We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls-on-the-go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a week-long conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Boston
Where to Stay
Expense Account: XV Beacon Hotel
You will feel like serious old money at this 1903 Beaux Arts Building converted to a super luxe hotel. Spend the morning lounging in your robe and strategizing on the four-poster bed next to the fireplace. You might never need to leave, but if you do, the hotel offers Lexus sedan service to anywhere in the city.
Rooms start at: $375, Suites start at: $900
15 Beacon Street; 877-xvbeacon; http://www.xvbeacon.com/
Romantic Weekend: The Eliot Hotel
This sophisticated hotel is tucked away in the fashionable Back Bay neighborhood and overlooks a tree-lined street. The hotel is a modern oasis and pays great attention to detail (think Egyptian cotton linens and very comfortable beds). The hotel boasts two restaurants: Clio and the Uni Sashimi Bar and has ‘round the clock room service. Dinner in bed, darling?
Rooms Start at: $235, Suites start at: $520
370 Commonwealth Avenue; 617-209-3064; www.eliothotel.com
On the Cheap: The Newbury Guest House
Rooms from $99 to $185
A good hotel is all about location, location, location and the Newbury Guest House boasts beaucoup bang for the buck. Located on trendy Newbury Street in a beautiful brownstone, this darling hotel is it! The reasonable price tag means even more money to spend on whatever strikes your fancy just beyond the front door.
261 Newbury Street; 800/437-7668; www.newburyguesthouse.com
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Locke-Ober
This place is classic old Boston: lots of dark wood, velvet and tapestry; and you must dress for dinner. Service is exceptional and the menu is an excellent mix of elegant standards with nouveau touches. You and your guests will feel very well taken care of at this classy spot that’s been since 1875.
Appetizers from $14; dinner entrees start at $25
3 Winter Place; 617-542-1340; www.locke-ober.com
Hot Spot: Toro
Boston is a buzz about this hip tapas bar. Located in the stylish South End, this small restaurant is open late and has an extensive Spanish wine list, including Sangria and dozens upon dozens of small plates.
Small plates start at $10
1704 Washington Street; 617-536-4300; Toro doesn’t have a website, but they do have a MySpace page to check out.
Eating Alone: Neptune Oyster Bar
This restaurant is so intimate that even if you are dining alone it won’t seem like it. Belly up to the bar and watch the staff shuck oysters and clams. Order something on the half-shell or pick one of their inspired seafood dishes. If basics are more your style the Lobster Roll or fried clams with homemade tartar sauce can’t be beat.
Appetizers start at $14; dinner entrees from $22
63 Salem Street; 617-742-3474; www.neptuneoyster.com
Coffee and Internet: Caffé Vittoria
Never fear, Starbucks is everywhere in Boston. They’re very well connected and perfect for a quick in and out. But let’s say you want to sit, have a really good cup of coffee, and think a bit. Caffé Vittoria has been in the neighborhood since 1929 and is perfect for a great cappuccino and afternoon dolce.
290-296 Hanover Street; 617-227-7606; www.vittoriacaffe.com
Where to Shop
Business Critical: When in Boston, it is critical to know that Newbury Street is the place for shopping. The street houses everything from Chanel and Marc Jacobs to the Gap.
But, if you are in a true fashion pinch, the folks at Louis Boston will help. Louis Boston is an intimate “department store” that prides itself on fabulous service and excellent taste in clothing and accessories. All your needs (and then some) are sure to be met here.
Louis Boston; 234 Berkley Street; 800-225-5135; www.louisboston.com
If you are in a bit more of a hurry, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Filene’s, Arden b, and French Connection are just down the street.
Date Night: Wish
Wish is a small store packed with clothing to squeal over. They stock denim, cashmere, soft stylish t-shirts from Splendid, lingerie, and beautiful dresses from Milly. No matter what kind of outing you’re shopping for, you’ll wish you had more money (and time) to spend in this darling shop.
