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Boston is known for a few things: Paul Revere’s midnight ride, clam chowder, Mark Wahlberg, and an, at times, alarming dedication to our sports teams. Our brick brownstones and cobblestone streets have been bringing charm to the Boston name for centuries. But when locals (or visitors) need a break from the Freedom Trail, a new neighborhood beckons: the Seaport.
I stayed at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport for a getaway from my never-ending to-do list, and crossing the Evelyn Moakley Bridge felt like crossing into a completely new world. The Seaport district is a part of South Boston that overlooks the Boston Harbor and has absolutely exploded with development in the past few years. I can remember when the area was predominantly parking lots and dive bars, now it’s a shiny new downtown. Though the neighborhood has a bit of a manufactured feel (and a suspicious lack of Dunkin Donuts’) compared to the rest of the city, it’s a dream for a local staycation and a choice landing spot for Boston visitors.
I’m Celina, a Boston-based travel, food, and culture writer. I’m a born-and-raised New Englander who migrated from New Hampshire to Boston, and while I love telling global stories, I’ll always have a soft spot for this lobster-loving part of the United States.
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is themed for the arts and culture of the city and does a surprisingly wonderful job of connecting with the hyper-local.
Celina Colby
In the lobby, you can spot a gallery wall of photographs taken behind the scenes at Boston theaters and arts organizations. A few yards away is an installation where local artists created sculptures out of Boston-based shoe brands, showcasing New Balance, Sperry, Converse, and others in a completely new way.
At this rate, the Omni Seaport has more in common with the Institute of Contemporary Art down the street (a must-visit by the way) than the corporate towers that line Seaport Boulevard.
There are two towers structurally framing the hotel, and they represent one of the most important choices you have to make for your stay: the Artist Tower and the Patron Tower (see what they did there?) offer two different but equally beneficial experiences.
Celina Colby
The Artist Tower houses studio-style rooms perfect for solo travelers or intimate couples. They’re small but chicly appointed. Despite their size, booking one of these rooms comes with perks, like free gym clothes rentals. They’re also more affordable.
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The Patron Tower rooms are more typical in size with a writing space, a makeup station, closet storage for garments, and a spacious bathroom in its own space. The Patron Tower also houses the suites, which range in size. Just about every room offers incredible views of Boston.
Celina Colby
I stayed in one of the standard Patron Tower guest rooms. It happened to be snowing, and seeing the weather come into the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows was a magical experience. The room was stylishly decorated and well-stocked, featuring a few of my hotel must-haves like an in-room coffee maker and cozy bathrobes.
The views from the room were incredible, but the rooftop heated pool and hot tub were perhaps an even better way to take in the sights.
Celina Colby
In the summer, this area of the hotel really pops off. They have a live DJ and it becomes a high-energy, party atmosphere. But even in the early morning on a weekday, soaking in the hot tub was incredibly relaxing.
Pro Tip: the hotel has more than 1,000 rooms and the pool and hot tub are definitely not big enough for everyone. I recommend going at off hours for the best experience. I went at 8 a.m. and had the place to myself for an hour. Is there possibly a better way to start the day?
Celina Colby
If the rooftop tub doesn’t quite do the relaxation trick, the next stop is Breve Spa, located in the Omni Seaport, but open to the public.
Celina Colby
At the spa, I experienced their Signature Breve Facial — part skincare, part massage — for a dreamy blend of relaxation and fresh-face benefits.
There’s a lot to explore in the greater Seaport neighborhood if you can pry yourself out of your Omni-induced relaxation coma.
Celina Colby
The main drag, Seaport Boulevard, houses public art like a brightly colored sculpture series by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel, a village of local shops, and in the summer, Trillium Beer Garden. For nightlife, consider Flight Club, a bar and restaurant with team darts tournaments, or SPIN where you can test your Ping-Pong skills to the beats of a live DJ.
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After a day of relaxing, I headed to the Lifted restaurant — one of six on-site restaurants, if you can believe it — for a taste of Miami right here in Boston.
Celina Colby
The light-flooded restaurant offers tropical cocktails like frozen margaritas and dishes ranging from lightly-battered fish tacos to a salted caramel lobster roll. I know it sounds insane, but trust me, it works.
Celina Colby
If you’d rather be watching the game than picturing yourself on South Beach, consider trying The Sporting Club for dinner.
Celina Colby
Built for screening sports events (Go Sox!), the restaurant features an elevated American menu and the actual floor from a former Celtics training court. This is what I meant when I said the Omni has gotten hyper-local.
My staycation at the Omni Seaport was a divine few days away from my laptop, but it’s perfectly situated to host out-of-town guests as well. And don’t worry; Hahvahd Yahd is still just a T ride away.
To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next on OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.
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