The writer was hosted.
History runs deep in Boston, Massachusetts. With the Freedom Trail winding through the city and colonial-era buildings at every corner, this New England city is home to countless historically significant sites.
There’s no better place to experience Boston’s rich history than at the Omni Parker House. Dating back to 1855, this is the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States. Famous writers, politicians, and artists—from Henry David Thoreau to John F. Kennedy to Judy Garland—have all walked the halls of this hotel and dined in its onsite establishments.
And now, so have I. In the fall, I spent a night at the Omni Parker House while visiting my sister in Boston. I was drawn to the hotel for its rich heritage, evident in the building’s vintage oak walls, ornate gold ceilings, and dim light fixtures. Stepping into the hotel felt like entering another era, one that existed long before I was born.
Historic news clippings, photographs, and records of the Omni Parker House are preserved in a gallery in the hotel’s lower lobby, where guests and non-guests can further immerse themselves in the hotel’s heritage.
The Omni Parker House is also the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie, the official dessert of the State of Massachusetts. This classic American dessert consists of a layered sponge cake with a cream-filled middle and a chocolate-glazed top. Hotel guests can order a cake to their rooms, or sample it at the onsite restaurants.
The historic hotel also sits in a great location in downtown Boston. The Freedom Trail passes by the hotel, making it the perfect starting point for a historical tour, and it’s just one block from the Boston Commons. The Boston Public Gardens are only three blocks away and Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a five-minute walk away.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Boston Omni Parker House Hotel.
History
Originally named The Parker House Hotel, the Omni Parker House was founded in 1855 by Harvey D. Parker. At this time, hotels were fairly rare and most travelers stayed in taverns and inns. The hotel quickly grew in popularity and gained a reputation for its excellent service.
The original building was demolished in 1920 and reopened in 1927. This is the building that still stands today and that one that designates the Omni Parker House as the oldest operating hotel in the U.S.
The hotel became a hub for intellectual and literary figures, such as Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Dickens even performed his first American reading of “A Christmas Carol” at the hotel in 1867.
The hotel also served as the venue for historic political gatherings and speeches, including those by President John F. Kennedy and Senator Daniel Webster.
In addition to its famous guests, the hotel boasts famous employees. Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh worked in the hotel’s bakery and Malcolm X worked as a busboy at the hotel in the early 1940s.
To dive deeper into the hotel’s history, check out the book “Heaven, By Hotel Standards” which is placed in every guest room. Written by Susan Wilson, the book contains stories and photographs that trace the hotel’s complete history.
Accommodations
The Omni Parker House is home to 551 guest rooms and suites. Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms feel very vintage, with wood furnishings, 19th-century-inspired artwork, and red accented linens.
This vintage feel comes from the fact that the rooms are, of course, very old, which can also be a downside for some guests. The bathtub in my guest room was a bit stained, and heavy curtains covered much of the windows, letting very little light into my room. The room was also quite small.
Guests accustomed to more luxurious accommodations can opt for a deluxe room, an executive room, or a suite. While these rooms are much larger, some with separate living areas, the windows in these rooms are still on the smaller side, so natural light is limited.
Room amenities include high-speed wifi, a 32-inch flatscreen TV, and a terry cloth robe. NEST bath toiletries can be found in the bathroom, and a clock radio sits beside the beds.
Dining
With five dining options, guests at the Omni Parker certainly won’t go hungry. There’s an upscale restaurant, two bars, a coffee shop, and in-room dining options.
If you don’t have time to experience them all, certainly pay a visit to Parker’s Restaurant. This upscale restaurant boasts tall ceilings, embellished with chandeliers, and rich wood paneling. It’s the kind of restaurant where waiters pull the seat out for you before you get settled, and where appropriate dress is required.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is best known for its Boston Cream Pie and Parker’s Roll, both of which were born here.
For a more casual dining experience, head to The Last Hurrah. With windows that look into downtown Boston, this intimate bar serves cocktails and light fare. It’s also decorated with framed photos of famous Boston politicians, many of whom frequented the bar. I enjoyed an espresso martini and a sandwich here, both of which were delicious.
Parker’s Bar is the hotel’s whisky bar. It was closed during my visit, and still is, according to the hotel’s website, but it’s known for its pub food and drinks.
Before heading out for the day, stop by School Street Coffeehouse, in the hotel lobby for quick Starbucks coffee. The hotel gift shop is also located here, where guests shop for souvenirs.
If those options don’t suffice, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes within a short walking distance from Omni Parker.
Fitness Center
In the lower lobby level, you’ll find a fully equipped fitness center with ellipticals, stair masters, rowing machines, exercise bikes, rowing machines, weights, and just about anything else you’ll need for an extensive workout. There’s also an in-room fitness kit for those who would rather exercise in their rooms.
Meeting Rooms and Business Center
Omni Parker House is also a suitable hotel for those traveling for work or planning an event. The hotel has 23,000 square feet of meeting space, including 18 ballrooms. Look out over the city at the Rooftop Ballroom or host a 72-person banquet in the Wheatley Terrace.
The hotel’s business services include a copy service, a fax service, and a postal service, as well as free wifi. Dry cleaning services are also available.
What to do in Boston
Whether you’re traveling alone, with a significant other, or as a family, there’s lots to do in Boston, including some amazing museums. Here are some of the many attractions and activities to enjoy when you’re not in the hotel:
- Walk the Freedom Trail
- Watch a game at Fenway Park
- Visit the New England Aquarium
- Shop on Newbury Street
- Explore Boston Common
- Dine at Quincy Market
- Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Explore Beacon Hill
And if you’re not sure where to start, the hotel’s concierge is happy to craft your itinerary.
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