The Colonnade Hotel
Daily price line
Upcoming nightly rates
Review
Character and identity
A family-owned Back Bay institution since 1971, the Colonnade sits within walking distance of the Prudential Center, the Public Garden, Fenway Park, and the South End. The 285 rooms lean mid-century modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows (a building signature), a crisp minimalist palette, ceramic lamps by local artisan Lawrence McRae, and rotating work from Boston artists. Downstairs, LUCIE drink + dine handles all-day food with an international menu (diver scallops with sweet corn grits, stracciatella with pickled beets). The rooftop pool is one of the city's best, drawing a young crowd in summer. Service has a cheeky streak underneath the polish.
Who's it for
Best for:
Families and business travellers who want spacious, recently refreshed rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and a genuinely good rooftop pool within walking range of most of central Boston. Travelling with a dog or cat? The VIP (Very Important Pets) programme, complimentary beds, bowls, food choices, walkers, grooming, sets the property apart.
Should look elsewhere:
Design literates chasing a boutique-scale experience or full-service luxury hallmarks (a destination spa, a marquee chef, butler-grade service) will find this more polished urban hotel than rarefied retreat. The summer pool scene also skews busy and young, so quiet-seekers should plan accordingly.
Bottom line
The pitch here is location, space, and a rooftop pool that genuinely delivers, wrapped in long-tenured family ownership that shows in the warmth of service. Book a higher floor for the floor-to-ceiling window views, target shoulder season if the pool crowd isn't your thing, and bring the dog: the pet programme is the most charming thing about the place.