Omni Parker House
Boston has a long-standing hospitality tradition. The first in a row was Tremont House (1829 – c. 1895), sometimes referred to as the Tremont Hotel, was designed in 1829 by Isaiah Rogers and became a significant part of the city's history. Located at the corner of Tremont and Beacon Streets, its neoclassical, four-story granite façade made it an iconic structure of its time. Notable guests included Davy Crockett and Charles Dickens.
The Tremont House set the standard for modern hotels, incorporating several pioneering features: indoor plumbing, indoor toilets and baths, a dedicated reception area, locked rooms for guests, free soap, and the use of bellboys. These innovations became foundational elements of the modern grand hotel experience.
Although the Tremont House closed its doors by the end of the 19th century, it served as an exemplary model for luxury and convenience in hospitality. The next in line, and the oldest city hotel still in operation today, is the Omni Parker House, continuing Boston's legacy of grand hotel tradition.
The Omni Parker House in Boston, an enduring symbol of luxury and heritage, holds a special place in literary and hospitality history. Among its most illustrious guests was the English author Charles Dickens, who, during his 1867–1868 stay, resided in his own apartments for five months. It was here that he first performed "A Christmas Carol" for the esteemed Saturday Club, before captivating the public at the nearby Tremont Temple. Dickens cherished the hotel, and it became a haven for him during his American tours.
The Parker House has preserved a tangible connection to this storied past. The very door to Dickens’ guest room and the mirror he used for rehearsals remain treasured artefacts, serving as reminders of the hotel’s rich cultural legacy. This blend of history and unmatched quality has made the Parker House a timeless landmark, offering guests a unique opportunity to step into the footsteps of greatness.
The Parker House became part of Omni Hotels & Resorts in the 1980s, under the ownership of TRT Holdings, led by Robert Rowling. The name “Omni” signifies a focus on offering comprehensive, high-quality hospitality experiences globally.
Key Historical Milestones:
1. Founding and Early Years (1855):
• The hotel was established by Harvey D. Parker, a businessman who envisioned a luxurious and comfortable space for travellers in the heart of Boston. It soon became known for its high standards and innovative dining options.
2. Literary and Political Hub:
• The Parker House was not just a hotel; it was a gathering spot for notable literary and political figures. The Saturday Club, consisting of writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, met here regularly.
• Charles Dickens resided at the Parker House during his American tours in the 1860s, and he gave his first public reading of A Christmas Carol in the hotel’s Mirror Room.
For over 150 years, the Omni Parker House has been an iconic Boston setting in literature and stories. In The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton stages a pivotal meeting between Mr. Newland Archer and Countess Ellen Olenska at the Parker House, where Archer rushes to find her. In The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner has Quentin Compson dine at Parker’s Restaurant before his tragic end at the Charles River. Arthur Miller references the hotel in Death of a Salesman, where Willy Loman claims to have met a salesman there, showcasing the hotel’s business heritage.
Though Stephen King’s short story 1408 is often linked to the haunted Room 303, his assistant has dismissed this connection. Mark Twain stayed at the Parker House in 1877 and famously remarked, “I’m pretty near heaven—not theologically, of course, but by the hotel standard.” This quote inspired Heaven, By Hotel Standards, a book chronicling the hotel’s history.
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History includes a scene where characters stay at the Parker House, referencing Charles Dickens’ visits, further cementing its literary heritage. In The Boston Girl, Anita Diamant sets a scene at the hotel during a disappointing date, tying modern narratives to its storied past. The Grammy-winning Parker Quartet, based in Boston, even draws its name from the hotel, highlighting its influence on the arts. The Omni Parker House remains an integral part of Boston’s cultural and literary history.
3. Culinary Contributions:
• The Parker House is also celebrated for its culinary legacy. The Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls were both invented here and remain iconic dishes.
• The hotel’s dining experience, especially at Parker’s Restaurant, became a benchmark for New England cuisine.
4. Famous Employees:
• The hotel’s legacy includes notable employees like Ho Chi Minh, who worked as a baker in the early 20th century, and Malcolm X, who served as a busboy before rising to prominence.
5. Reconstruction and Expansion (1920-1927):
• In 1920, the original building was demolished to make way for a larger and more modern structure. The hotel reopened in 1927, preserving its historic character while expanding its capacity and facilities.
6. A Political Venue:
• The Parker House has played a role in American politics. Future President John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for Congress at the hotel and held his bachelor party here. The hotel has long been a favourite venue for political meetings and speeches, hosting figures such as Ulysses S. Grant and Daniel Webster.
7. Modern Era and Ownership by Omni:
• In the 1980s, the Parker House became part of the Omni Hotels & Resorts group. While the ownership changed, the hotel’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage remained.
• The hotel continues to be a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities, serving as both a historic site and a luxury destination.
The Omni Parker House remains a symbol of Boston’s cultural, literary, and political history, offering guests the opportunity to experience its storied past while enjoying contemporary hospitality.
Before becoming part of Omni Hotels & Resorts in the 1980s, the Parker House operated independently for much of its history. It was originally established and run by its founder, Harvey D. Parker, and later managed by various private owners and operators who maintained its historic legacy over the decades.
Richard Mason
Paul J. Sacco
Parker´s fine dining and breakfast/brunch. The last Hurrah, bar and grille, lunch & Dinner
Note available at the moment.