-foot rosewood bar in front of a mirrored backdrop is a glitzy spot to sip cocktails. (Try to grab a glance at the Dom Perignon Lounge, an exclusive balcony that sits above the bar with seating for private events). Guests can also order cocktails in The Reserve.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Langham's bright pink taxi is available to transport guests, but keep in mind that it will not take you to Logan International Airport. If you'd like to take the MBTA, South Station on the Red Line is just a 7-minute walk, which makes it very easy for guests coming in from New York of DC on the Acela. If you're looking to avoid using valet parking, use a nearby public lot, where rates are cheaper on weekends.
Restaurants
The area around the Bond can get quiet on the weekends, since the neighborhood is primarily filled with the 9-to-5 crowd. However, there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance. For high-end Italian food, try Nebo Cucina & Enoteca (5-minute walk). Smith & Wollensky (7-minute walk) is a delicious steakhouse with an amazing setup overlooking Fort Point Channel. Grab a seat on their patio on a warm evening.
Bars
For a true Boston dive bar, try Biddy Early's (3-minute walk), an Irish pub that also serves bar food. If you'd like more of a young professional happy hour scene, try Society on High (5-minute walk).
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