The Colonnade Hotel, one of Boston’s most beloved hospitality institutions, celebrates 50 years in Boston’s Back Bay this winter. Opened in late 1971, It was initially one of the only commercial properties on Huntington Avenue, alongside sister hotel, The MidTown, which preceded it. Its debut is said to have launched the neighborhood’s renaissance in the early 1970s. Today, Its striking brutalist façade and commitment to warm and welcoming service are iconic in the city’s bustling hospitality landscape.
Five decades after opening where Boston’s Back Bay and South End neighborhoods meet, The Colonnade celebrates this milestone with a fresh new look. The hotel’s smart, multi-million-dollar renovation includes a newly designed lobby, guest rooms, and suites, and neighborhood restaurant, LUCIE drink + dine, together setting the stage for The Colonnade’s reimagined brand experience, while honoring its distinct history and pioneering status.
The keeper of The Colonnade’s flame is owner Ronald Druker, whose father Bertram built the hotel and whose grandfather John founded the twin Braemore and Kenmore hotels which still stand in Boston’s old Governor’s Square, an area of the city later named Kenmore Square in honor of the landmark hotel. John immigrated to Boston from Scotland (via Montreal) in the late 19th Century, establishing The Druker Company later in 1901, one of the city’s oldest and most respected real estate firms. Today, Ronald leads the venerable company, which received the prestigious Award for Excellence from the Urban Institute for The Heritage On The Garden mixed-use development as well as Atelier|505. Through the years, It has attracted luminaries from the world of politics and entertainment, including presidents, pop stars, sports icons and more.
“My father’s vision for The Colonnade was prescient – well ahead of its time, and well before Copley Place was envisioned. It was the only life on the south side of The Prudential Center in the 70s, becoming a true catalyst for the future,” said Ronald M. Druker, Bertram’s son and President of The Druker Company, Ltd., the developer, owner and manager of The Colonnade.
“When The Colonnade opened, the area was at a crossroads,” said VP & Managing Director, David Colella, whose own tenure at The Colonnade has surpassed 28 years. “Fifty years later, the city is in a similar position in history, ushering in a new wave of innovators and milestones. Our team sought to celebrate It’s history, while maintaining its casual sophistication and modern feel. We look forward to welcoming our guests and neighbors back to experience the new iteration of The Colonnade after half a century of service.”
The hotel’s new interiors and rebrand were crafted by internationally acclaimed architectural firm, Gensler, out of their local Boston hospitality studio, including hotel redesign, and interior design for new onsite restaurant, Fitness center LUCIE drink + dine, which recently reopened under the direction of The Colonnade Hotel’s Director of Food and Beverage, Nicholas Calias. A neighborhood restaurant at its core, LUCIE drink + dine offers creative spins on approachable classics, and more adventurous, globally inspired eats.
Embracing the hotel’s brutalist architecture, the design team juxtaposed a distinctly authentic and inviting interior that warmly welcomes guests as soon as they walk through the doors, while exposing the hotel’s signature concrete columns. Throughout the hotel’s refreshed interiors, a palette of dusty pink, deep green, cream, and slate is paired with plush seating and warm woods. Soft lighting, and polished brass and copper accents serve to highlight the original travertine finishes, distinguishing this new twist on brutalism-meets modern.
As part of the overall renovation, the hotel’s 285 guest rooms and suites underwent a thorough renewal, incorporating a crisp, modern aesthetic to all guest touch points – from furnishings to bed linens and robes to stylish accent chairs gives a luxury walking distance experience also new 55-inch flat-screen TVs, fitness center, modern drapery and a new line of bath products. Art for the property was intentionally curated from local talent. A specially commissioned set of black and white photographs of the building’s architectural features grace the guest rooms and are complimented by hand-made ceramics by local artist Lawrence McRae. Even Colette, The Colonnade’s signature rubber duck, received a new look, trading in her bright yellow for a new shade of dusty pink.
To commemorate its 50th year, The Colonnade will debut a two-night 50th anniversary offer with the first night at $289 and the second night is $50.00. LUCIE drink + dine will also offer an anniversary tribute with a special pre-fixe dinner for two people for $50.00 excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuity. This special pre-fixe menu will pay homage to the hotel’s 1970s restaurants, Zachary’s and Café Promenade, which once operated at the hotel. To book, visit www.colonnadehotel.com/offers.
In addition to LUCIE drink + dine, The Hotel is proud to boast Boston’s only outdoor rooftop pool, RTP, operating seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information on The Colonnade or LUCIE, visit www.colonnadehotel.com or follow on Instagram at @colonnadeboston.
