Newbury Street Entrance of the Taj Boston Hotel

The Taj Boston Hotel, one of my favorite hotels in Boston, is hosting a special night of art and wine on Friday, June 10th from 6-8pm.  For that night, the French and Adam rooms will be transformed into an interactive art exhibit featuring five pieces by artist Nino Scimeca.  Each piece of artwork will be paired with two different bottles of wine chosen by wine expert Jo-Ann Ross.  Guests will then be given the opportunity to select which wine they prefer based upon viewing the artwork.

After all guests have the chance to view the art and choose their wine pairings, both Scimeca and Ross will talk about the art and wine in a conversational manner.  Tickets are $65 per person exclusive of tax and gratuities, and include a special gift bag.  Make reservations in advance with the Taj Boston Dining Reservations department at 617-617-598-5255.

If you’d like to stay overnight at the Taj Boston after the event (and you absolutely should!), the Taj Boston Hotel is offering a special rate starting at $250, valid only for Friday, June 10th, 2011.  To make reservations under this deal, call Taj Boston Reservations toll-free at 1-877-482-5267 or direct at 1-617-536-5700; email your reservations request to reservations.boston@tajhotels.com or visit www.tajhotels.com/boston.

Taj Boston Hotel
15 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-5700

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: Last year, I received a complimentary night stay at the Taj Boston Hotel and champagne brunch for two.

Enjoying some ice cream from the roving cart

You’ve heard of the summer of love, and all of the freedom and fun it brings, right?  Well, this year, Loews Hotels is inviting guests to come invent their day this summer with the Summer of Loews promotion.

From now through September 9th, Loews concierges will be available to help guests plan their perfect summer vacation, whether they prefer an active city vacation, a relaxing beach vacation, or something in between.  In addition, each Loews Hotel is offering special summer menus, including gourmet “haute” dogs, summer BBQs, and yummy desserts.  On a diet this summer?  Then you can enjoy some of the skinny cocktails and menu items available. Loews is also offering complimentary signature non-alcoholic beverages in the lobby each afternoon this summer.

Of course, no summer is complete without fun games – so Loews is also offering games including “In It To Win It” and paddle ball.  These are high-stakes games – the grand prize is a Vacation of a Lifetime at any Loews Hotel!  If you have a little one traveling with you, the popular Baby Loves Disco is making stops at twelve different Loews Hotels throughout the summer.

If you aren’t visiting a Loews this summer, there is still the opportunity to participate in the giveaways on the Loews Hotel Facebook page – but why would you want to miss out on the fun?

Photo credit: Loews Hotels

The Pool at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston

In my opinion, summer is the best time of the year for a Boston family vacation – the weather generally cooperates, and all of the best attractions are operating at full capacity.  If you are thinking of traveling to Boston this summer with your family, the Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston (actually right across the river in Cambridge), is offering their popular summer fest once again.

Summer Fest, which starts at $179 per night per family, includes accommodations at the Royal Sonesta, as well as access to local outdoor activities including the following:

• Complimentary bikes for use along the Charles River Esplanade (adjacent to the hotel)
• Free scenic boat rides on the Charles River Boat Company’s riverboats
• Complimentary access to the pool, pictured above
• Free ice cream from the indoor ice cream cart each afternoon
• Up to four kids 12 and under eat free at the ArtBar Restaurant with their parents when the reservation is booked on Sonesta.com

The AAA four-diamond Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston, located right across the Charles River from Boston, offers wonderful amenities including a  24-hour health club, complimentary wireless high-speed internet access, 24-hour room service and a business center.

Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston
40 Edwin H Land Boulevard
Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 515-3390

Photo credit: The Royal Sonesta Hotel

A Bedroom in the Hotel Indigo

Planning to visit Boston this summer with your family?  If so, you’ll want to find just the right kid-friendly Boston hotel – with the optimal combination of location, amenities and cost.

For those looking to stay outside of the city, I like the Hotel Indigo in Newton, because it’s located right on the MBTA green line for relatively access to the city.  In addition, the outdoor pool is one of the best in the area, and a rarity in the metro Boston area.

For proximity to the Boston Children’s Museum, the Seaport Hotel Boston and the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel Boston are both extremely convenient, and are in beautiful waterfront locations.  You will need to take public transportation or drive to other Boston-area locations, however, so keep that in mind.

If you’d like to be right in the center of the action, I’d recommend the Four Seasons Boston, or anything in the Copley Square area, such as the Westin or the Fairmont Copley Plaza.  Staying in either of those locations is perfect for families who’d like to walk to many of the local tourist attractions.

Finally, if you’d like to be near Fenway Park, you can’t get any closer than the Hotel Commonwealth, located right in the heart of Kenmore Square. You’ll also be within walking distance of Newbury Street and the Prudential Center.