Beacon Hill Holiday Stroll December 10, 2009

The most Charming Way to usher in the Holidays...

Charles Street is closed to traffic, Santa poses for pictures with the kids at Hill House, the big Christmas Tree is lit at the Charles Street Meeting House, free carraige rides up and down the street while carollers serenade and a brass trio heralds the joys of the season. The shops and restaurants are stocked with special treats, many offer gifts or drawings. Garland and twinkling lights frame shop windows and gas lamposts, and Boston Common trees are adorned with lights, the BIG Christmas Tree and Frog Pond skaters complete the perfect holiday scene.

For more information check the Beacon Hill Business Association website .

Call us to book a room and make an evening of the Stroll!

617-314-8900

Holidays in the City

I remember the first time I saw the building at 94 Charles Street, the townhouse that is now the Charles Street Inn. It was after a Nor’easter, the street bathed in white, and the whole scene looked like something out of Dickens: piles of fresh snow, gas lamps alight, the sidewalks shimmering red brick where they had been shoveled, people hurrying with life’s daily business. It had a look and a feel unlike any other American city I had seen. A few years later, when we began creating the inn, it was that feeling and elegance we tried to capture. I still think the holidays are the best time to experience the beauty of city life in Boston.

Like many of you, I love the holidays, the chance to gather with family and friends, to reflect and celebrate our time together. For those coming to Boston for family gatherings or having family visit from far away, we hang out our welcome sign to you all! There’s nothing like a fire on a cold day, or a cozy gathering with friends in the comfort of one of our rooms. But I also know the strain of the holidays— running over hill and dale to spend the requisite half hour with every living relative, packing kids and gifts and heading out into what one hopes will remain a small, isolated snow squall. Yes, holidays can bring a special stress all their own. So when you’re ready to get away for a night— maybe when you need that night away— come check out our reasonable mid-week rates, or extend for an unwinding weekend. Soak in the whirlpool tub, relax in front of the fire. Let those shoulder muscles relax, the ones that usually stay tense through March. We hope we can serve folks who need a short break from the holidays as well.

Speaking of the holidays, if you haven’t heard, Bob Dylan has released a holiday album. No, seriously! An interesting segue into the last third of life, I’d say. If there was a “voice of a generation” for my (boomer) generation, it would have to be Bob; not that I ever cared for his voice, but his ability to simultaneously lead and sum-up the mood of American youth in the sixties and seventies was almost uncanny. So Dylan is in Boston for a series of concerts, November 13, 14, and 15.

The Celtics are back and bringing it on the hardwood again this season. They’ve added perennial NBA bad-boy Rasheed Wallace (older and wiser, the bean-town media assures us!). Their November opponents at the Garden include the brash, young Atlanta Hawks, the Phoenix Suns, the Magic and the 76ers. Later in the season, don’t miss big battles in Boston against the Cavaliers (now with Shaquille O’Neal) and the defending champion Lakers of Los Angles.

Well, it’s late on Halloween as I wrap this up, and the Hill is crawling with ghosts and ghouls— children and adults alike. People here go to great lengths decorating their homes with colored lights, long strands of cotton cob webs, and all manner of rubber bats, spiders and other Halloween ickies. For me, I love to take in the electric atmosphere of the city and the way it blooms with each new season.

Looking forward to welcoming you soon!

LV

Theater happenings in Boston

Hi Everyone,

As dong things outside becomes less attractive, the theater scene in Boston really heats up, and I wanted to take a second to highlight a couple choice events.

Just wanted to report about a GREAT and unusual night of theater I had last weekend. SLEEP NO MORE, the American Repertory Theater's collaboration with London's Punchdrunk Theater is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The companies have taken an old school and created an entire world based on Shakespeare's MACBETH that you can walk around in. You are, at times, shoulder-to-shoulder with the actors as they act out, largely wordlessly, the scenes from the play. So the show is like a puzzle--you might see a middle scene first, or say, as I did, Lady Macbeth freaking out in her room, agonizing over the murders committed by her husband. Then you might take in the scene of King Duncan arriving at the Macbeth's, portrayed as a gala complete with a dance number. You put it together as you go, as you take in the experience unfolding all around you. The "sets" (rooms) are done in 1920s style, and the evening has an eeriness that takes over as you step into this strange new world. A total theater immersion, Shakespeare meets David Lynch with a little Hitchcock thrown in. It plays through January 3, so there's plenty of time to come in for a night of unforgettable theater. For more info: http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/events/show/sleep-no-more

Also coming up is Broadway's Avenue Q. Every been watching one of those talking puppet shows with your kids and thought that someone should make a hilarious adult puppet show? Well, Avenue Q is that show! It's on Nov. 17-22nd at the Colonial down in the theater district, and would be a great night out--a chance to cut loose a bit and enjoy a little irreverent adult fun.

Otherwise, things are going strong here at the inn. Man, we have been PACKED, as anyone who has recently called for a last-minute room knows. But never fear! Things loosen up a bit in November, so if you're thinking about coming down for one of the upcoming shows (and the two above are only two among many), we've got you! A little fire in the fireplace, a little vino, a nice dinner, a great show, then back to the romantic confines of the inn for...whatever. Sounds like a good night to me!

Great Food at GREAT Prices

Scores of Boston's finest restaurants featuring haute cuisine to family style fare in every ethnic variety are offering 3 course Prix-fixe dinners for $33.09 and 3 course Prix-fixe lunches for $20.09 druing August Restaurant Week.From August 9-14 and August 16-21, 2009 Chefs are creating special treats to introduce newcomers to their cuisine and reward repeat customers. There is no better time to visit Boston, take in the MFA Rivals in Venice Exhibit, enjoy The Jersey Boys at The Shubert Theater, catch a Red Sox game or relax on Boston Common as The Commonwealth Shakespeare Comapny presents A Comedy of Errors nightly until August 16.

Make your plan and call us to book a room at 617-314-8900 or book on line at The Charles Street Inn!

Shakespeare in South Beach

Comonwealth Shakepeare Theater Company is doing it again-performing one of the Bard's masterpieces outdoors at Parkman Pavillion on Boston Common. This production of The Comedy of Errors is set in 1930's South Beach with Latin Jazz Clubs in Art Deco Hotels, music and the robust humor in dialogue only the master could have contrived. Check out their web site, choose a date and then call the Inn to book your room. Pair this fabulous theaterical event with a 3 cousre dinner at one of our nearby restaurants during Restuarant Week,
August 9-14 and 16-24, 2009.

Come celebrate Summer at The Charles Street Inn, an authentic Boston experience-not just a place to stay.

Restaurant Week and More

Temperature will reach 60 degrees today, and March is shaping up to be a banner month for high value fun in Boston.

Winter Restaurant week will be observed March 15-20 and March 22-27 this year will a host of Boston's Best eateries offering up special menus and preparations of their favorites for the remarkably low price of $20.09 for a three course lunch and $33.09 for a three course dinner. There's even a 2 course luncheon option for only $15.09, All of our favorite Beacon Hill restaurants like Toscano, Lala Rokh and Bin 26 Enoteca are participating as are scores of North End, Downtown and South End Foodie Havens. Click on www.bostonusa.com/visit/restaurantweek and check out the list.

Book now because seatings are limited and then go to our website www.charlesstreetinn.com or call us at 617-314-8900 to book your room.

Our rates are a real value now reflecting the temper of the times. Don't miss out on a chance to get away from it all for a day or two or give a special treat to someone you care about.

Time is Right

Only hearty Sailors brave the Charles River at this time of year, but....

Crocus leaves have appeared, grass has greened up, snow has melted, and it is a great time to take advantage of sales in shops on Charles Street, Newbury Street, Copley Place and Downtown Crossing. The Charles Street Inn offers great dinner specials at three nearby restaurants, an Elegant Seduction Package featuring red roses, champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries or the ultimate In Room massage to make your Boston getaway a real treat.

Visit or call us at 617-314-8900/877-772-8900 to make your plans.