Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel Review: Perfect Weekend Getaway from New York City!

 

I just returned from a fabulous weekend getaway from NYC to Boston! I’ve been on a mission to come up with fun weekend getaways that you can do somewhat on a budget. Boston seemed the perfect destination because you can take the train or even drive! In a mere 4 hours (even less without traffic possibly) you’re in an entirely different city. With my 30th birthday looming, Ross and I decided it was the perfect opportunity for a getaway! We were off to meet my parents for the weekend to celebrate! I had heard great things about the Fairmont Copley Plaza and it did not disappoint!

For those of you who are just stumbling onto this blog, a word about my hotel taste. After staying at my first Four Seasons hotel, I just simply could not go back. It was the downfall of my bank account. Since then I’ve been spoiled by some of the best hotels, including the Fairmont in Maui and now the Fairmont Copley Plaza. I am also a total germaphobe, one tiny mistake by the hotel and I’m skeeved out. So you can trust that when I say something is clean, it is!  I am not easily impressed so when I say I like a hotel, it means something. So, ever onward with this post…

The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston is actually a landmark in Boston’s historic Back Bay. The hotel was built on the original site of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. The hotel’s architect, Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, also designed The Plaza Hotel in New York, he included a double “P” monogram along the building’s exterior, in the ballroom and on doorknobs throughout the hotel. A touch of NYC? We instantly felt right at home! It didn’t hurt that we were greeted by Catie Copley, the Fairmont’s signature Labrador who greets guests in the lobby. Just the sweetest pup you’ve ever met! She even has her own children’s storybook and will sign paw your copy to prove that you met her!

 

A recent $34 million renovation and restoration project updated each guest room with modern amenities and gorgeous artwork to give each suite an authentic Bean Town feeling. The architecture of the hotel is absolutely gorgeous and ornate. Of course, remember, I am more of classic hotel kind of girl than modern so this place was exactly what I was hoping for. If you remember I was NOT the biggest fan of the W Hotel in Miami. The Fairmont Copley’s luxurious and elegant decor definitely impressed. The floors were marble-icious, glittering chandeliers filled the hallways and ballrooms. I felt like the old-time elegance really took me back in time to the good old days of real charm!

The hotel is in the best location, you’re a short walk to the Boston Commons, first class shopping on Newbury street, steps away from the freedom trail tours where you can learn about all of the wonderful historical events that took place in Boston during our country’s early years. Back Bay Train station is only one block away and there is also a T stop about 1 block as well!

But back to the hotel… through my wonderful blog we were kindly upgraded to the Gold Floor. The Copley Plaza’s Fairmont Gold is a luxurious and exclusive hotel within the hotel located on the entire fourth floor of the building. Even the most discerning of travelers will find this a treat! You know I’m all about full-disclosure over here so while I did not pay for the upgrade, I will tell you that if when I return I would 1000% recommend you making the upgrade. I have never been so impressed with a hotel’s upgraded level. You have your own separate check-in desk that really takes care of anything you need in an instant and that’s all fine and good, but the best part was that the Fairmont Gold has its own separate lounge for its guests (complete with wi-fi). And while the relaxing library is a great place to kick back when you’re not sightseeing, the real draw for me was the food! They serve a nearly full breakfast in the morning, complete with bagels, eggs, Boston baked beans, lox, coffee, espresso and more. And this is all complimentary! Later in the day they serve cookies (which are divine) and in the evening they serve light appetizers you can grab before dinner. Truth be told, you could probably eat these goodies for a meal and be completely satisfied.

Here was the special blend of berry tea (only available at Fairmont). It was the perfect, refreshing bev to drink when we got back from our walking tours everyday!

Just another one of the ornate chandeliers! I tried to capture it with my point-and-shoot camera but it truly doesn’t do it justice!

Me again with the other Catie! She is great if you have kids! They absolutely loved her (although really weren’t too many kids at the hotel). Also, do you see how lavish these rugs are? They were absolutely massive!! Must seriously take years to make just one of them! And you have to believe me at how fresh everything looked. Sometimes hotels with this decor start to look run down but nothing here was the slightest!

Loved the ceilings! So gorgeous everywhere you looked!

Fairmont Gold room. The rooms were immaculate and truly felt like a home away from home. The beds were spectacular (and this is coming from someone with a history of back problems!) The bathrooms were marble and equipped with double sinks! My pictures of the bathroom seem to be lost, I was sharing cameras with my parents and unfortunately I must have somehow left those photos on theirs. As to be expected from a Fairmont property, they too were immaculate. For those of you Manhattan married couples, you know what a true vacation that is!

All rooms and suites at The Fairmont Copley Plaza offer the following amenities:

• 32″Flat Screen LCD Television
• IHome Docking Station
• On Demand Movie Selections
• Hairdryer
• Digital Safe
• In-Room Refreshment Center
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Pillow Top Mattress
• Plush Bathrobe
• Windows that open

 

This is Regina Pizzeria in the North End! You may have to wait a few minutes to eat at this dive but it’ll be worth it! Super cheap too! If you don’t want to wait you can also carry out and sit on a nearby bench! Take advantage of the concierge at the hotels, they really (and quite unusually in my experience) knew the hot spots that were worth seeing! They told us about the Liberty Hotel (although friends had as well, it gave me confidence that they knew what they were talking about. Liberty hotel is an old jailhouse turned into a hotel. Absolutely a remarkable sight! Not my choice to stay but you must check out Alibi bar.) The concierge also recommended my new favorite restaurant, Trattoria Il Panino. A great Italian place in the North End. Amazing al fresco seating and it’s right near where they filmed “The Town” with Ben Affleck so you can check out the real movie location! The restaurant’s walls are covered with celebs who have visited the restaurant too!

Living it up with the Husband after our most favorite Boston dinner at the Oak Room! Be sure to check out our Oak Room Review.

Just a sampling of the breakfast buffet, which is complimentary to the Gold guests! Sidenote, best lox and bagels ever! And I’m from New York!

In the evening you could make yourself a cocktail (these were not complimentary) but it’s pretty nice to make yourself a drink and not have to tap into the mini-bar!

Just a shot of an alcove near the lounge on the Gold Floor that I thought was beautiful.

Everything about this hotel was 5-star (even their 4 diamond AAA rating–not easy to come by these days!). Every member of their staff was accommodating, polite and extremely knowledgeable!

Overall, I think this is a fabulous weekend getaway destination. Your money will be well spent at this luxurious hotel. After spending a fortune at the W Hotel in Miami I was a little frustrated, I didn’t feel like I had spent my money well or been pampered. Here, I felt the extra money for such a luxurious hotel was well worth it. I will absolutely return to the Fairmont Copley Plaza, in fact I can’t imagine going anywhere else!

To make reservations or visit the Fairmont Copley Plaza call (617) 267-5300 or visit the Fairmont Copley Plaza online!

*Smartypanties received a special press rate in consideration for a review for our readers but we did pay for our room.

*We were given a special press rate in consideration for reviewing the property for our fabulous readers. As always all opinions herein are completely my own!*