BOSTON—In Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood, a hotel is celebrating a little history of its own. For 80 years, The Eliot Hotel has welcomed guests, and for almost 100 years, it has been a physical landmark in the city. To honor its 80th year, the hotel is giving back to its guests with a promotional package to enjoy the best of what the property has to offer.
“We’ve loved using packages as a way to support and highlight other local Boston brands, offering experiences to guests that continue to feel uniquely Boston,” said Pascale Schlaefli, general manager, The Eliot Hotel. “We knew we wanted to find a way to celebrate our achievement of 80 years of family ownership in a way that our guests could join in on the celebration. Our 80th Anniversary Package offered the perfect opportunity for our guests to enjoy an evening of luxury, regardless of whether or not they have a special event to celebrate.”
Available throughout 2019, the package includes a one-night stay in a one-bedroom suite, a bottle of in-room champagne upon arrival, a cheese and fruit plate, a $50 room service credit and two anniversary edition Eliot Hotel robes to keep.
“We wanted to offer something that was approachable and also representative of what we do best: pamper our guests with personalized, five-star service. We also thought about what elements we would want for a luxurious night in, and we landed on champagne, room service and, of course, plush hotel robes,” Schlaefli said.
Eighty years is significant for the property not only because it marks a milestone anniversary for the hotel, but because it has preserved its history over those years.
“It was modeled after the design of the Champs-Élysées in Paris; you can’t help but notice it as you walk by,” Schlaefli said. “Now, it’s the only remaining boutique hotel along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, once renowned for 18th- and 19th-century mansions on every corner. It has withstood the changing landscape of the city and now embodies both the old-world spirit of Boston paired with modern services and amenities.”
The hotel was originally built in the 1920s to house retired Harvard University faculty. The 80th anniversary, specifically, marks its anniversary under the ownership of the Ullian family, who purchased the property back in 1939.
“The Ullian family, first and foremost, has stayed the same. They have created an identity for the hotel, a backbone of high standards and exceptional service. We’re committed to maintaining this identity—that is, one of familial inclusion and personal attention to our guests, creating a space where guests feel taken care of and catered to, while also feeling at home. Many key members of our staff have continued to grow with us throughout the years while we all work hard to adapt with the times, offering modern amenities and technology to our guests,” Schlaefli said.
The family has also maintained the building’s dignity and design over the years, preserving its facade, marble lobby and classic suites. The hotel’s brick structure is a nod to its historic Back Bay location, but according to Schlaefli, the hotel has continued to reinvent itself to appeal to modern guests, with the package as one example of this.
“The Eliot Hotel was Boston’s first boutique luxury hotel and the Ullian family has been an essential part of the hotel’s continued reinvention over the years,” Schlaefli said.
The hotel certainly prides itself on being boutique. While its old school nature may be construed as being antiquated in a big market like Boston, management looks at it as more of an edge, and its promotion package is indicative of that.
“Ours may not be as grand as other hotel packages, but it’s the smaller details that set us apart. A bottle of quality champagne goes a long way,” Schlaefli said. “We think that guests value the opportunity to have a relaxing night in a spacious suite, knowing that anything they need is available on demand, 24/7.”
In addition to the property’s first-ever anniversary package, it also keeps up with modern guests through other innovative programming like its street-food inspired Japanese restaurant, doggy-daycare services and personal shopping options.
“I believe that 80 years in any context is a significant milestone, and we’re incredibly proud to continue to thrive in Boston’s increasingly competitive landscape,” Schlaefli said. “On top of
it all, to be a family-operated hotel
for all of these years is nothing short
of incredible.” HB