Boston is filled with history, which makes it the perfect place to stay in a historic hotel. The Omni Parker House Hotel combines the elegance of old Boston with the conveniences travelers expect.
They just finished a complete renovation to modernize the hotel and add more amenities for guests. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants to be close to the city’s historic heart while enjoying excellent service, comfortable rooms, and a story that stretches back more than 160 years.
I had the fun of visiting on a press trip where we stayed at the hotel and got to explore the renovations and even the kitchen where I learned how to make my own Boston Cream Pie.
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A Perfect Location for Exploring Boston
The Omni Parker House is located on School Street, just steps from the Freedom Trail, ideal for your Boston vacation. The Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and Beacon Hill are all within easy walking distance.
I walked to the waterfront to visit the New England Aquarium and to View Boston at the Prudential Center for sweeping skyline views, though you may want to take an Uber to get there. It was easy to walk to both the Boston Common and the Boston Public Market, both destinations you don’t want to miss.
It has multiple T stops just a few minutes away to get you anywhere you want to go (I recommend the donut tour in Cambridge and a visit to Salem), but many of the city’s top attractions are close enough that you’ll spend most of your trip on foot. I took the T from the airport, which is easy to do, but for a quicker trip, grab an Uber for a 15 minute trip (pending traffic, obviously).
If you’d rather be closer to the airport or prefer a newer neighborhood vibe, I also recently stayed at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, and that’s another great choice if you’re looking for trendy restaurants, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and harbor access with amazing views.
Room Options for Every Traveler
The Omni Parker House offers several room types, each designed for a different kind of traveler. I stayed in the Deluxe Room and toured several other types during my stay.
The Economy Petite Room is great for solo travelers. At about 90 square feet with a single twin bed, it’s compact but comfortable and ideal for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city.
The Traditional Room costs just a bit more per night and provides about 125 square feet and a queen bed. This works well for one or two guests looking for value and convenience.
Stepping up in size, the Deluxe Rooms where I stayed feature either a king or two queen beds in about 210 square feet. These rooms are popular for couples or short getaways and feel more spacious without losing the hotel’s cozy feel.
For longer stays or family trips, the Signature Rooms offer around 400 square feet with a separate sitting area. Having a space to relax with a book or morning coffee makes a difference, especially for guests spending several nights.
Finally, the suites are the most expansive, accommodating up to six guests. These rooms are unique and named after different figures from Boston’s history. They combine generous living space with distinctive historic touches, giving them a residential feel that’s still very much part of the Parker House story.
Across all categories, the design details stand out. The blend of heritage colors, dark wood tones, and travel-inspired furnishings gives each room character while maintaining a sense of comfort.
Dining and Drinks Worth Lingering Over
One of the most enjoyable parts of staying at the Omni Parker House is the dining options. While I love to explore local restaurants, there are times when I just want to eat in the comfort of my hotel.
Breakfast at Parker’s Restaurant quickly became a favorite part of my stay. The options range from hearty classics to lighter dishes, and I enjoyed both the avocado toast and the king brioche sandwich.
I browsed the lunch and dinner menus, and they do a great job mixing tradition with freshness. The restaurant’s atmosphere reflects the hotel’s long history without feeling dated.
Just steps away, Parker’s Bar offers a relaxed, social space with comfortable seating, great light bites, and a creative drink menu. It’s a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
For a nightcap, visit The Last Hurrah. It has a classic Boston feel and an excellent whiskey list, along with a small but satisfying menu if you need a late bite.
It does get busy, which proves how popular it is, and one night we got in only because friends had already gotten a table for us. In fact, we sat at a corner table where Charles Ponzi – of the infamous fraud scheme name – would sit schmoozing, yet another portion of history fun.
Together, these three spots make the Omni Parker House a destination for both guests and locals. The hotel is a destination for a reason.
A Living Piece of American History
Opened in 1855, the Omni Parker House is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States. Unlike other historic properties that have temporarily closed for renovations, this one has remained open since the day it welcomed its first guests.
It’s also the birthplace of two beloved American classic dishes. In 1856, a hotel chef created the first Boston Cream Pie, now the official state dessert of Massachusetts. Around the same time, the famous Parker House Rolls were invented in the kitchen, and they’re still served warm at Parker’s Restaurant today.
History runs deep in this building. Charles Dickens once lived here while performing his famous public readings of A Christmas Carol, and the door to his suite is displayed in the hotel’s small historical gallery on the lower level. You’ll also find photos, menus, and artifacts tracing the hotel’s long timeline.
On the mezzanine level, near the meeting rooms, framed menus and clippings line the walls. They tell stories of what guests dined on in the 1800s and early 1900s, including multi-course feasts that cost less than a modern cup of coffee.
If you enjoy a touch of presidential trivia, Table 40 in Parker’s Restaurant is where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. Guests can still reserve that table for a special evening.
A Renovation that Honors the Past
Recent updates at the Omni Parker House managed a careful balance. They brightened and modernized the spaces without losing the building’s historical soul. The lobby’s dark carpet was replaced with marble flooring that reflects more natural light and creates a welcoming entrance that feels open yet still classic.
Throughout the hotel, decor takes inspiration from the golden age of travel. The headboards resemble the inside of a horse-drawn carriage, while the nightstands echo the look of vintage trunks. Horsehead details on the doors subtly reference the early days when guests arrived by carriage.
Because the property is protected as a historic landmark, structural changes are limited, but the design team made thoughtful updates that keep the charm intact. Bathrooms, often the hardest feature to modernize in older buildings, have been redesigned to make smart use of limited space without sacrificing comfort.
Hidden Treasures Throughout the Hotel
The hotel rewards curiosity. Alongside the main historical gallery on the lower level, you’ll find framed newspaper articles and recipes tucked into hallways and gathering areas. These small touches tell the story of how Boston evolved and how the hotel adapted while keeping its spirit intact.
Take time to explore the mezzanine level near the meeting rooms, where vintage menus and photos line the walls. The displays are more than decoration — they give a sense of how the Parker House served as both a social hub and a symbol of refinement through changing eras.
Service that Keeps Guests Returning
One of the most remarkable things about the Omni Parker House is the loyalty of its staff. Many employees have been with the hotel for 20 years or more, a rarity in hospitality.
That experience shows in the attention to detail and genuine warmth of the service. Whether you’re checking in, ordering breakfast, or asking for sightseeing advice, the staff make you feel cared for without being formal or distant.
Join the Omni Select Guest Program
Even if you only stay at the Omni Parker House once, you want to join Omni’s Select Guest Program. This free loyalty program offers tangible perks that pay off on your first stay.
Members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water, and a coplimentary welcome drink coupon to use at the hotel bar. You can access these benefits starting with your first stay.
As you spend more with the Omni brand, you can earn additional benefits as you move up the tiers. That means everything from welcome amenities to complimentary clothes pressing, plus express check-in and checkout.
You can redeem points for free nights or upgrades, just like the majority of hotel programs, and the benefits apply across all Omni properties. It’s worth enrolling before your first stay.
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A Timeless Stay in The Heart of Boston
The Omni Parker House remains one of Boston’s most iconic hotels because it offers something you don’t often get: a living connection to the city’s past that still feels comfortable today. From its marble-lined lobby to its classic restaurants and storied hallways, its special feel means it feels like a part of your vacation.
The Omni Parker House is perfect for a weekend getaway, a family trip, or a return to a favorite city. It captures what makes Boston unforgettable and is the perfect base to explore this historic city.
