Ahead of its 170th birthday, Boston’s historic Omni Parker House hotel is being completely renovated and redesigned.
Slated for completion this summer, the multimillion-dollar renovation will touch all aspects of the Boston landmark — from its 551 guest rooms to its 23,000 square feet of meetings and events space to its lobby, which will get new marble flooring, bespoke furnishings and custom carpets, according to a Wednesday release obtained by Hotel Dive.
Situated along the city’s Freedom Trail, the redesigned hotel will blend its 19th century heritage with “refined, timeless elegance,” the release detailed. Omni Parker House claims to be the longest continuously operating hotel in the U.S.
The revamped guest rooms, including the hotel’s 57 suites, will offer “classic splendor with contemporary comfort,” per the hotel. The rooms will feature newly designed bathrooms with marble surfaces, walk-in showers and curated bath amenities. The property offers the Harvey Parker Presidential Suite and the Freedom Trail Family Suite, inspired by Boston’s history.
“The Omni Parker House has long set the standard for hospitality — a vision first established by Harvey Parker and a guiding inspiration for me throughout this project,” Tonya Grine, senior director of interior design for Omni Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. “My goal was to restore its timeless elegance, drawing from the experiences of its earliest guests while seamlessly integrating modern comforts.”
Each of Omni Parker House’s 19 meeting rooms will be completely redesigned. The property offers a rooftop ballroom, which has hosted notable events including the launch of John F. Kennedy’s political career in 1946. Other greats to have famously visited the property include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Babe Ruth, according to Omni Parker House Historian Susan Wilson.
The renovation comes as travelers increasingly seek “experiences that are unique and authentic,” Omni Parker House General Manager John Murtha told Hotel Dive.
“Boston’s appeal as a walkable, culturally rich and vibrant city continues to attract visitors who want both modern comfort and a connection to history. The Parker House renovations allow the property to meet those evolving needs,” Murtha added.
Omni Parker House is being revamped after the hotel’s employees settled a new contract with raises and affordable health care in October, following a citywide hotel worker strike.
