I step out of the hotel into crisp fall air in the upper 50s. I’m greeted by a city coming alive, with buses and cars flooding Massachusetts Avenue, and the sun dancing off glass skyscrapers. I run along the Harvard Bridge, the Charles River shimmering underneath, with rowing teams and shells gliding like swans. Nature’s painted a vivid picture against the sky, with oranges, reds, and maroons covering the trees.
I’m in Boston for a two-day autumn adventure, where I will experience history, food, and views before winter cold sets in. Here’s how the trip unfolded.
The Sheraton Boston reimagined: A modern hub in the heart of Back Bay
The four-star Sheraton Boston Hotel served as my adventure headquarters, having just undergone a $100 million renovation that transformed its spaces. Situated in Boston’s swanky Back Bay, the hotel offered a modern design, community feel, and delightful food.
Peggy Roe, EVP + Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International, commented on the transformation: “We have a strong global design vision, but we always make sure each property reflects the character and rhythm of its local community which is especially meaningful when you consider that in many cities around the world, Sheraton was one of the first international hotels to open its doors.”
She continued: “Our design philosophy really comes down to three ideas: community, productivity, and belonging. Our vision was for Sheraton to feel timeless, but with a warmth and modernity that speaks to today’s traveler. Open layouts, rich textures, and natural materials create a sense of comfort, while signature spaces like the Community Table and The Studios bring that sense of connection to life. At the center of it all, is &More by Sheraton, which brings the energy of a hotel bar right into the heart of the lobby, providing a place where guests and locals can feel a sense of togetherness, even if they’re traveling alone.”
Upon entering, the flowing golden light fixtures resembled jellyfish, and the black/white/grey patterned floor set an elegant mood. The expansive lobby included couches, tables, and cubby-like workspaces — a perfect place to connect, work, or unwind. Shades of stone, wood, and brown created a calm ambience.
My 24th-floor suite continued the upscale theme, with an apartment-like common area and a soft couch that was ideal for sitting and writing, or reflecting on the day. Modern art and sculptures dotted the walls and bureaus, and the windows offered a panoramic view of the surrounding skyscrapers.
The bedroom featured a king-sized bed, clay-colored carpeting, soft lighting, and a work table. Textured brown and white material lined one wall, and a flat-screen TV hung on the wall. What did it feel like? Solace in the city.
My favorite part of the renovation was the &More bar, an island-style setup alongside the lobby, where I could order a drink or food, any time of day, watch TV, and talk with friends. But the highlight was the bar’s atmosphere, with oval lighting above, mirrors, and black surfaces that evoked Back Bay sophistication.
Across the river and through time: 2 days of classic Boston adventures
Boston’s Back Bay provided a setting for experiencing history, nature, and unique foods. Over 48 hours, I traversed the city in search of the next adventure.
View Boston: The city, elevated
At the top of the Prudential Center, at View Boston, I took in a 360-degree view of the Back Bay. In one direction was Boston Common, the country’s oldest public park, and the other, the Boston Harbor’s mirror-like waters. It was fascinating being up close to the John Hancock tower’s bluish glass windows, and learning about Boston’s first settler, William Blaxton, who lived on Beacon Hill.
Besides that, View Boston offered a 3D model of the city, with a dazzling light display, a cafe, and gift shop. Royal blue surfaces and glass created a contemporary feel that tapped into the city’s upbeat attitude. On the ground floor of the Prudential Center, a shopping mall awaited with retail and restaurants like Polo Ralph Lauren, Buck Mason, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Cava.
Fenway Park: Where legends still live
As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I could barely wait to tour Fenway Park. My guide, a grandfather-like figure, Barry Polsky, took me on a journey through time. He used a storytelling style while showing me the oldest seats in baseball, getting me up close with the Green Monster, and showing the red seat where Ted Williams’ record-breaking home run landed.
Along the way, the home-team spirit was alive, as we traveled through small spaces and stairways reminiscent of an old ship. Green ducting and pipes lined the ceilings, and an organic garden, Fenway Farms, covered a terrace. The tour’s highlight was visiting the “Royal Rooters Club”, where I viewed memorabilia including a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, a Golden Glove won by Dwight Evans, and lockers commemorating team greats like Ted Williams, Johnny Pesky, and Jim Rice.
Outside the park, the “Teammates” statue captured the club’s history, depicting Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky, and Dom Dimaggio. The group was teammates for seven seasons, played 52 seasons in total, and served the club for 150 years. They were also heroic, having served their country for 11 years total.
Across the bridges and beneath the leaves: The Charles River Loop
On a prior trip, I discovered the Charles River Esplanade, a tree-lined pathway on the Boston side of the rivershore, mixing nature and community. During this visit, Sheraton’s general manager asked if I knew about “the loop.” I did not. But I’m glad he asked. The route comprised a brief run down Massachusetts Avenue, across the river on Harvard Bridge into Cambridge, a run along the river, re-crossing on the Wheelwright Bridge, and then jogging on the Boston-side Esplanade.
As I’ve noted before, Boston loves to run, and I’d pass dozens of runners as I viewed the cityscape, heard the purple/yellow/silver T train rattle across the Wheelwright Bridge, and tasted the cool, clear air. Foliage was near peak, with orange and red leaves lining the asphalt path, and the lower temps keeping exertion low.
A taste of Boston: Global flavors with local soul
In about 48 hours, I tasted flavors both local and global, while exploring the city. Each occasion brought ambience and intrigue.
Henderson’s: Where global flavors meet Boston style
At Sheraton Boston Hotel’s in-house restaurant, Henderson, I tried recipes with worldwide influence. Chef Joseph Florio brimmed with excitement as he described each dish’s origin and nuances, and my friends and I sampled flavor after flavor. My favorite was the Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Hot Rock, with a buttery consistency and savory taste. A Dubai Chocolate Bar offered a sweet finish, with layered ganache and gold dust sprinkles.
Saltie Girl: New England comfort meets Sichuan spice
A visit to Boston isn’t complete without eating a lobster roll, and at Saltie Girl, I tried one with a unique twist. The Saltie Girl x Fly By Jing fried lobster roll introduced a new level of succulence and spice to the New England favorite. Each bite greeted me with warm, crispy lobster, while the sweet & spicy chili crisp brought an Asian kick. Also notable was Saltie Girl’s bustling, upbeat atmosphere, where conversation and seafood aromas filled the air.
Krasi: A Mediterranean escape of color and flavor
On a cold, rainy Boston evening, my friends and I walked to the back of Krasi, where a glass table awaited. Seated on high-rise chairs, we took in a rock and fern garden underneath the table, while ordering dish after dish from the Greek meze and wine menu.
Each dish appeared like artwork, from the pink and brown of the Pantzarosolata (beets, Greek yogurt, crispy chickpeas, carob bread) to the orange, gold, and purple of the Melitzanes Tiganites (crispy eggplant chips, sweet potato skordalia, and pumpkin seed oil). That also included my mocktail, a watermelon/hibiscus concoction with a translucent pink shade and summer-like refreshment.
Also notable was Krasi’s perfect setting for a group meal, as the continual parade of dishes invited flowing conversation and flavor comparisons. Behind our table, the open kitchen was alive with heat and flames, matching the patrons’ talking and tasting.
A modern traveler’s Boston: Where tradition and energy meet
Reflecting on my most recent Boston visit, I realize it’s a gem in plain sight. It’s as though every square inch contains some new historical fact, with world-class restaurants, gorgeous nature, and a vibrant community alongside. Over 48 hours, I never stopped learning, tasting, or enjoying, and the city had plenty more on tap.