Between the Back Bay & Bay Village: An Overnight Stay

Posted by Max Grinnell, guest blogger of The Urbanologist

If you’ve ever found yourself strolling around the Back Bay in Boston, you’ve probably wandered around Copley Square, into the Boston Public Library, and maybe even stopped by the impressive Trinity Church. But have you traipsed down Berkeley Street, just a few blocks farther?
If not, you’ll want to give it a walkabout, and not just because of welcome lodgings in the form of the Loews Boston Hotel. This area also serves as a great home base for exploring the Back Bay, as well nearby Bay Village, two of the city’s most neighborhoods.

The historic Loews Boston Hotel looks every bit the part

A Headquarters of Note, Transformed
The Loews Boston Hotel was once upon a time the headquarters of the Boston Police Department. It has since been reimagined, reinvented, and revitalized as a compelling hotel, which offers over 200 guest rooms, an attractive lobby, and Precinct, their appropriately titled signature restaurant.
Before checking in, you can take a breather in their lounge, which has a lovely selection of teas and coffees, along with comfortable surroundings. It’s the kind of place that facilitates meeting fellow travelers and it’s also a great spot to sit and get caught up on work, if you are so inclined.

Take a seat and relax inside The Loews Boston Hotel by Dom Miguel Photo

Of course, your room will be your temporary home, your sanctuary, your place for a moment of peace, so what awaits therein? Amidst the elegant zebra wood vanities, walk-in showers, and other delicate touches, each room has an ergonomic work area, fine body products (lotions and the like), and soaking tubs.
All of this finery is accented with a color palette that is dominated by blues and grays. Additionally, visitors looking for an even more extravagant experience might do well to check out a stay in their Presidential Suite.

The aforementioned enticing accommodations at The Loews Boston Hotel

For dinner (or just a drink), head on down to the lower level of the hotel and ease yourself into Precinct Kitchen + Bar. Here, you’ll find a set of classic dishes with New England flavor; to wit, servings include their charcuterie board, PEI mussels, Wellfleet clam chowder, and a smattering of sides, such as Parmesan truffle frieda, grilled asparagus, and braised bean cassoulet. Breakfast and lunch are on offer as well, and well worth your close consideration.

That’s one tasty table at Precinct Kitchen + Bar

Walk Down the Street & Learn Something New
Started in 1933, the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) was founded to give adults a place to acquire new skills in a casual and inviting setting. What better way to enjoy part of your visit then by booking one of their evening classes for your enjoyment? The center is right down the street from the hotel and the lessons meet for one evening, so no need to worry about catching up.
Their baking and cooking classes are long-standing favorites, with “Tapas Go Green: Vegetarian Tapas” and “The Art of Pasta Making” being two of the most popular. Bring a friend or partner and you’ll find yourself walking out the door with a new skill and newfound appreciation for any number of things.

You just might learn to make salmon hors d’oeuvres at BCAE. Photo by Rene Schwietzke via Flickr

A Nightcap at Post 390
After drinking in all that newfound knowledge, you may be in the mood for a real drink or two. For that, I’d recommend taking the 10- or 15-minute walk over to Post 390.

One very good reason to visit Post 390 via Facebook

Located across the street from the Hancock, the talented team at Post 390 is serving up a range of classic cocktails with fine conversation, attracting a nice mix of folks on a nightly basis. If I were you, I’d stride up to the bar and order “A Little Bogged Down,” which is a most wonderful blend of Crown Royal, cranberry puree, cinnamon, Amaro, and cranberry bitters, and acts as the fitting coda to wrap up your evening.
Max Grinnell is a writer based in Cambridge, MA, who writes about cities, public art, geography, travel, and anything else that strikes his fancy. His writings can be found online at www.theurbanologist.com and he tweets over @theurbanologist.
Photo at the top by Marc Choquette via Flickr

TOPICS: Back Bay, Bay Village, Boston