We Got a Sneak Peek Inside Raffles' First U.S. Hotel — Opening This Month With a Sky-high Bar and Next-level Views

The Singapore-originated luxury hospitality brand will make its long-awaited U.S. debut with the opening of Raffles Boston on Sept. 15. T+L scored a first look inside.

Raffles, the Singapore-originated luxury hospitality brand, is making its debut in North America with the opening of Raffles Boston on Sept. 15. The sleek 35-story new building, in Boston's ritzy Back Bay neighborhood, has a 147-key hotel and residences for sale.

"The United States is a leader in the global tourism landscape, which is why we used the utmost discernment in choosing the inaugural American property for Raffles," Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Orient Express, told Travel + Leisure. "What led us to Boston was that the city has remained a living tapestry of American heritage for centuries. While, today, it is most notable for being a global epicenter for education, its culinary landscape is highly distinguished with a dynamic range of flavors from different cultures from around the world."

The new luxury hotel has no shortage of awe-inspiring and impeccably designed spaces, starting with the three-story Sky Lobby on the 17th floor, with an elegant spiral staircase, stunning city views, and three distinct restaurants and bars. It's also home to the brand's signature Raffles Writer's Lounge found in multiple Raffles properties across the globe.

The hotel's dining offerings include a modern Portuguese eatery, Amar by chef George Mendes; and a speakeasy with floral decor inspired by Boston's Emerald Necklace — a network of parks and green spaces — and handcrafted cocktails and small bites. Another elegant lounge and bar with a terrace will treat guests to panoramic views over Boston's South End and drinks.

"Boston's culinary scene is a blend of innovation and tradition with many visionary chefs showcasing the boundless possibility of the epicurean arts. This inspiration became the ethos of Raffles Boston’s restaurant Amar, the latest from Michelin-starred chef George Mendes whose cuisine is influenced by his Portuguese heritage," Acar explained.

The rooms and suites, dreamed up by the design firm behind New York City's The Ned NoMad and Thompson Central Park, blend soothing materials and patterns and architecture with bold art and furniture.

Some of the stand-out amenities at Raffles Boston include a 65-foot indoor swimming pool boasting city views, a gym, and a tranquil spa, for which the hotel partnered with Parisian beauty company Guerlain.

"We want our clients to arrive as guests, leave as friends, and return as family. To ensure this is accomplished, we prioritize highly personalized service and experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind, specially curated for our guests," Oliver Dudler, the hotel's general manager, told T+L.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, which is part of Accor, will open another long-awaited property later this month, too: Raffles London at The OWO.

Acar explained that the debut of Raffles Boston is just the beginning of the storied brand's journey on this side of the Atlantic as the company now sets its sights on cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami.

"While our expansion will remain calibrated to preserve the level of curation known across all Raffles Hotels, Resorts, and Residences, we will continue to explore opportunities that align with our commitment to exceptional service and culturally rich guest experiences," he said.

You can book your stay at Raffles Boston at rafflesboston.com. Nightly rates start from $1,300.

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