Why Are We Not Talking About Raffles Hotel in Boston?

Fragrance TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, be so foreal. I’m just confused as to why no one has told me there is a Guerlain Spa at Raffles Hotel in Boston. One of my favorite scents is Spiritueuse Double Vanille by Guerlain so naturally I’m very excited to see what this experience has to offer.

Located in the heart of Back Bay, this luxury hotel blends sophistication with a modern edge, making it the perfect setting for an indulgent staycation. If you and your person love elevated design, unforgettable experiences, and feeling a little spoiled (in the best way), you need to know about this hotel. Let’s break it down.

1. Dining Thats Built For Date Night

One thing Raffles Boston understands is that food isn’t just food — it’s part of the atmosphere. Whether you’re going full glam for a sit-down dinner or keeping it lowkey with drinks and deep conversation, the restaurants on site are beautifully designed and full of feeling.

Start with Amar by Chef George Mendes. It’s cozy, elegant, and infused with Portuguese flavor that feels warm and layered, not heavy. The space itself? Gorgeous. Like, get-dressed-up-and-take-a-photo gorgeous.

Then there’s Blind Duck, their intimate cocktail bar that somehow manages to be moody, playful, and elevated all at once. Think velvet seating, candlelight, and strong drinks that make you want to linger. If you’re the kind of couple that loves a slow evening full of glances and good conversation, this is your spot.

What Else: Long Bar & Terrace, La Padrona, and Cafe Pastel are their other elevated dining options.

2. The Guerlain Spa: A Sensory Destination in Itself

The spa at Raffles isn’t just a place to get a massage — it’s a full experience, and much of that has to do with the legendary Guerlain brand. If you know, you know. Guerlain is one of the oldest and most beloved French perfume houses, known for its award-winning skincare and timeless fragrances like Shalimar and Mitsouko. But the real luxury is getting to experience their products the way they were meant to be experienced — through touch, scent, and space.

At the Guerlain Spa Boston, they have curated signature treatments using their high-performance skincare, but what really sets the mood is the fragrance. They offer a rotating selection of sample scents right there in the spa, including cult favorites like Spiritueuse Double Vanille — a warm, rich vanilla with just the right amount of spice and wood. It’s sensual, comforting, and totally unforgettable. If you’re into soft, grown-up fragrances that linger in the best way, this is one to try.

After your couples massage or facial, you can stop by the boutique and test out more of their luxury skincare and perfumes, from the Abeille Royale firming line to beautifully bottled eau de parfums. Whether you leave with a new signature scent or just a little travel-size treat, the whole experience feels like something you take home with you — a memory wrapped in vanilla and honey.

Perk: Book the World of Wellness offer for $300 spa treatment credit per stay, exclusive gift from Guerlain, full access to spa facilities, raffles sleep ritual turndown service and 2pm late check out.

3. Rooms That Feel Like Private Residences

You know those hotel rooms that just feel… expensive? That’s what we’re working with here. Raffles doesn’t do cookie-cutter. Each room is filled with texture, warmth, and subtle nods to Bostons history — the kind of space that makes you want to stay in bed a little longer, pour a second glass, and leave the outside world on read.

We’re talking deep soaking tubs, plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the kind of lighting that makes you feel like you’re living in a romantic movie. It’s intimate without being cramped, luxurious without being overdone. The energy is: we’re not in a rush.

Pro tip: Buy that candle you’ve been eyeing and create a new scent memory.

4. The City Surrounding You, Back Bay.

The best part? You’re in Back Bay — one of Boston’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods. So when you do decide to step out, the city rises to meet you.

Art lovers will want to head straight to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It’s absolutely stunning — part gallery, part greenhouse, part secret garden. It’s intimate, romantic, and ridiculously photogenic. The Museum of Fine Arts is just around the corner too — big, bold, and inspiring. It’s perfect for a slow afternoon of wandering and appreciating.

Luxury shopping is easily accessible at Prudential Center, a carefully curated indoor shopping mall with over 75 upscale stores. It’s also home to the Boston Observatory which offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the city.

And for dinner, don’t sleep on Yvonne’s Supper Club — dark, moody, dramatic, and full of vintage glam energy. You’ll want to dress up. It’s one of those places that feels like a secret, like something whispered to you by someone who knows the city.

Pro Tip: RSVP especially on weekends.

💬 Final Thoughts

Sometimes we just don’t have the time to book a flight for the weekend and that’s why I can truly appreciate a weekend of attainable, slow-paced luxury right here in the city. Raffles Boston makes that possible. It offers something new, something intimate, and something you’ll actually remember.

I honestly believe the Guerlain Spa is a destination in itself, especially for the fragrance lovers of New England. And there’s so much more to explore beyond the hotel — locale, if you will. So let yourself wander, soak it all in, and enjoy your staycation mindfully. You deserve that

If you’re curious about how to spend the perfect 24–48 hours around Raffles, stay tuned because I’ll be sharing a full itinerary-style blog post soon to help you plan a romantic city escape that hits all the right notes.