Shopping, Sightseeing and Shows in Downtown Crossing

While we’re proud of what’s inside of The Godfrey and can’t wait to unveil it to you, we’re also proud of what’s outside – Downtown Crossing. We’re excited to be part of such a historic neighborhood, which was once coined “The Hub of the Universe,” and is currently undergoing a vibrant revival.

Stores, restaurants and lodging galore are opening left and right over the past few years. In addition to the construction work we’re undergoing, Millennium Tower Boston – soon to the be the 4th tallest building in Boston – is also going up. It’s exciting to see our progress side-by-side.

Millennium Tower is being built. Photo Credit: @BuildItBoston on Instagram - #GoGodfrey Contest Submission.
Millennium Tower is being built. Photo Credit: @BuildItBoston on Instagram – #GoGodfrey Contest Submission.

What’s so great about Downtown Crossing outside of its location and ease of access is that you don’t need to leave the surrounding area to experience shopping, sightseeing and shows. True to Boston’s nature, there is more than you could ever imagine within a 10-minute walk from our front door.

Shopping

Whether you’re shopping for groceries, jewelry, clothing or antique books, Downtown Crossing has you covered. Some of our guest rooms even overlook Brattle Book Shop – a neighborhood favorite since 1825.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston
The Brattle Book Shop

Walking up and down Washington Street you’ll see everything from Roche Brothers to local flower stands and Macy’s to TJMaxx. A Primark is set to open this fall and there are jewelry stores dotting the street that offer a nod to the neighborhood’s (and our) past. And if you’re up for a 15-minute walk, the famous Newbury Street is within reach.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Shopping on Washington Street

Sightseeing

Located along the Freedom Trail, Downtown Crossing is home to and neighbors on a variety of historical landmarks. If you step outside of The Godfrey and look left down Washington Street towards State Street, you’ll see the Old South Meeting House.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Old South Meeting House

The Boston Commons is a block behind us, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a 13-minute walk down Summer Street to the Boston Harbor and Faneuil Hall is just a 10-minute walk from our front doors. And for something a bit off the beaten path, the Boston Athenæum is just an eight-minute walk through the Commons and overlooks the Granary Burying Ground.

Shows

If you’re still not tired after a day of shopping and sightseeing in and around Downtown Crossing, spend a night out in the neighboring Theater District. It starts one block down from us on Washington Street and boasts everything from Broadway musicals to ballet and concerts to the silver screen.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Entertainment options on Washington Street

In a one-minute walk you can catch a show at the Boston Opera House or walk an extra block to see the newest blockbuster at AMC Lowes. The Orpheum Theatre is a couple blocks in the opposite direction and hosts concerts of all sorts. Or, support the local Emerson students by attending one of their many shows at The Paramount Theater.

Needless to say, there is a never-ending list of things to do and see in Downtown Crossing and the neighboring areas … and we haven’t even discussed all of the dining options yet. Stay tuned for more updates on what to do and see during your stay with us.

The Hub of the Universe

“The hub of the universe.”  That’s what William Filene once called the intersection of Washington Street, Winter Street and Summer Street.  We’re thrilled to say our hotel is then located right in “the hub of the universe” then!

While that may be a fun exaggeration, we certainly think the location in Boston’s Downtown Crossing is perfect for our future hotel guests and locals.  The area is bustling with activity throughout the day – including people headed to work, lunch or shop right in the heart of Boston.

Right on Summer Street, Winter Street and Washington Streets, you’ll find plenty of shops ranging from convenience stores to jewelry to books to music, along with street vendors and ample restaurants to check out.


Winter Street in Boston

Summer Street in Boston

The area also offers ample public transportation for our future guests, including the subway and bus lines near our hotel.

There’s also an entrance into Macy’s, which proudly hangs the American flags as well.  There’s no shortage of American pride and history in Boston.

Macy's
Macy’s

We’ll continue to keep you posted on our area and the updates at our hotel.

Exciting Times – Now Taking Reservations

We know we’re close to opening since we’re now accepting reservations.  We’re inviting visitors and locals to “get to know Godfrey” with two opening rates.

In the extremely high-occupancy Boston hotel market, we are offering special promotional rates for leisure and business travelers, as well as locals looking for the ultimate staycation.

The ‘Get to Know Godfrey’ promotion has special rates starting as low as $199, available for stays from November 16, 2015 through March 15, 2016, while Boston locals are invited to enjoy the ‘Element 617’ discounted rate throughout the entirety of 2016:

Following are the details on the two new rates:

Get to Know Godfrey: Guests are invited to get to know The Godfrey Hotel Boston and its many amenities by receiving special room rates starting at $199. The Godfrey Hotel Boston’s thoughtfully-appointed rooms feature fast, complimentary Wi-Fi, 55-inch HDTVs, luxurious Frette linens, Heeley bath products and more. This rate is available for stays November 16, 2015 to February 29, 2016.

Bedroom - The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Bedroom – The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Element 617: With the opening of The Godfrey Hotel Boston, Downtown Boston locals are invited to “Discover Your Element” with customized room rates this fall and beyond. Residents, and those who work in the Downtown Boston area, receive a 15% discount off of the lowest standard rate on all guest rooms throughout the year 2016. In order to receive this rate, guests must present a state ID or business card with a Downtown Boston address at check-in.

Exterior rendering of The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Exterior rendering of The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Future guests may take advantage of these specials for the opening of The Godfrey Hotel Boston online at www.godfreyhotelboston.com/special-offers-en.html. Booking is now available!

An Exclusive Look Inside

We’re thrilled to share new details and renderings after providing Curbed Boston with a tour of our hotel.  Just as the article says, Oxford Capital, our developer, has some “grand plans” for our property, which is detailed in this article.

Exterior rendering of The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Exterior rendering of The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The article shares five renderings of the interior design, which is created by Gettys Worldwide.  Take an early look and let us know what you think.  The full article is here.

Media Hard Hat Tour

We conducted our first Media Hard Hat Tour for our Boston property this week.  The idea is to give select media contacts a behind-the-scenes look at our property, including a tour of our lobby, rooms and more, all of which are currently under construction.

Larry Casillo, our general manager, led the Media Hard Hat Tour and shared details on the hotel, its progress and the vision.  He detailed what Godfrey means, which is “peace and welcome” and why Downtown Crossing is the perfect spot in Boston.

The tour included a look into the much-anticipated guest rooms, which will feature colors of warm grays, accented by natural walnut – all with quality linens, plush carpeting and upholstered seating to make for a most comfortable stay.  Many of the guest rooms boast large windows, including some with the original bay windows.

Larry Casillo, GM of The Godfrey Hotel Boston, during the Media Hard Hat Tour.
Larry Casillo, GM of The Godfrey Hotel Boston, shared the property plans during the Media Hard Hat Tour.

Casillo also shared specifics on the hotel, including the amenities such as the chef-driven restaurant, George Howell Coffee Shop, lobby bar, 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art technology.

Larry Casillo, GM of The Godfrey Hotel Boston during the Media Hard Hat Tour.
Larry Casillo, GM of The Godfrey Hotel Boston, during the Media Hard Hat Tour.
A walk through The Godfrey Hotel Boston during the Media Hard Hat Tour.
A walk through The Godfrey Hotel Boston during the Media Hard Hat Tour.

We’ll keep sharing updates and photos of the property.  Stay tuned and let us know if you have questions.