Robyn Knable-Potter, owner and president of Robyn Potter Travel, has been a luxury travel advisor for more than 30 years. When the pandemic halted her ability to travel the world, she jumped at the chance to take a quick trip to Boston. Here’s her report.
It had been more than seven months since I had traveled anywhere beyond my home and the Jersey Shore. So, when the occasion arose for me to take my high school senior on a road trip to Boston to see her top choices for college next year, I was excited. I was looking forward to a trip, any trip, anywhere! And I can honestly say that Boston did not disappoint.
From the minute I arrived at the Philadelphia airport, I felt alive again, doing what I do best. The airport felt very safe and secure and so did our American Airlines flight, on which everyone wore masks.
On arrival at Boston Logan Airport, the entire experience from landing to getting to the new Uber/Lyft area at Terminal B, filled me with a sense of calm. From there, it was a quick drive to our hotel, the brand new Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, a 61-story skyscraper in the heart of Back Bay. This spectacular Virtuoso property is the crème de la crème of Boston’s new skyline. No matter which direction we traveled in over the next few days, we could always see our “home” up in the sky.
We stayed in an 18th-floor suite that offered spectacular views and high-tech amenities. This modern and stylish hotel also has an art collection that rivals many small museums and galleries. There’s also an indoor pool, a spa and the famous Zuma restaurant on property. (Fun Fact: The first time I dined at Zuma, it was in London, many moons ago, when I visited my older son who was studying abroad.)
The hotel has two restaurants, including the famous Japanese restaurant, Zuma, and a bar. It also offers in-room dining.
As we dropped our bags and hit the ground running, we found Boston to be a totally walkable city. We headed over to Boston University across the Charles River on this beautiful late summer day; there were so many people out and about, either picnicking along the park-like setting or running, jogging or walking.
We then stopped to visit The Eliot Hotel on Commonwealth Avenue. A member of Preferred Hotels, this charming boutique property is an ideal alternative for clients who are looking for a location that’s great but not too high-priced.
From there, we headed to Newbury Street, where we came across a wonderful little café, The Bittersweet Shoppe, which had the most delicious food and desserts. We loved this charming café so much that we went back the next morning for breakfast. Before heading back to the hotel, we wandered the shops on Newbury; there were a number of lovely galleries and small boutiques.
On the recommendation of my friend and sales contact, Stephen Houseman at the Four Seasons, we dined at SRV on Columbus Avenue. About a 15-minute walk from the hotel, this Italian wine bar is a must visit as it serves amazing pasta and small dishes.
On Day Two, we did not miss a beat, as we hit the pavements of Boston once again, this time to see the Northeastern University. From there, we headed to Fenway Park. Any trip to Boston would be incomplete without visiting the more-than-a-century-old home of the Boston Red Sox. Next, we visited Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which is a great place to stop and watch the crowds and street performers while enjoying some of their famous lobster rolls and clam chowder.
Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street is located in a 61-story tower, offering spectacular city views.
Later, we were back in the heart of shopping as we stopped at the Prudential Center. We savored gelati at the well-known Eataly and had the pleasure of visiting the brand new Mandarin Oriental next door. Also a Virtuoso property, it’s an iconic name among luxury hotels.
Coming from a long line of foodies, I am a part of the Virtuoso Culinary Community and also on Saveur magazine’s Travel Advisory Board, so it was natural that we ate our way through Boston. We had our final dinner at an amazing Spanish tapas restaurant called Toro Boston in the South End, which was superb.
Throughout our stay in Boston, we felt completely safe as they have very strict protocols in place and wherever we went, we found everyone wearing masks, even on the streets.
I highly recommend taking a trip to Boston in the near future because it is fall foliage time, which is just spectacular to see. I cannot wait to plan my next trip, which will possibly be to Mexico next month. Stayed tuned.
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