It began at daybreak, as a white light poked through the split in the curtains, and I awoke from a night of slumber, and the sun opened up over Boston. I climbed out of bed, opened the curtains, with the Boston skyline across the horizon, and the harbor poking through the facades of glass and steel. Welcome to the Boston Seaport.
I was on a late spring excursion, with the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport as my headquarters, to explore the city’s newest district, where arts, culture, and activity intertwined. What would I find?
The Seaport: The Pulse of Modern Boston
The Seaport is Boston’s newest district, where a former industrial zone now bustles with hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Situated on the South Boston waterfront, the site first emerged in the 1850s as an industrial zone atop a landfill. Dotted with fishing piers, train tracks, and freight terminals, the area thrived between the 1920s and 1960s, as fisherman unloaded and sold their daily haul. But during the 50s and 60s, the district declined until it was littered with abandoned warehouses and parking lots.
That changed in 2010, when Mayor Thomas Menino introduced a plan to redevelop 1,000 acres of the South Boston Waterfront into an Innovation District. Today, the Seaport is a bustling hub of culture, arts, and industry, with residents such as tech, pharma, and finance companies, as well as the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, and numerous entertainment and culinary spots. The Boston Harbor borders the north and east sides, while South Boston holds down the south side, and the Four Point Channel to the west.
Omni Director of Marketing, Leon Bolivar, shared: “This neighborhood was traditionally part of South Boston — mainly a big warehouse and parking lot type of area. It wasn’t really taken advantage of, even though it’s right on the waterfront. About 15 years ago, the idea was conceptualized to turn this into a destination, and that’s what’s happening.”
“It’s a brand new part of Boston — very, very different from the older, more traditional part of Boston, which is steeped in history. This is meant to take Boston forward.”
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: A Reflection of Modern Boston
The hotel blended hospitality, art, and design in ways that highlighted the city’s deep creative history and provided quick access to culinary, cultural, and active experiences. Every moment, there was something new. From my room with a full-wall window that bathed me in natural light, to countless sculptures and paintings throughout, to organized spaces that pleased the senses, the hotel provided a place to enjoy.
Assisting in my enjoyment was a staff eager to help, whether a cheerful greeting as I sipped strawberry-lime-infused water in the lobby post-run, or eagerly answering a question when I needed assistance.
Leon Bolivar described the hotel’s dedication to service:
“We actually have this program for our entire staff called POE — Power of Engagement. Every single one of our employees is in it. There are nine different classes you have to go through to really make sure you know how to interact with the guest, how to assist the guest, how to go the extra mile.”
Designed with Boston in Mind
As I walked into the Omni Seaport, an elegant space awaited, with clay-tone marble floors, wool-wrapped columns, gold accents, and art and sculpture displayed throughout. The kicker? AI-generated artwork behind the check-in desk, in constant movement, so every guest has a unique experience.
To my right was an open, rectangular, island-style bar with couches and tables, and to the left, a lounge area, slightly elevated, with mini-sofas, sculptural lighting fixtures, and a view of the street. More on that later.
But maybe more important was the feeling the hotel gave me — a designed space, where Boston’s artistic heritage took center stage, and every room unfolded like a story. From my guestroom to artsy nooks, to the on-site restaurants, the hotel expressed the essence of the city in a modern way.
Leon Bolivar shared:
“The hotel has two different ownership groups, and when they got together, they had to decide what exactly they wanted to model the hotel after. They ended up bringing in really influential people from Boston — from academia, from Meet Boston [the city’s convention and visitors bureau], and from the entertainment side, like Don Law, who does a lot of the concerts and music in the area. They got into a kind of think tank and brainstormed what they wanted this to be, and that’s how they landed on paying homage to the arts — performing arts and visual art.”
Artists on display include:
- Upendo Taylor: As an artist, designer, and lover of life, the artist draws inspiration from the streets, sports, music, fashion, friends, political and social issues. Through blending original drawing, digital design, and cans of spray paint, Upendo has developed his own design aesthetic that is fresh, urban, and playful.
- Vasco Mourão: Trained as an architect, Vasco studied dozens of iconic building facades and architectural elements in Boston and Cambridge before creating his personal interpretation of the city and its architectural language.
- David Allen Peters: Primarily known for his painting practice, these sculptures are created from the collected remnants of the artist’s paintings. When completing a painting, Peters trims the edges into ribbons of colored strata. These pieces are assembled into a compressed brick to form the finished sculpture.
