I'm awarding this hotel 5 stars in recognition of the beauty of the property, its outstanding dining venues, and the many things it already does exceptionally well. Located in a prime Back Bay location that's perfect for exploring Boston, the hotel has quickly become the city's "it" luxury property. While I believe it still has some work to do refining its service to meet the extraordinarily high standards associated with the Raffles name, I'm confident that will come with time as the frenzy surrounding this relatively new hotel settles down and the staff gains additional experience. The rooms are beautifully appointed and exactly what you would expect from a hotel in this category. The bedding is excellent, the views from the higher floors are terrific, and I especially appreciated the Saratoga water provided in the rooms... a personal favorite. The hotel's restaurant venues have become destinations in their own right and are understandably very popular. During my stay I enjoyed both Long Bar and Blind Duck (see my separate reviews). Unfortunately, I missed our family's dinner at La Padrona on this trip, they loved it. Given Chef Jody Adams' involvement, that's hardly surprising... she has an impressive track record... still think my many great meals at her Rialto restaurant. Raffles Boston is already an impressive addition to the city's luxury hotel scene. As the service continues to evolve and mature, I believe it has the potential to become one of Boston's truly great hotels. read more

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Every stay here has been perfect. The Long Bar is the perfect place for drinks and a light (or even heavy) dinner. The rooms are beautiful. Large gym with lots of equipment. Everything that a business traveler could care about is here. read more

Not raffles quality more sud then martini returned it and brought me another no comment or Question s or apology and attitude almost afraid to drink. read more

Raffles Boston - 2nd try lol. Will not order this again. - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Pleasant stay overall at Raffles in the back bay neighborhood. Location is very walkable and the pool area was spa-like and tranquil -- very very relaxing - bring your swimming goggles as the water is chlorinated. The King room was very nice with large ceiling to floor windows, a comfortable bed, and large bathroom. The room also had a complimentary signature cocktail available, which was a nice touch. While we were there, 2 restaurants were unavailable (emergency repair) and the lobby coffee machine was out of service. We were able to try Breakfast at the Lobby Bar, which was nice and casual. At this higher price point, I was comparing Raffles in my mind to previous stays at the St Regis Osaka, Park Hyatt Milan, etc etc -- while the Raffles is a very nice 5-star hotel it doesn't measure up to the size rooms; or level of service and attention of these other similar price-point hotels. Examples of these smaller things that I felt were missing in comparison: - no coffee cream in room. None provided when asked (who doesn't provide creamers?) - turn down service provides water but not a candy/chocolate. - no little memento (like branded bookmarks left on books in room) - lobby area should have had carafes of coffee out when their machine was out of service - advertised butler service is actually just a group-text with the concierge desk (eg same level of service as non-butler hotels where you can call the front desk or concierge desk, though texting is a nice touch) Again, splendid hotel in Boston - but it doesn't live up to their claims of over-the-top service (versus an Asian hotel which is incredibly modest in marketing but then does go insanely over the top in knowing their guests). I'd definitely stay at Raffles again for the pool. read more

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Beautiful property, fantastic service and an amazing sunset to boot! I highly recommend for an evening cocktail! read more

Raffles Boston - Bar area - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Raffles is such a nice place to have a drink either before dinner or after an event. It's located on the 17th floor and the views are remarkable. The hostess was friendly and took us to a table because the bar ear full. The menu is extensive but since we came for a drink we stick to cocktails. Our waitress was helpful and new the menu well. For this evening we had a drink enjoyed the views and the comfort of the lounge. I am looking forward to coming back. read more

Raffles Boston - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is my 3rd stay in your hotel and I started off bad with waiting for 30 min to check into my Emerald suite after arriving at 4:00pm ! Got into my suite at 4:30pm It's very upsetting especially arriving after a long long international flight and rushing to go to a meeting at 5:00pm! To make matters worst, I order uber to deliver a piece of thermo pants I needed for tonight, and it took concierge at least 30 mins to bring it from downstairs to my room!!!! And that's after calling the butler 3 times on the phone!!! I could not take a shower cuz I kept waiting for the concierge!! I am so upset with your service!!! Unacceptable!! Started off my one night stay here very upset!!! And I am paying at least USD$1000 a night! read more

Beautiful hotel and attentive, personalized serviced. Room was comfortable and well designed. Food was very good, and there are many nearby dining options as well. The location can't be beat. read more

Booked a grand king room for our Black Friday shopping weekend. Well- we got no shopping done but we did get some serious relaxing done in this fabulous hotel. My masseuse was magic. We will certainly return. read more

Raffles Boston - City view - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Terrible. No taste tea, warm so didn't fully steep to capture the flavor. Over priced for meh service, tea and a small token of bit size scones and desserts. Don't waste your money, there are much better venues out there for afternoon tea. read more

Meh. Im deeply shocked at how mediocre of a time we had at Raffles. We booked Afternoon Tea and the experience was subpar. Most of the sandwiches and pastries were dry. We didn't even finish. The tea was okay but for the price point was very light flavor. Champagne is not included. In comparison to other experiences around the city and the suburbs, I would skip Raffles. Even the hospitality was cold in comparison to other luxury hotels. read more

