While Boston is home to storied restaurants spanning from the nearly-century-old Regina Pizzeria to the 1820s-era Union Oyster House, there’s a lot more to the city’s dining scene than just its historic prowess. In recent years, the Bay State capital has embraced modern innovation, ushering in a wealth of lavish hotels and upscale dining venues—and few properties exemplify both concepts as well as Raffles Boston. A recent addition to the Back Bay hospitality scene, this polished hotel provides a glimpse into the refined side of Massachusetts, providing guests with an opportunity to experience the height of Boston gastronomy and hospitality in one fell swoop.

Officially opened in September 2023, Raffles Boston stands 35 stories above Stuart Street, with 147 palatial rooms and suites in place for guests. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with lush vegetation, a marble-clad Writers Room and a wealth of other design flourishes meant to evoke the sophisticated beauty of Singapore’s historic Raffles Hotel—and just a few steps past the main lobby, the Long Bar & Terrace offers some of the finest views in all of Back Bay. Perched on the 17th floor, this stunning space comes equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that are perfect for enjoying the sunset, with cocktail options spanning from the bourbon and maple-infused Golden Hour to the Boston Sling, a fragrant drink that’s brimming with notes of cranberry and apple as a testament to the agricultural prowess of Massachusetts.

To keep the drinks flowing, neighboring Blind Duck offers an intimate speakeasy-esque experience for guests, coming complete with two separate levels that showcase the beauty of the surrounding city. While the drinks menu comes equipped with options like the mezcal and habanero-loaded Blaze On and the refreshing Lingonberry Spritz, options like the Jack, Kack, and Lack—a blend of duck fat-washed bourbon, Madeira and Chinese five spice—offers a particularly unique flavor profile that stands as a testament to the talent of Raffles Boston’s bartender team. Yet when it comes to a truly sublime dining experience, it’s tough to beat Amar.

The crown jewel of Raffles Boston’s drinking and dining program, this lavish restaurant brings a touch of European elegance to the Bay State, providing guests with a diverse array of Portuguese-inspired dishes crafted at the behest of Chef George Mendes. The venue is particularly well-suited for seafood aficionados, with dishes like Hokkaido sea urchin toast and chouriço and caviar-infused baby squid celebrating the centuries-old maritime culture of both Portugal and Boston—and for those who want an up-close view of the action, the Chef’s Counter is an essential experience. This eight-course tasting concept invites guests to enter the kitchen and watch the fine dining process unfold, with a dedicated row of tables placed just a few steps away from the line. During a meal, guests can enjoy a perfectly-crafted martini as they make their way through the menu, with dishes spanning from bluefin tuna with pickled watermelon radish to the superbly-crafted bacalhau à Brás, an ultra-savory blend of salt cod, egg and Périgord truffle.

While Raffles Boston comes equipped with a truly marvelous dining scene, the property also offers a wealth of other luxurious amenities. Upon arrival, each guest is assigned a dedicated butler that can be consulted throughout the duration of their stay, providing visitors with an opportunity to receive recommendations from a local expert and plan activities ranging from Boston Celtics games to trips to some of the city’s most lauded museums. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stick close to the hotel can spend a day lounging in the Guerlain Spa, an idyllic space located on the fourth floor. While guests are welcome to make use of the steam rooms, king-sized fitness center and 20-meter pool, it also doubles as a top spot for a relaxing treatment, with options spanning from a Body Polish exfoliation to a 90-minute Deep Muscular Massage.

From the Berkshires to Cape Cod, Massachusetts is packed full of scenic regions that have long been renowned for their prowess at hospitality—and in the modern era, Boston is more than capable of holding its own against these iconic vacation destinations. Along with a thriving dining scene and wealth of world-class museums, the city comes complete with truly lavish accommodations, with Raffles Boston serving as a prime example. Whether you’re hoping to spend your stay lounging in the hot tub, sampling classic Iberian cuisine or just soaking in the skyline views with a Singapore Sling in hand, this palatial property is certain to leave you with fond memories of the Bay State at its very best.