Modern Rooms with Skyline and Harbor Views
Upon entering my guestroom, the first thing I noticed was the light. Natural light, that is, through a full-length window to the left of the bed. Perched high above the city, I could take in the skyscrapers and bustling activity, with the harbor in the distance. So much activity — a city alive.
A tasteful palette of grey, natural wood, white, green, and gold created a relaxed atmosphere — somewhere I could escape for a while, in the lap of luxury. A corner lounge space was the perfect place to rest or stash my gear, and the bed pillows were like marshmallow mounds, helping me rest as the city went to sleep.
Where Natural Light Shapes the Experience
From my room to the walkways, to the lobby, I kept noticing something — natural light. The gentle, calming luminance seemed present everywhere. At daybreak, the guestroom’s full-length window offered a welcome, inspiring brightness. As I walked on different floors, to restaurants or rooms, the windows let in the sun’s essence and optimism.
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right
During my stay, I didn’t have to travel far for meals that oozed creativity and satisfied the palate. On-site dining options ranged from a Paris-style coffee bar to Mediterranean-inspired fine dining, and each provided a unique taste and ambience.
Yousef Ghalaini, Executive Chef of Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, said: “I’m incredibly inspired by both the World Cup and the abundance of exceptional products we have right here in our own backyard. This tournament is a unique opportunity for Boston to take center stage, and we’re celebrating by bringing global flavors together with the best of New England — Cape Cod oysters, Golden Seabream, Pioneer Valley asparagus, tomatoes, corn, and tortillas, all featured across our menus this summer. “
Cocorico — A Parisian-Style Morning Ritual in the Seaport
Just off the lobby, Cocorico occupied a corner nook, alongside a wall displaying a giant rooster in neon lights. At the French-style boulangerie, I found a veritable candy store of fresh pastries, all made in-house, letting me pick and choose each day’s delight. My favorite was the blueberry-lime scone, a canelé pastry, and draft cold brew.
Kestra: Mediterranean-American Dining Inspired by Boston’s Orchestral Soul
Just across the way, Kestra resembled a concert hall, with low lights, wood tones, and bar lights reminiscent of keys and strings. That calm ambience took center stage, as I enjoyed a breakfast of avocado toast, smoked short-rib hash, and a taste of lemon-ricotta buttermilk pancakes.
Lifted Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: Skyline Views Above the Seaport
Entering the Lifted Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, hydraulic retractable windows lined the walls, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings. Just outside was a rooftop pool, where patrons relaxed and swam in the sun. The mood was upbeat and fresh — like Boston itself.
Lunch began with a Strawberry Saunter, a crisp, sweet mocktail of strawberry, lime, Scrappy’s fire tincture, and Owen’s Ginger Beer. Then, I got to savor the house specialty: a salted-caramel lobster roll. Rather than minced meat mixed with mayo and more, this recipe uses whole claw meat with a subtle glaze. The focus was the lobster itself, with the glaze serving as a subtle flavor enhancer, all accompanied by a toasted bun.
The Sporting Club: Elevated Game-Day Energy in a Modern Social Setting
Entering the Sporting Club was like being invited to a private sports speakeasy, where Boston’s rich sports history, cuisine, and culture collided. Front and center was an island-style bar, where bottles glistened like jewels under low light, and lining the walls were big-screen TVs showing varying events like baseball, basketball, and hockey. One wall section contained cubby-style lockers, and a side room contained enchanting memorabilia like trophies, baseball gloves, and ice skates.
I began with a mocktail, The Raven, its magenta tone a combination of fresh lemon, cranberry juice, blackberry reál, Monin coconut, and grated nutmeg. The tangy, bold flavor woke me up as I took in the vibrant environment.
After my group and I shared fresh oysters, the main course was Korean BBQ chicken, which included Gochujang marinated chicken, charred broccolini, scallion pancakes, and cucumber salad. I especially enjoyed the blackened chicken and charred vegetables, a unique dish for an upscale sports bar.
Coquette: Coastal Mediterranean Elegance and Award-Winning Dining
As I stepped into Coquette, the early evening sun shone through the windows and illuminated that island-style bar, where a ceiling-painted fresco looked down. The evening scene was electric among an interior that evoked coastal Mediterranean culture, with an intricate white and grey tile floor, grey brickwork, and chandeliers reminiscent of octopus arms.
I started with a Sophia Loren mocktail, made of black rice water and lapsang tea, sirop aperitif, and Giffard pineapple. It was the perfect fruity refresher after a day in the sun.
