Boston
I was lucky to be stay at the Taj Hotel, right in the centre of Boston. The transfer from the airport took about 15 minutes. Checked into the hotel, very traditional "old world" hotel and finished to the highest standard.
The hotel was dotted with chandeliers and also had a Chanel shop & Burberry just across the road! My room had 2 queen beds and was very clean and again in keeping with the hotel very traditional decor. The beds were very comfortable and they had Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom, very luxurious!
The views from the hotel were incredible and overlooked the "Boston Common" which is a central public park in Boston.
The hotel bar area was very cosy, like being in a large dark oak living room. I had dinner the first night at the hotel and the food and service was amazing. I didn't think they could do better until I had breakfast the next morning, WOW best I ever had!
After a very friendly chat with the hotel concierge, I was off on a Duck Tour. You must be wondering what a Duck Tour is?!
The fun begins as soon as you board your "DUCK", A W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle. First, you'll be greeted by one of our legendary tour ConDUCKtors, who'll be narrating your tour. Then you're off on a journey like you've never had before. You'll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower, and more. And, as the best of Boston unfolds before your eyes, your ConDUCKtor will be giving you lots of little known facts and interesting insights about our unique and wonderful city.
And just when you think you've seen it all, there's more. It's time for "Splashdown" as your ConDUCKtor splashes your DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, the kind of view you just won't get anywhere else.
This was a fantastic way to see Boston, our tour ConDUCKtor Ray was very chatty & knowledgeable. On the tour I was so impressed with the design and architecture of the buildings throughout the city from the 19th century historic buildings to the modern sky scrapers. The parks and harbour areas were stunning.
Next, some shopping, Filenes & Marshall's are excellent for discounted designer wear. Or if you prefer the large department stores don't miss out on a visit to the Prudential Mall.
You can't go to Boston without visiting Cheers Bar so that was next on the agenda. Incidently they didn't know my name!!!! But they had yummy cocktails and of course a souvenir shop where I just had to buy a tee shirt.
Another absolute must in Boston is Quincy Market (also known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace).
In the heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is adjacent to historic Faneuil Hall down by the waterfront and park of Boston's "Freedom Trail. Food stalls, photographic exhibits, shops, restaurants, bars, carousel for the kiddies. The food stalls were laden with exotic coffees, fresh seafood, baked breads, gourmet desserts to name a few delights and the atmosphere was electric with outdoor entertainment to enjoy while you feast on the scrumptious food.
On my final day I took a walk through the common adjacent to the hotel. The colour or the trees, locals exercising and walking their dogs, feeding the ducks, watching the many squirrels scarper through the park was surreal, little did I expect to find such tranquility in the middle of a city. They were just constructing an ice skating rink in the middle of the Boston Common for the Christmas season.
All in all I had a wonderful few days in Boston, as a lover of all things historic I think the history and wonderful buildings stood out most for me, and of course the hospitality. A million miles away from New York in my opinion, a much more laid back and friendly feel to this beautiful, enchanting city.