This was our first experience of a Raffles hotel, and I have to say we were very impressed! We stayed for four nights over Easter weekend and booked through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, which includes a pretty good package (including an upgrade). The front of house team put us in a really stunning Emerald Suite, which despite overlooking the roof of the parking lot next door, actually still had quite a good view of some of the skyscrapers surrounding the building. Make sure to ask for a high floor if you can (though for us, a spacious room was more important than the view). The suite is quite a lot bigger than it looks in the photos, and the bed is just unbelievably comfortable! We were also big fans of the Palais de Thé teas they put in the room (and our butler was only too happy to restock them whenever we asked).
Some reviewers have said that they didn’t think much of the butler service, however we really got full use out of it and our butler was outstanding. She unpacked and packed for us, helped us with changing our dinner reservations multiple times, sorted our pressing and laundry out, and helped prepare and print out an itinerary to keep for our time in Boston. She even ran a bath for us and helped us with all of our random requests over WhatsApp, at any time.
We ate breakfast each day in the Long Room, and thought it was lovely. The servers were all really friendly and courteous, and it’s a great setting. The all-inclusive New England breakfast is probably the best deal on offer there.
We also found the reception, front of house and ground floor greeting and bellboy staff to all be really noticeably helpful, friendly, and welcoming. There wasn’t a moment where someone on the front door didn’t rush to open it for us and ensure we had everything we need (like umbrellas or even offering to bring a delivery up to our room).
The spa area is particularly nice and relaxing for a hotel in a skyscraper.
Overall, when we come back to Boston, we would stay at Raffles again, and I think we’d be interested to try other Raffles hotels around the world too. I’m quite surprised by some reviews saying the service was surly or stuffy as we found it to be the complete opposite: everyone working here is incredibly friendly and helpful and seems to enjoy their job. The butler service was a massive plus for us - you just need to know how to get the best use out of it through the WhatsApp, and (especially) by getting to know your individual butler in person. Worth asking them in advance for a detailed list of ideas of how they can help.