Next was a Tuscan Salad of fregola & kale, rosso di Treviso, confit fennel, sugar snap peas, parmesan crema, and honey walnuts. A fresh oyster or two whetted my appetite before a Dry Aged Strip Steak (10 oz) with black pepper-brandy sauce, roasted garlic butter, fines herbes. Each dish was artistic in preparation, with a neat, detailed presentation and intricate flavors.
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: A Front Door to Modern Boston
Being in the heart of the Seaport District, the hotel provided ample opportunity to enjoy — there was just so much to do. From runs exploring the harbor to rooftop sound meditation, to an evening at a modern art museum, the district hit every note.
Rooftop Reset: Meditation, Soundbath, and the Lifted Pool Deck
I’ve practiced yoga many times, and love the calming effect it provides. But I never realized sound could achieve similar feelings. As I lay on a yoga mat by the rooftop pool, the early Boston sun gleaming down, the instructor played sounds from various bowls, each targeting various systems of the human body. I relaxed and relaxed.
But the kicker was when she walked around and played Koshi chimes, and a feeling of release washed over me. Soulfire Movement Instructor, Michelle Turner-Young, shared, “I took my first sound bath, which made me feel like I was releasing emotions in my body that I didn’t even know were stuck. I noticed in the five years I’ve been doing this practice that after every session, my nervous system relaxes a little bit more.”
Running Boston: From the Seaport to the Charles River and Beyond
Every time I visit Boston, one of my favorite things is running through the city. From the hotel, I stepped out into the Seaport District, with quick access to Boylston Street (where the Boston Marathon finishes), before I ventured across the Harvard Bridge into Cambridge, and then I circled back to run the Charles River Esplanade.
The Charles River water shimmered on the perfect spring day, in the 80s, and the briny smell of the water took me back to childhood vacations to nearby Rockport. Small sailboats with pink sails contrasted with the glass and steel of the Boston skyline.
Next up was an exploration of the Seaport and harbor, where every twist and turn brought something new — a restaurant or a history museum, or even a historic ship floating by the dock. I passed one of my favorite childhood spots — the New England Aquarium — and admired its brushed metal “scales”, and weaved in and out of turns and boulevards, as I chose my own adventure.
A Waterfront City in Motion: Walking the Seaport District
On a walk through the Seaport, I discovered a place of energy and newness, and each block presented something interesting to explore. The central public square, Seaport Common, was in the midst of an ice cream festival between its schedule of outdoor fitness classes, markets, and seasonal installations.
On the walk to the harbor, I kept noticing shops and experiences I’d love to try: an F1 Arcade, a Rag + Bone Boutique, a Lucid Motors showroom, and a Puttshack. That barely covers it. But as the ocean breeze washed between the buildings, I enjoyed taking it all in.
A Night at the ICA: Art, Light, and the Harbor After Dark
As the sun set over the Seaport, my group walked along the Harbor on the way to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). It provided a quiet contemplation after a busy city day, with ideas that changed the way I think.
After entering the waterfront space, a glass elevator with exposed mechanicals whisked us upward and into a world of ideas. The exhibit by Derrick Adams changed my perception of the city, with work that “reflects the relationship between man and monument as representatives of one another.” As a museum curator explained to me, it’s the idea that man designs the city, but then the process reverses, as the city affects man. Fascinating.
My favorite work was Bruma W by Olga de Amaral, a network of painted threads that form geometric shapes as the viewer’s perspective shifts.
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: A Stay That Reflects the City Around It
So many elements intertwined during my stay: a central Seaport location, spaces dedicated to art and design, on-site culinary delights, courteous staff, and so many activities to explore. Mornings were especially nice, as I’d grab a cold brew, blueberry lime scone, and canelé at Cocorico, then set up shop at the lounge by the hotel entrance. Guests and staff buzzed with energy as I watched the world wake up outside the windows.
Also, with Boston as a host city for FIFA 2026, the hotel has several packages for devoted soccer fans. The All Access Pass provides guests with FIFA tickets, along with exclusive access to the city’s coolest experiences, and VIP treatment from touchdown to take off.
Between ages three and nine, I lived close to Boston, in Acton, MA, and the city’s history and vibe have always stayed with me. Red Sox games, Revolutionary War heritage, and New England seafood hold a special place in my heart. But the Seaport brings something new, energizing, and alive. A refreshing contrast to times gone by. And the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport was the perfect place to live in luxury, branch out, and savor the flavors.
If you’re a traveler who lives for activity and appreciates art and design, a stay at the Omni Seaport is just the ticket.
