It’s always interesting returning to a place that you lived in for 13 years. No longer a resident, but not quite a tourist, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for a Boston and a desire to visit a few times annually. Here are highlights from my weekend back in Beantown.
The Arrival I took a daytime flight from Virgin Atlantic. As I settled into my seat, it was one of those amazing traveler moments where I had a row of three seats all to myself. Oh, and as we took off, the crew announced that we also had in-flight wi-fi (for a fee). A brilliant flight on so many levels, thank you Virgin Atlantic!
My Hotel: The Courtyard Marriott in Boston’s Back Bay There are so many wonderful hotels in Boston and you honestly cannot go wrong with the TripAdvisor ratings for the city in general. Prices were unfortunately on the high side when I was coming into town, so I was thrilled to find a $215 per night rate at the Courtyard Marriott. Located on Exeter Street in Boston’s Back Bay, Google search rankings tend to point you in the direction of the more expensive Marriott a few blocks away – don’t fall for it. This Marriott is lovely, quiet and a good deal with free wi-fi and an in-room coffee machine. Plus, it’s in walking distance to so much of Boston.
The room – it was quite spacious for a city hotel, even if my photo doesn’t do it justice.
My room had these lovely floor-to-ceiling windows with iron gates. Unfortunately there was not much of view, but how much are you really in your hotel room?
The basic, but spacious bathroom
For more information on The Courtyard Marriott in Boston, click here.
Eating, Drinking & Socializing
I unfortunately did not have a ton of time on this trip – only two nights and a hair appointment during the day to re-touch my signature blonde. Upon checking into my hotel on Friday, I freshened up and headed over to The MET Back Bay on Newbury Street. One of my favorite local spots, the downstairs bar made for a perfect place to grab a seat and have friends drop in after work. We sipped on fun cocktails and I ordered braised short rib tacos. For $10 you get three generously sized tacos – it’s a meal in itself.
On Saturday, I popped into my favorite salon, Cynthia K Salon, on Newbury Street for a much-needed hair cut and color. I’ve seen Elle for over 10 years and she is fabulous. Every time I pass through Boston I see her. It’s traumatizing to think about having to see anyone else in London after consistently having someone do such a fabulous job on my hair for so long.
On Saturday night, I joined friends at another favorite spot – Bastille Kitchen in Fort Point Channel. Bastille opened before I moved to London and has quickly become a favorite for their delicious seafood dishes. I love both the salmon and scallops, but opted for the scallops this time. After dinner, we went downstairs to Chalet, where more friends met us.
Scallops with mushrooms, bacon and kale.
Bastille Kitchen is located at 49 Melcher Street in Boston’s Fort Point Channel. For more information, visit their website.
All in all, my visit was too short. Aren’t they always?