The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2024 - Issue 36

Travel News Autumn-Winter 2024 bitetravel A ward-winning hotel and lifestyle brand citizenM opened its second Boston location with a new rooftop bar of- fering breathtaking city views. Located in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay neighbourhood, it’s part of Lyrik’s mixed-use development and designed by citizenM’s long-stand- ing architecture partner, concrete Amsterdam. Local architec- ture firm Elkus Manfredi also worked on the project on the same campus as the new LEGO office. The 15-storey tower is the hotel group’s largest to date and features 399 signature rooms with XL king-size beds. To continue the brand’s ‘Citizens of the World’ series, citizenM is spotlighting eight citizens native to the Back Bay neighbour- hood and the greater Boston area in a larger-than-life photogra- phy exhibition. Launched originally in 2018 with citizens of the Bowery (in connection with the opening of citizenM New York Bowery), ‘Citizens of the World’ spotlights citizens across mul- tiple pillars, including art, business, culture, fashion, and party. Just steps away from Boston’s iconic Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox) and the renowned Newbury Street, citizenM Boston Back Bay is ideal for travellers seeking a taste of good New Eng- land living. The neighbourhood is rich with major universities, museums, shows, and iconic landmarks nearby, like the Boston Public Gardens and offers opportunities for ‘shop-till-you-drop- pers’ or ‘wine-and-diners’. The new Lyrik development will also showcase a play-stay- work-and-whatever’s on tap destination highlighting an emerg- ing line-up of tastemakers and restaurants, including George Howell Coffee, Rivian, Avra Estiatorio, Pink Carrot, and Chicha San Chen. Similarly to the Boston North Station property, citi- zenM’s vibrant design, locally sourced art, savvy technology and affordable luxury are also on display and offer key pillars to the guest experience, while paying homage to the city across every element. Within the property, guests can access stylish amenities, includ- ing a cosy living room perfect for leisure travellers catching up on emails, the brand’s signature canteenM serving 24/7 snacks and drinks, a 24/7 gym highlighting panoramic views of New- bury Street, and plenty of eye-catching art. The hotel will also of- fer an expansive rooftop with chic vibes and unparalleled views of the city of Boston. The space will be outsourced to an exciting partner and open in early 2025. To highlight Boston’s treasure trove of artistic expression, the team has commissioned a piece for the property’s entrance fa- cade from Maria Molteni, an interdisciplinary artist and de- signer. The selected artwork takes inspiration from Molenti’s stories, highlighting elements of quilting or weaving from their great-grandmother’s prolific craft. Their patterns also reflect the sea (a nod to their experience as an ocean rower). At citizenM Boston Back Bay, travellers will see its ongoing environmental ethos of influencing positive change in a world where we are simply guests. Their philosophy of ‘affordable luxury’ is best experienced in the guest rooms, showcasing their commitment to high-tech amen- ities, ultimate comfort, eye-catching art and more. The rooms are smartly furnished with “everything modern travellers need, and nothing they don’t.” All guest rooms feature XL king-size beds wall-to-wall with an extra comfy mattress and luxury bed- ding. A 4K widescreen TV has streaming options via free su- per-fast Wi-Fi. A powerful rain shower with full-size gel, sham- poo, conditioner, and giant fluffy towels will soothe all long- and short-haul travellers. The room ambience is fully controlled by an in-room iPad, such as the blinds, climate, the TV, and even the lights with changeable colours or via the award-winning cit- izenM app. citizenM offers travellers the world’s simplest hotel member- ship program: mycitizenM+ to enhance the guest experience further. Members sign up with a small monthly fee to enjoy ‘all the perks without the points’, including 15% off hotel rooms, free late checkout and a free upgrade to a premium view room (both subject to availability), access to free co-working at any of citizenM’s hotels worldwide, 15% off societyM meeting rooms, 15% off F&B, early access to discounts, members-only events. The new co-working benefits allow freelancers, entrepreneurs, hybrid workers, and café culture enthusiasts to work seamlessly at any citizenM hotel, offering an inspiring alternative to home offices or crowded cafés. The new property, found at 408 Newbury Street, joins the grow- ing citizenM US portfolio, which includes properties within New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Menlo Park, Austin, and more worldwide. www.citizenm.com/hotels/united-states/boston/boston-back- bay-hotel citizenM Opens Its Largest Property to Date in Historic Back Bay  Samantha Morgan reviews the latest news and developments from citizenM, Maxx Roy- al Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, Ifuru Island Maldives, Oliver’s Travels, and Pierre & Vacances Hotel. Images courtesy of W Communications