Boston’s restaurant and hotel scene never sits still, and neither do I. I’m back with a fresh round of additions to my Boston Guide, including two hotels I’ve now reviewed in depth (hello, Back Bay chic and Seaport efficiency), plus a few meals that were so good I’m still thinking about them on the flight home.
If you’re planning a Boston trip and want a mix of treat-yourself spots and practical, well-located stays, this update is for you.
Banners Kitchen & Tap – The Sports Bar That Surprised Me
I love a place that defies expectations, and Banners is exactly that. Yes, it’s near TD Garden. Yes, it has afull wall of screens playing a truly ridiculous number of games at once. But the food? Not your average sports bar situation.
Think:
- Steak tips
- Tenderstem broccoli
- Mashed potatoes
It’s the kind of spot you go for the atmosphere and stay because you didn’t expect to have a proper meal. Perfect pre-game, post-game, or “we just want a fun vibe and good food” energy.
La Summa – Italian Comfort Food That Hits Every Time
The North End is full of tempting choices, but La Summa earns its spot for one reason: it’s the kind of Italian comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day of walking Boston.
Order this: the chicken parm.
It’s outstanding – crispy, saucy, satisfying, and exactly what you want when you’re leaning into a classic North End dinner.
STK Steakhouse – Splurge-y, Over-the-Top, and SO Good
Let’s be honest: STK in the Back Bay is not where you go to be sensible. It’s where you go when you want a meal that feels like a moment. Let’s just say that it more than delivered.
I had the short rib with mashed potatoes, and I’m still thinking about it. The short rib was rich and comforting in that “I should not be this happy about dinner” way, and the mashed potatoes were exactly what you want them to be. Also: great bread and excellent French fries, which honestly matters more than people admit.
If you’re doing Back Bay and want one splurge meal, put this on the list.
The Eliot Hotel – Back Bay’s Chic, Calming Oasis
If you love the idea of stepping off a busy Boston street and instantly exhaling, The Eliot delivers. I checked into a queen room and it felt like a little private pied-à-terre in Back Bay. The room was neutral, calming, stylish, and tucked at the end of the hallway (translation: wonderfully quiet).
A few things I loved:
- Sleep quality is top tier. Comfortable bed, good pillows (and I’m picky), and I didn’t hear a peep from neighboring rooms.
- A bathroom you can actually breathe in. Huge space, great vanity setup, generous extras like cotton balls/Q-tips, and a proper “getting ready” vibe.
- Thoughtful in-room details. A solid desk setup (I actually got work done), a Keurig with Lavazza pods, lots of glassware (more glasses than hangers, which made me laugh), and a mini bar that is basically a party in a drawer.
My only small nitpick? The shower pressure wasn’t quite strong enough for my long-hair standards, so washing took longer than I’d like. Everything else felt polished and easy.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. It’s Back Bay comfort done right, especially if you want quiet, style, and walkability. Book The Eliot via one of my favorite sites:
- Booking.com: https://booking.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/NJAlGhA2LT
- Expedia: https://expedia.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/E2ksFmcjwB
- Hotels.com: https://hotelscom.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/a1HX5gOhIi
YOTEL Boston – Compact Rooms, Big Convenience
YOTEL is one of those hotels that knows exactly what it is: smart, compact, modern, and designed for travelers who want location + efficiency without paying “fancy Seaport” prices.
Here’s the real talk from my stay:
- Yes, the rooms are tiny. Like, I was standing diagonally next to the door to film because there’s not much space to stand tiny.
- The rooms are well organized. Everything has a place, including a clever desk setup, charging ports, drawers, and an in-room safe.
- The bed reclines (truly) which is kind of fun, and the lighting controls let you change the room vibe with a tap.
- Rooftop bar is a whole scene. Super cute, great views, lots of high-tops, and it looked like a good solo traveler spot. However, it gets packed, so book ahead on warm nights.
- The gym is genuinely good with Pelotons, treadmills, free weights, filtered water refill station – my #1 hotel hack.
Would I stay again? Yes, especially for a solo, one-night stay or if you’ve got an early flight and want a quick ride to Logan and don’t want to stay at the airport.
Book the YOTEL via one of my favorite sites:
- Booking.com: https://booking.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/DJVaKj7B4B
- Expedia: https://expedia.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/dIk3JzDe3M
- Hotels.com: https://hotelscom.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/9BwNVQSFgJ
Bringing It All Together
This update is a mix of Back Bay polish, Seaport practicality, and a few meals that genuinely deserve a place in your itinerary. The Eliot is for the “I want chic and calm” traveler. YOTEL is for the “I want smart and convenient” traveler. STK is for your splurge night. La Summa is for comfort. And Banners is for when you want a sports-bar vibe with food that actually delivers.
Hungry for more? Browse my full Boston Guide and subscribe to my YouTube channel for in‑depth hotel tours and food vlogs. Boston’s ever‑evolving scene keeps me on my toes, and I can’t wait to share the next round of finds.
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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