Boston may not be the obvious pick for a winter weekend getaway, but it should be. With summer crowds gone and college students settled into their routines, the city takes on a quieter, cozier character. There’s something indulgent about sipping a hot toddy next to a roaring fire the way you might enjoy chardonnay at a sidewalk café in warmer months. Winter also brings lower hotel rates and fewer lines at popular attractions.
Consider taking advantage of offers like the one at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, which has included promotions such as a $50 American Express Simon Giftcard redeemable at the many upscale stores housed at Copley Place—retailers like Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Christian Dior and Burberry—and a curated gift bag with treats from popular mall retailers. After a morning of browsing, returning to a comfortable hotel room to drop shopping bags and warm up feels especially satisfying in the colder months.
From the hotel, take a short walk to the Boston Common Frog Pond, where you can rent skates and glide across the ice. The Frog Pond offers a warming area for breaks between spins, making it an inviting winter activity whether you’re an experienced skater or trying it for the first time.
When hunger strikes, orient yourself by the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. Exit Boston Common onto Beacon Street and turn right; within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find XV Beacon, a boutique hotel housed in a landmark Beaux-Arts building that once accommodated the Boston School Committee. The hotel’s bar and restaurant, Mooo, offers a warm, refined setting—perfect for a winter evening. Order a hot toddy, consider starting with the Wagyu dumplings, and let the menu guide the rest of your meal. The combination of thoughtful service, rich flavors and a cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal winter dining choice in the city.