There are only a handful of true five-star hotels in Boston, and the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, is one of them. Located on Boylston Street in the heart of Back Bay, this luxury hotel brings the Mandarin Oriental’s famously impeccable service and attention to detail to Boston.
Fresh off a $15 million renovation completed in 2020, the hotel’s 148 rooms and suites have shed their once-corporate feel in favor of a more residential, ultra-luxurious aesthetic. Think shimmering chinoiserie wallpaper, plush carpeting, and sleek modern furnishings, all complemented by high-end amenities like deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and Frette linens. The hotel may not offer sweeping views of the Public Garden like some of its competitors, but what it lacks in vistas, it makes up for in top-tier service and exclusivity. Read on for our honest review of the Mandarin Oriental, Boston—and see why its spa is a destination in its own right.
Location
The Mandarin Oriental’s prime location in Back Bay puts guests within easy reach of Boston’s top attractions, high-end shopping, and renowned dining scene. Situated on Boylston Street, the hotel is just steps from the upscale boutiques of Newbury Street and the historic charm of Copley Square. The hotel is directly connected to the Prudential Center for easy access to and designer shopping. Fenway Park, the Boston Public Garden, and the Charles River Esplanade are all within walking distance, making it an ideal base for both sightseeing and leisurely strolls. Business travelers will appreciate the proximity to the Hynes Convention Center.
The hotel is just a few blocks away from Back Bay Station, offering easy access for travelers coming in on Amtrak. Multiple MBTA stops, including the green and orange lines, are within less than a five-minute walk.
Rooms
Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, are all about sleek luxury with a residential feel. The Deluxe King Room, where we stayed, is smartly designed with modern furnishings and thoughtful extras. The king bed is as plush as you’d expect from a five-star hotel, and the velvet sofa in the seating area adds a touch of elegance. A spacious work desk is great for business travelers while floor-to-ceiling windows offer charming Back Bay or residential views. The vibe is polished yet cozy—perfect for unwinding after a day in the city.
The bathroom is a highlight, designed to feel like your own private spa. It’s decked out in marble and features a deep soaking tub and a glass-enclosed rain shower that’s as relaxing as it sounds. High-end touches like Diptyque bath products, a Nespresso machine, and a yoga mat cater to guests who like a little extra indulgence.
If you’re looking for a little more space, a variety of suites are also available, ranging from a junior suite to the royal suite.
Restaurants
For a five-star hotel, it’s a little surprising that the flagship restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Boston Ramsay’s Kitchen, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. This is the only option for dining at the hotel, and is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, serving upscale American cuisine with a New England twist.
Room service is available 24 hours per day, and features a scaled-down version of the Ramsay’s Kitchen menu.
Spa & Pool
The Mandarin Oriental Boston’s spa is the crown jewel of the hotel. Book a treatment here, and be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes early prior to your appointment to enjoy the spa’s luxurious facilities which include a Crystal Steam Room (a pink-hued wet steam room with plenty of room to spread out), Vitality Pool, and Relaxation Lounge.
The Vitality Pool is a large heated whirlpool plunge pool that’s extremely relaxing. However, if you’re looking for a pool where you can do laps, you’ll want to look elsewhere, as the Mandarin does not have a regular swimming pool.
The spa is separated into identical men’s and women’s sides. I booked a spa treatment during my stay (a heavenly deep tissue massage) and the staff kindly allowed my husband to come in and use the facilities even though he didn’t have a treatment booked.
Fitness Center
The Mandarin Oriental, Boston, takes wellness seriously with its state-of-the-art fitness center, available to both hotel guests and residents. The space is stocked with top-tier equipment, including Peloton bikes, a strength training circuit, free weights, and a Kinesis Wall for functional training. For those looking to take their workout to the next level, the hotel’s Lead Personal Trainer, Matt Morin, offers customized strength and cardio sessions tailored to individual fitness goals. The atmosphere is polished yet inviting, making it easy to stay on track while traveling.
Beyond traditional gym offerings, the fitness center provides private yoga and Pilates instruction, available in the Movement Studio or outdoors during warmer months. A Pilates Reformer, Peloton Bikes, and a Fitness Mirror offer additional ways to mix up your routine, whether focusing on flexibility, balance, or strength. I enjoyed the high-end treadmills, which came pre-loaded with video workouts (including interval workouts).
Complimentary towels, water, fresh fruit, and headphones are provided.
Pros
- Impeccable service
- One of the best spas in the city
- Spacious rooms
- Spa-inspired bathrooms
- Diptyque toiletries
- Well-equipped fitness center
- Complimentary coffee, tea, newspapers, and Gatorade available in the morning
- Robot butler can deliver items to your room
Cons
- Disappointing restaurant options
- Valet-only parking
- No pool
- Limited seating in hotel lobby, no hotel lobby bar
Price and How to Book
Rates at the Mandarin Oriental Boston start at approximately $730 per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
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