The Liberty Hotel in Boston

Chic New Hotel Provides Luxurious Accommodations

Jan 11, 2008 Leigh Hopkins

Boston's Liberty Hotel is a luxury hotel with a surprising past.

Boston’s Liberty Hotel is a hip new spot, perfect for business travelers and tourists alike due to its chic vibe and convenient location. The hotel has great curb appeal, with a magnificent granite exterior, uncommon in newer hotels.

Why? The hotel was built in the recently renovated Suffolk County Jail.

Upon entering, guests are escorted to an escalator that ascends into an unforgettable lobby. A ninety-foot high ceiling draws the eye immediately upward, and as the visitor takes it in—catwalks overlooking the central lobby, enormous chandeliers reminiscent of hand-held gas lanterns, backlit rows of bars—full comprehension of the strange beauty of this place sinks in.

History

One of the unique aspects of staying at The Liberty is that its prison past is incorporated into the design. Initially, this feels somewhat eerie and even disrespectful--is it really OK to feel so pampered in a place that housed so much misery in its past?

The hotel handles this with an even balance of reverence and cheekiness. Photographs with accompanying historical information are given museum-like presentation in the hallway to the left of the reception desk. Some references to the prison’s history are left to subtle interpretation (striped rugs) while others are bold (a lounge named “Alibi”). Many of the original design elements that made the prison famous in 1851 remain.

Perhaps you’re wondering if anything else stayed behind? Rest assured, the hotel is not haunted--in fact, it was cleansed by monks prior to reopening.

Rooms

The Liberty’s guestrooms are a big part of its appeal. The spacious standard suites are furnished in soothing palettes, seemingly selected with comfort in mind: the crisp white down comforter, a beige settee overlooking the Charles River, a colorful, cozy throw—all perfect excuses to stay in for the night.

The bathroom alone is worth returning for. The glass shower, plush robe, slippers, and sumptuous bath products are a treat, but the deep, tiled tub is the real temptation. Hit the mini-bar and you’ll find a surprising selection of wines, mixers and chocolates to add to the decadence.

The Liberty has a deluxe suite on each floor, and if you’re in for an extended stay, this is well worth the price. Wake up each morning to floor-to-ceiling views of the city on two sides. Stroll from your bedroom into the living room, lounge at the dining room table with a fresh pot of coffee, a steaming bowl of oatmeal with dried sour cherries and brown sugar, and you just may consider canceling your flight home!

The additional half bathroom just off the living room is a nice touch for business travelers; the living room’s stylish and spacious appearance is perfect for small meetings.

Service

From the moment you arrive at The Liberty, you’ll be treated like a valued guest. Hotel staff is courteous, responsive, and gracious. Another nice surprise—a glass of champagne upon check-in! The first glass may very well land you in Clink, one of the hotel’s two restaurant/lounges, where Boston’s stylish young crowd goes to play.

The concierge (available from 7 am-11:30 pm daily) will provide directions, suggested itineraries, and restaurant recommendations. Speak to the sales managers to reserve the meeting rooms or arrange a corporate rate (reserved for business travelers), and you’ll receive a prompt, pleasant and professional response.

Amenities

  • 18 rooms located in the historic (jail) structure
  • 280 rooms in the 14-story Tower
  • high speed internet access
  • flat screen television
  • high-tech coffee maker
  • robe and slippers
  • hair dryer
  • Molton Brown bath products
  • complimentary newspaper
  • room service
  • fitness center
  • complimentary luxury sedan, 7 am -10 am
  • two restaurants
  • two lounges/bars
  • 6,000 square feet of meeting space

Location

  • Subway (“T’) station directly across the street
  • Whole Foods market 2 ½ blocks away (fantastic selection of organic foods; healthy take-out options)
  • many restaurants in surrounding neighborhood
  • 15-minute walk from Boston Common
  • all parts of Boston accessible by foot or train

Whether your stay is for business or pleasure, The Liberty Hotel will remind you what luxury travel is supposed to feel like.

Related articles:

A Tourist's Guide To Boston

New England Boston Boat Show

The copyright of the article The Liberty Hotel in Boston in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Leigh Hopkins. Permission to republish The Liberty Hotel in Boston in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.