As activity resumes in the Financial District, The Langham, Boston will reopen in June following a $200 million renovation. Image courtesy of The Langham, Boston

On May 29, tourism season in Massachusetts officially began as the commonwealth fully reopened its visitor economy. 

Our persistence and perseverance as advocates for the travel and tourism industry has paid off, resulting in Gov. Charlie Baker moving up his timeline to reopen, from the originally planned date of Aug. 1. Gathering limits are no longer in place and we are hopeful that the prevalence of events and business meetings will increase and provide a significant uptick in business for our hotels, restaurants and event venues. We applaud Gov. Baker for following the health and vaccination data and feel this is a sound and sensible decision. 

The timing could not be better: Not only is the reopening taking place during the unofficial first weekend of summer, but Boston will soon boast newly-erected and newly-renovated hotels that provide even more lodging options throughout various neighborhoods in the city. It’s a perfect showcase for leisure and business travelers as well as meetings and events planners.  

The long-awaited luxury hotel The Newbury Boston recently opened in the former home of the iconic Ritz-Carlton on Newbury Street in the Back Bay. The transformative renovation features heritage architecture, residential comfort in each guestroom and custom amenities. A four-season rooftop restaurant, Contessa, will also open this summer. 

Also in the Back Bay, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston underwent a recent $15 million renovation and features newly updated guest rooms, suites and event spaces, including the addition of fully-equipped kitchenettes in all suites. The award-winning spa also expanded with the addition of two new treatment rooms. 

Seaport Options Grow 

The Seaport District of Boston continues to grow and thrive – as evidenced by the recent and upcoming openings of new hotels there as well. Two award-winning Hilton brands are now open under one roof.  

The Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport, “Where Endless Adventures Await, By Land and Sea,” started welcoming guests to its brand-new waterfront hotel at 670 Summer St. in April. This fun waterfront property delivers modern amenities at an incredible value, with quick access to the neighborhood’s growing list of top restaurants, bars, breweries, retailers and attractions.  

The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is slated to open Sept. 1, just in time for Labor Day weekend and a robust fall season in the Boston area. The Omni is perfectly located for both business and leisure travelers, directly across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, steps away from downtown and Boston Harbor and less than 3 miles from Logan International Airport. The hotel will also feature seven drinking and dining destinations and a rooftop pool. 

Martha Sheridan

The Langham, Boston in the heart of the city’s Financial District – which is busy and coming back to life as companies start to return to their offices and business travel resumes – will reopen after a two-year, $200 million renovation in late June 2021. The renovated property bills itself as a “unique combination of American warmth and comfort…with a reverence for the time-honored European hospitality,” and includes GRANA, a glamorous destination restaurant that evokes the feeling of dining on a warm Italian afternoon, as well as The Fed lobby bar.   

Once again, timing could not be better. The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is already beginning to buzz again, with marquee events like the Heart Rhythm 2021, slated for July. 

As the countdown to a full reopening commences, we cannot wait to showcase our beautiful city and remind the world of all that we have to offer: We are here and we are ready to welcome you.  See you soon in Boston! 

Martha J. Sheridan is president & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.