Three Cities, Three Words. . . Boston: Boston Harbor Hotel
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the East Coast, including its magnificent seafood, stunning views, and rich history. From Boston to Kennebunkport, to Newport, I came across hidden treasures all along the way. I consider these great finds to be too good to be kept secret, so I've decided to highlight each of the three cities in three words, beginning with Boston:
Just a short (and stunning) water taxi ride from Logan International Airport, luxury awaits. Every single detail of the hotel is fabulous. The guest slippers in the hotel rooms read: "Boston Harbor Hotel, Beyond Compare." Let me tell you, it is beyond compare. BHH seems to have anticipated every possible need of their guests and anything that may have been forgotten, the staff will fix for you at the speed of magic. From the complementary fresh fruit in the room upon arrival to the eye cream and lip balm laid out along with robe and slippers at turn down service, Boston Harbor Hotel does it right. BHH keeps everything literally at your fingertips, as an inroom iPad allows you to order up anything you may need from room service, to car valet, to luggage assistance, to turndown service, to scheduling spa services. Fresh flowers lightly perfume the lobby, adorned with historic maps and pictures. The hotel is worth exploring on its own, even if you don't stay there. Take a stroll along the waterfront or watch the planes fly in and out over the harbor from the edge of the pavilion, but absolutely you must have breakfast!
Hands down, the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille at Boston Harbor Hotel is my favorite place in the whole world to eat breakfast. As someone who is something of a breakfast connoisseur (and really loves pancakes), this is saying something. Go ahead and enjoy the most delicious (and important) meal of the day while watching the ships and sailboats glide across the Atlantic just outside the window (or right in front of you, if you're there when the weather permits outside dining). My recommendations: the Ricotta and Lemon Pancakes and the New England Style Corned Beef and Eggs. You won't find either anywhere else and they are both amazing. I visited Boston the same time last year and spent a year craving these. If you're a tea person, like I am, be sure to order a pot. I loved starting my day with a pot of loose leaf earl grey and these pancakes. And of course the pot comes out with a darling little strainer. Milk, and sugar cubes are already on the table. So sit back, relax, and steep in absolute luxury.
Beyond BHH, Boston is one city with an endless list of things todo. It is safe, clean, and very walkable. The most walking I did on this trip in a single day was the day I spent in Boston. I walked an easy eight miles, hopping across the Freedom Trail as I tracked down television icons, Italian pastries, and National Monuments. Some of the highlights from my eight-mile day include the Boston Tea Party Museum (fun, interactive, and you can even taste the five types of tea thrown in the harbor), strolling through the Public Garden, lunch at the bar that inspired the TV show Cheers (Sit down for a beer and a cup of the award winning "clam chowda"), grabbing a pick-me-up at Modern Pastry, wandering through the Italian district (North End), seeing the Old North Church (it's huge!), and climbing Bunker Hill. History lies around every corner and between every brick in the charming architecture. The mix of rich history with the city's bustling life and the clean smell of Atlantic salt air is enchanting. I cannot wait to go back.