Startle

There’s a lot to love about the Taj Boston. It’s grandiose entrance on Arlington Street makes it not just a hotel, but a tourist attraction for many Boston guests. If you’re one of the tourists with a room key at the Taj Boston, don’t miss the following:

1. The best thing about the Taj Boston is its location. It’s within walking distance from most of Boston’s best tourist attractions, and is located just steps from the MBTA green line at Arlington Station stop. While you’re here, enjoy a stroll down Newbury Street at sunset. The stores have pretty much emptied out by this time and the shoppers have gone home to drop off their bags. You won’t be fighting for sidewalk space and can window shop your way down the street.

2. The Taj’s afternoon tea is legendary in Boston. The hotel was originally a Ritz-Carlton, one of the flagship hotels in the brand, and was made famous by its afternoon tea. Everyone from tourists to socialites to celebrities took part in the famed event and when Taj took over the space, it kept the traditional alive. The Taj Boston’s afternoon tea is served Wednesday through Sunday in the French Room (one of the hotel’s smaller ballrooms available for private events) and overlooks Newbury Street. A harpist plays as you’re served a variety of different teas and traditional finger sandwiches. Prices range depending on which tea and snack menu you choose.

3. The size of the rooms at the Taj Boston are bigger than one would expect, which gives guests staying here a bit more space to move around. The Taj is two sections: an old section, which is the original hotel dating back to the late 1800s; and the newer section, which became part of the hotel complex in the 1990s. The rooms are comparable in size and provide similar views, but the older section of the hotel has a more regal feeling, which we found to be a nice, authentic addition to the hotel. The newer rooms still embody the grace and authenticity of the Taj, but they have a more modern feel with brighter room walls and lighter carpets.

4. The bar on the lobby level of the Taj Boston is a throwback to the early 1900s, and one of our favorite things about the hotel. Its dark wood, heavy drapes and gold accents set a mysterious tone, perfect for secret meetings or quiet hideaways, unless you choose to sit in the tables near the front windows that look out over Arlington Street and the Boston Public Garden.

5. Not everyone head is created equally, and that’s why we love the Taj’s pillow menu. Choose from soft to firm density pillows, or opt for the microfiber or anti-snoring pillows. There are six different pillows you can request, all free of charge.