The night before I moved into college in downtown Boston many moons ago, I stayed with my parents at the Courtyard Marriott right on Tremont Street in the Theater District. Many of my classmates ended up living in the hotel that year [funny story:: Emerson over-accepted!], and I lined up in its ballroom the morning of my graduation. Needless to say, it’s a hotel that is close to my heart.
And it just got a HUGE makeover.

Let’s back up though:: What is now the Courtyard Boston Downtown was first built in 1925 and served as an Elks Lodge and Hotel… the most expensive and lavish of its kind at that point. It became The Bradford Hotel after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, and has been home to a number of other chains since, until being turned into a Courtyard by Marriott in 2006.

We took a step back to the hotel’s early days last week to celebrate the grand re-opening post its multi-million dollar renovation. I’ll let the video do the talking…

We were lucky enough to spend a night in one of the GORGEOUS recently renovated rooms [they do not disappoint!], but what’s most notable about this downtown space is its capacity as a venue. It now boasts 7 meeting rooms totaling 13,000 square feet of function space. Boston brides:: Do NOT overlook this hotel! You cannot beat the atmosphere or the incredible downtown location, and I know should we have chosen to get married in the city, this would be at the top of our list. It’s truly a hidden gem.

The Empire Ballroom (pictured above) on the first floor is one of the loveliest, most versatile function rooms I have seen in Boston. Just a day before the party, I was working at a career fair in it– totally different vibe!

Upstairs, the 5th floor function space offers multiple additional venue rooms, including The Washington Ballroom with a view of Back Bay [PERFECT for cocktail hours].

[ old phone booths on the 5th floor! ]

There is nothing quite like being a tourist in your own city. We had the best stay at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown [amazing mid-week refresher], but I will most certainly be frequenting it for dinner & cocktails at its super chic Post No. 10 bar and restaurant [don’t forget breakfast after your stay!].

Whether you’re visiting Boston as an out-of-towner, are looking for a wedding/shower/bachelorette party venue, or just need a mini escape close to home, I cannot think of a hotel more charming—not to mention convenient—than this to recommend. I am blown away by what a transformation it has gone through– it completely celebrates its roaring 20s roots with an added modern sleekness.

[ Courtyard Boston Downtown ]
[ 275 Tremont Street ]
[ Boston, MA 02116 ]

Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary one-night stay at the Courtyard Boston. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support shell chic’d!