W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils its latest insider escape with the opening of W Boston and The Residences at W Boston, the W brand’s 35th hotel globally. Owned and developed by Sawyer Enterprises, W Boston is the newest addition to Boston’s historic and revitalized Theatre District, located in the heart of Midtown, near Downtown and the Back Bay. The landmark is set to inspire jetsetters and locals alike with spectacular design that sets the stage for W’s fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience: 123 W-branded residences; Descent, an underground bar and lounge to be overseen by master mixologist Sasha Petraske; Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s casual restaurant, Market; Bliss®, New York’s hottest spa, making its Boston debut; approximately 5,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space; SWEAT® state-of-the-art fitness center; and W Hotels The Store, the W brand’s twist on the traditional hotel gift shop.
“As our 35th W Hotel and ninth hotel to open in 2009 alone, W Boston marks a true milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Renowned designers Bentel & Bentel have designed a landmark building that takes a modern twist on Boston’s historic green spaces, creating a true urban oasis for guests and locals alike.”
“This is such an exciting day for those who have been involved,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Sawyer Enterprises, Carol Sawyer Parks. “For a long time all of Sawyer Enterprises believed in this location, believed in this product, believed in this brand, and to see it come to fruition today is certainly a dream come true. It’s the result of a great deal of hard work, dedication and commitment from so many, and I would like to thank them for their time and energy. If I had to sum up the excitement of today and this feeling in one word, it would be ‘Wow!’”
“With the help of our Boston Invests in Growth pool initiative, Boston does not have to wait a moment longer to have the world-class W Hotel open its doors, despite a difficult economy and slower credit market than we have seen in years," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "We’re extremely pleased to welcome W – and we know they will be a terrific addition to the Chinatown and Theater District neighborhoods.”
A Landmark in the Center of Boston’s Revitalized Theatre District
W Boston is the product of a stunning collaboration between Boston-based architect William Rawn, ARCHITECT magazine’s choice for “Best Architect Firm in the U.S.,” TRO Jung|Brannen, an international firm recognized by the Boston Society of Architects as gifted in sustainable design, and New York-based design team Bentel & Bentel, recipient of the American Institute for Architects Award for Interior Design (2007) and the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant Design (2006). Together they have created an urban oasis that pays homage to Boston Common, the Public Garden and Boston’s other prominent green spaces.
Envisioning a “virtual garden” concept, Bentel & Bentel’s design expresses this in myriad ways throughout the rooms and public areas of the hotel. Steel tendrils that define spaces and create visual interest are at the same time both organic and industrial. Falling water in the lobby is juxtaposed against interior and exterior glass and the dynamic interplay with what’s happening outside on Stuart Street and in the Theatre District. A modern fireplace is positioned at the most acute angle of the building providing a “beacon” of light to those passing by, enticing them to come inside to join in the fun. Throughout the day, light is subtly transitioned as it filters through the building’s impressive glass exterior into the thoughtfully created spaces within the hotel.
W Boston features 235 guestrooms, including 24 suites. Bentel & Bentel has created a distinct design for each of the different W guestroom categories – from the Wonderful Room to the Extreme WOW Suite (W’s twist on the Presidential Suite). All guestrooms and suites at W Boston provide W Hotels signature amenities, like the W bed, sink-side Bliss products, Munchie Box (W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar) and state-of-the-art entertainment system which includes two plasma televisions, CD and DVD player and docking station for MP3 players.
The restaurant, Market by Jean-Georges, offers a multicultural menu, featuring French, Asian and Italian inspirations that emphasizes fresh, locally produced ingredients from the New England region artfully blending Jean-Georges’ most exceptional dishes. Slated to open in early 2010, Descent is an exclusive, underground spot that will combine a 1920s speakeasy vibe with a sleek, twenty-first century lounge experience. Guests will enjoy a mix of sound and taste from the bar’s DJ and master mixologist Sasha Petraske of New York’s Milk & Honey and Little Branch and most recently, POV at the new W Washington D.C. Also designed by Bentel & Bentel, Petraske’s cocktails will tastefully blend classic allure with a modern W twist. Bliss Spa, when it opens early next year, will offer guests and locals signature treatments including bliss’ popular ginger rub, hangover herbie, betweeny wax, triple oxygen treatments, and the ultimate indulgence – the legendary brownie buffet.
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts
