A Legend is Reborn: Boston’s Omni Parker House Enters a New Era, Elevated for a New Generation
A Beloved American Icon, the Reimagined Omni Parker House Will Be Unveiled This Summer, Ahead of the Hotel’s 170th Anniversary
Boston, MA — (March 26, 2025) — Located in the heart of downtown Boston, the Omni Parker House stands as an unwavering testament to the city's storied past. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to preserving its legacy, the Boston landmark is undergoing a complete rebirth that seamlessly blends its heritage with refined, timeless elegance. The extensive work, set to be complete by summer 2025, enhances every aspect of the guest experience, with updates spanning all 551 guest rooms, including 57 suites, 23,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including the renowned Rooftop Ballroom, and the hotel’s vibrant lobby.
"Over my nearly two decades at the Omni Parker House, I’ve witnessed the deep connection this iconic hotel holds—not just for generations of Bostonians, but for travelers from around the world," said John Murtha, General Manager at Omni Parker House. "No other hotel offers such a strong sense of place and a story as authentic as ours. This hotel is more than just a place to stay, it’s a monument to one of America’s most charismatic cities, and by investing in its reimagination we’re ensuring it remains a vibrant centerpiece of Boston for future generations of guests.”
Drawing from the hotel’s rich 19th century heritage, the design pays homage to the golden age of travel – an era when horse-drawn carriages epitomized travel elegance. On entering the hotel, the lobby will welcome guests with new marble flooring, bespoke furnishings, and custom carpets adorned with the Parker House crest, setting a tone of refined sophistication. Each of the refurbished and elevated guest rooms seamlessly blends classic splendor with contemporary comfort, featuring elegantly designed bathrooms with marble surfaces, walk-in showers, and thoughtfully curated amenities.
"The Parker House holds a special place in my heart, and designing its next chapter was an incredible honor," said Tonya Grine, Senior Director of Interior Design for Omni Hotels & Resorts. "The Omni Parker House has long set the standard for hospitality—a vision first established by Harvey Parker and a guiding inspiration for me throughout this project. My goal was to restore its timeless elegance, drawing from the experiences of its earliest guests while seamlessly integrating modern comforts, ensuring this legendary property inspires and welcomes travelers for generations to come."
A living testament to one of America’s most charismatic cities, the new Omni Parker House takes inspiration from this status as a Boston original. A highlight of the renewal is the transformation of the Premier Suites into "Legend Suites," each uniquely designed to honor Boston’s most revered figures, institutions and landmarks. Notable suites include the Harvey Parker Presidential Suite and the Freedom Trail Family Suite, offering guests an authentic experience that unlocks the essence of Boston.
Whether traveling for business or leisure, from the moment patrons step through its doors, they’ll feel inspired and exhilarated. As part of the rebirth, each of Omni Parker House’s 19 distinctive meeting rooms have been completely reimagined, catering to the ever evolving needs of today’s intrepid explorers and interested independents. The Dickens Room is now a sophisticated executive boardroom, while the Rooftop Ballroom – a sought-after venue for weddings, social gatherings, and political events – has been brought back to life with inspiration from the refined style of the hotel's notable female patrons.
“For 170 years, the Omni Parker House has been at the center of American culture, a gathering place where literary giants, baseball legends, and political leaders shaped ideas that still resonate with us today,” said Susan Wilson, Omni Parker House Historian and author of Heaven, by Hotel Standards. “From the spirited debates of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow at the Saturday Club, to the camaraderie of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and David Ortiz, some of the world’s most venerated figures have walked these halls. This work is more than a transformation of the Omni Parker House - it’s a rebirth for a new era.”
For more information on the rebirth of the Omni Parker House and to make a reservation, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/boston-parker-house.
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About Omni Parker House
Nestled in the heart of Boston along the Freedom Trail, the Omni Parker House stands as an enduring symbol of the city's rich heritage and hospitality. As the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States, this iconic establishment has welcomed guests since its founding in 1855 by Harvey Parker. A stage for memorable moments and cultural milestones, the Omni Parker House is the birthplace of two legendary culinary creations—the Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls—as well as the origin of the term “scrod,” now synonymous with fresh New England fish. Over the years, the hotel has hosted an impressive roster of luminaries, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Henry David Thoreau, Charles Dickens, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Yet, its legacy extends beyond its famous guests. Among its notable former employees are Malcolm X, Ho Chi Minh, and Emeril Lagasse, each of whom went on to leave a lasting mark on the world. The Omni Parker House has also played a role in shaping American politics. President John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for Congress within its storied walls and later proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier at Table 40 in Parker’s Restaurant. From its timeless elegance to its deep ties to Boston’s cultural landscape, the Omni Parker House remains a cherished landmark and a destination for travelers from around the world.
About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, memorable guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the country’s most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 28 iconic golf courses, and multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.