By Christopher Muther Globe Staff,Updated March 5, 2020, 9:05 a.m.
Pros: Perhaps the most charming new hotel in Boston. Cons: Postage-stamp-size gym.
The lowdown: This former 1909 nurses’ dormitory withered for years as a slightly run-down hostel until it was snapped up and given a new life as a 65-room boutique hotel with a modern Italian restaurant, called Peregrine, in the lobby. Unlike many hotel restaurants, Josh Lewin and Katrina Jazayeri (the team behind Juliet in Somerville) have built a neighborhood dining destination. A new building was constructed in what was once an adjoining parking lot which houses the lobby, restaurant, and some rooms. If you stay here, make sure your room is in the old nurses’ dormitory.
The experience: Of all the Boston hotels I’ve visited over the past three years, the Whitney is by far my favorite. Every picture, plate, and throw blanket appears to be thoughtfully curated. It feels like a Boston hotel without walloping you over the head with cliché Boston references. It’s an ideal meld of modern and classic. My room felt as if it was part of a Beacon Hill home, albeit a very well-designed home. As you may have gathered, I was in love. Because rates were winter low, I spent slightly more for a river view room and watched the sunset behind the Charles. The staff was attentive and the vibe in the lobby bar was lively. Each floor has something called the Whit Pantry which has free cookies and soda water.
