Arrive Magazine - May/June, 2011

Body and Soul

or the weary traveler and overnight guest alike, it’s the amenities that make a hotel memorable. In the case of Boston’s historic downtown hotel The Langham, all the extras add up to an experience that combines the luxury of a resort with a five-star urban hotel’s attention to personal service.

Situated near the award-winning Norman B. Leventhal Park at Post O;ce Square in downtown Boston, the national architectural landmark (formerly the site of the Federal Reserve Bank) provides both old-world charm and the latest conveniences in its 318 guest rooms and 17 suites, from restored murals by N.C. Wyeth on display to LCD flat-panel HDTVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. But what truly sets The Langham apart from other hotels—aside from its receipt of a AAA Four-Diamond Award—is its unique blend of holistic treatments and creature comforts that appeal to guests from every walk of life.

For the culinary-minded, The Langham o;ers two distinct and delicious dining options. Café Fleuri provides a pair of decadent bu;ets. The 22-year- old Chocolate Bar—open from September to June—provides “anything you can eat in chocolate, along with a great DJ,” says Rachelle Boudreau, director of sales and marketing.

On Sundays, Café Fleuri features City Brunch, which brings together the flavors of New England’s storied cuisine from a variety of locally sourced and produced foods. “People come here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, showers and graduations—of which we have quite a few, due to the number of universities in Boston,” Boudreau adds.

Meanwhile, the new BOND restaurant and lounge presents globally inspired small plates, from Vietnamese Banh Mi Ga to New York–style pastrami, as well as a renowned afternoon tea service, evening cocktails and live entertainment.

And for those who require nourishment of the spirit, The Langham boasts Chuan Body + Soul, a spa with treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine. A stateside companion to the worldwide family of Chuan Spas at Langham Hotels International, Chuan Body + Soul provides a wide range of treatments, including balancing, harmony and stone therapy massages, scrubs and wraps, acupuncture and cupping. Cupping is distinctly unique to a Western spa.

“Our services are both authentic and add to the quality that guests expect in a luxury hotel environment,” says Boudreau.

For those arriving in the spring, the understated beauty of the city is in full bloom, with events in the famous Boston Public Garden and along the waterfront area. Guests also can take part in alfresco health and exercise opportunities sponsored by the hotel.

“In past years, guests have enjoyed complimentary tai chi outside,” says Boudreau.

And because The Langham is conveniently near South Station for Amtrak access, as well as to Faneuil Hall and downtown Boston, the city becomes another spectacular amenity for guests to enjoy at their convenience. That is, if they’re not too busy with all of the hotel’s other services.