49 Charles Street; 617-227-0170; www.wishstyle.com
Need shoes and makeup? Never fear! Wish is sandwiched between Moxie (a shoe palace located at 51 Charles St. 617-557-9971; www.moxieboston.com) and The Beauty Mark, where you can get a quickie pedicure, a new lipstick and Bumble & Bumble hairspray all in one swoop (33 Charles Street; 617-720-1555; www.thebeautymark.com)
Techie: Best Buy Boston
There aren’t too many great electronics options if you’re in a pinch in Boston (unless you meet a MIT electronics genius in the pub). If this doesn’t happen, Best Buy fills the void.
401 Park Drive; 617-424-7900; www.bestbuy.com
Weekend & Time-Off Activities
Only in Boston can you walk the Freedom Trail (a walking tour from Old Boston to the Bunker Hill Monument) past a dozen of important sites directly related to the American Revolution. Stop and wave at Paul Revere’s house and check out the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House. Pick up a map at the Information booth on Boston Common and go as fast (or slow) as you want.
Not up for exercise? Stroll through Boston Common to the Public Gardens and lounge in a great city park. Or, take the Red Line to Cambridge and soak up the smarts at Harvard University. Get your logo gear at Harvard Coop (1400 Massachusetts Avenue) or pick up something even cuter around the corner at Mint Julep (6 Church Street).
Great Running Route: All the locals run along the beautiful Charles River. Some mornings you’ll run past the regattas of Harvard and other Boston area universities engaged in fierce practice. Get off the T at the Charles/MGH stop or just step outside and point your feet towards the river.
Best Yoga Studio: Sadhana Yoga
This yoga studio is a little out of the way (located on the edge of the South End), but everyone seems to agree that it is THE BEST. The heated flow yoga classes are 90 to 100 minutes long and you can rent whatever you need (mats, towels) and buy water at the door. Classes start at $15.
15 Worcester Street; 617-536-9642; www.sadhanastudios.com
Best Day Spa: Bella-Santé
The best part about this place could be the Artemisia Manicure and Pedicure. After the milky hand and food bath, your harried appendages will be covered in a rich masque, massaged, dusted with gold-flecked dry oil and polished. Oh yeah, you can get a massage, facial, or brow wax too.
38 Newbury Street; 617-247-0770; www.bellasante.com
Best Blow Dry: Umi Salon
It’s hard to win awards for hair, but this place has done it again and again. What this means for you: expert stylists, great haircut, perfect blow-out and style. What could make you feel more confident?
Blow Dry and Style $50 t0 $125; Haircuts start at $100
75 Newbury Street; 617-247-0770; www.umisite.com
Travel
Preferred Airport: Logan International Airport
Logan International is located close-by in East Boston. What does this mean for you? Once you arrive you are there, on the ground and ready to go. Follow easy signs to taxi, shuttle or mass transit.
617-561-1800; www.massport.com/logan
How to get around: Boston’s mass transit system is fondly called the T and connects easily to almost every part of the city. The T is safe, clean, and reliable. Everyone takes it. Check out the map plan your trips at www.mbta.com
Note: If you are in a hurry, taxi or car service may be your best. To connect to the T from Logan you must hop on a shuttle – a diversion that can take as long as 30 minutes.
Taxi!
Checker Taxi Co: 617-536-7500
Boston Cab: 617-262-2227
Car Service:
Boston Chauffer offers limo and sedan service all over Boston.
866-570-LIMO; www.bostonchauffer.com
Weather and Wardrobe
Watch the weather before you go! In the winter Boston can be cold and prone to snow and ice. Summers can be hot and humid. The point? Be prepared. The weather can be lovely but you’ll want to dress accordingly. In general, Boston is stylish but leans towards slightly more elegant and traditional.
Business Critical
Where to Host a Meeting: Commandant’s House on Boston’s Historic Waterfront
This place has it all: spectacular views, comfort, hi-tech services, kitchen and catering services, and a lush green lawn. Your guests will beg for more meetings!
Charlestown Navy Yard; 617-263-6490; www.commandantshouse.com
Best Place for Printing and Copies: Copy Cop
With five locations in and around Boston, Copy Cop can help you in a jiffy! The Copy Cops are friendly, reliable, and they will make sure your job is done on time and to your exact specifications. Check their very user friendly website for addresses, phone numbers, price sheets, and service options. www.copycop.com