My husband and I celebrated here for his birthday. The ambience was excellent. The staff was accommodating and very polite. The only reason why they did not get a five star is because the space was small. I wish it was bigger. The food was delicious. The portions aren't large but fulfilling. Will recommend especially for us older crowd. read more

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Very nice, but they missed quite a few small details: we completed their pre-arrival request from requesting bubble bath and specific pillows, and we also requested coffee cream for the room (it was not provided on any day). None of these things happened. They also use industrial toilet paper and thin, scratchy towels. Surprising for a Raffles. The pool was a relaxing oasis and is probably why we'll return. It's a lovely two-lane lap pool and large hot tub in a modern spa environment. Children are allowed, but this really isn't a screaming play pool environment (hint hint parents of boisterous kids). Staff were tripping over each other to be kind to guests and colleagues, but it was a bit slow and awkward. Finally, what an odd choice of layout. It looks and feels like a hotel squeezed into an office tower. On approach at night all you see is a well-lit row of exercise machines on the fourth floor. You enter on the first floor, take the elevator up to 17 and then back down to the rooms. We kept wondering where the hotel was. We finally found a restaurant towards the end of our stay. Just an odd layout. AND FREEZING HALLWAYS. read more

Watch out for the valets. Constantly running redlights. There are a lot of pedestrians in the area and someone is going to get hurt. BPD should take notice. read more

Came here 5 days ago and sat at Long bar for drinks and loved everything about Long bar so I decided to come back with another friend for drinks and explore more of Raffles and what they have to offer. We ended up at The Blind Duck a speak easy bar/lounge. The view was amazing we were very lucky and excited to get a table by the window!! The drinks were just perfect, not too light not too strong and not too small. There is only 1 bathroom (unisex) for the whole lounge can cause a long wait at times so I think this needs to be resolved! This is a cute place with young crowds and good music but I still like Long bar better. read more

Raffles Boston - Blazed on & Spice mountain - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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DO NOT COME HERE. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO ELSEWHERE. As always, I like to note I was a cocktail bartender at some of the best spots in Philadelphia for over ten years to give perspective, and I only review very, very good experiences and very, very bad experiences on Yelp. Unfortunately, this was the latter. First and foremost, according to the bartender and also their website, their alleged signature cocktail is the Singapore Sling, so that's what I ordered. But to my surprise, the bartender filled a glass with ice and just poured in a pre-batched cocktail, i.e., it was already made in poured into bottles. For a $20+ cocktail, that's crazy. No idea what ingredients were used or the specs. As predicted, the cocktail was not very good. I couldn't taste the spirit and it was just sweet and tasted like fruit punch. My buddy also ordered a drink, and he said it was just average. For those two overpriced drinks, our check was $45. My buddy put $60 on the counter - clearly 3 $20s. The female Asian bartender then asked, "You want change?" (compared to good bartenders who are taught to say, "I'll be right back with your change" and not assume the amount of gratuity.). My buddy said yes and nonetheless generously tipped her $10 (which, he felt inclined since she gave him 3 $5 bills instead of 2 $5s and 5 $1s). I would love to review a second cocktail but it was never offered to me. The bartender, who was struggling to keep up with minimal service bar tickets, ignored us even though we were sitting right in front of her. My empty glass was pretty obvious. If I was tipped $10 cash, I'd be anxious to serve that patron more rounds! Also, as an aside, the four guests next to us left and their dirty cocktail glasses and water glasses just sat on the bar for over 10 minutes. Good bartenders know that they make their money from butts in seats at the bar, so when people get up, you clear the bar immediately so others will feel welcome to sit down and not at a dirty seat. Overall, a terrible experience and we won't be coming back here ever again. read more

Very good food. Our waitress Michelle was phenomenal. Drinks as well. A+ from all aspects

The most elegant luxury five star hotel in Boston! We travel to Boston frequently, Raffles hotel is our first choice for staying here for the convenience of shopping and dinning. My favorite part of Raffles hotel is the unbeatable flower arrangement they put on the lobby and reception floor. They change every five days! Fresh and artistically decorated. They also provide the butler service which is a nice touch! I would recommend Raffles hotel to all my friends! read more

Raffles Boston - View of Charles river from my room - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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beautiful hotel - disappointing experience. the hotel was full when i check in so they put me in an ADA room. after complaining had to change rooms the next day. in the new room got what my doctor said are bed bug bites. had to change rooms again. no consideration by management on the bill - had to pay full rate which was over $8K. very disappointing. the hotel design is stunning. the management is weak. read more

Raffles Boston - Hotels Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Booked a suite and what was supposed to be a luxurious new hotel. Super expensive with horrible views up against office buildings and parking lots. Very loud heat/AC in rooms and elevators. Lines of folks at bar and restaurant which is not too elegant. Fool me once.... read more