BOSTON (October 7, 2024) – The Pennyweight Hotel Boston, Curio Collection by Hilton, officially opened its doors to guests on October 1st. The Pennyweight brings a new lifestyle-driven hospitality experience just steps away from TD Garden, the North End and Beacon Hill. Melding a timeless authenticity with a contemporary spirit, the hotel’s 112 stylish guest rooms and suites are complemented with a fresh new food and beverage concept and locally curated art program offering inspired spaces to connect.
The Pennyweight is an epicenter of urban discovery at the intersection of Boston’s resilient past and innovative present with clever nods to the neighborhood’s storied history as a multicultural melting pot with enterprising, artisanal character. The hotel is conveniently located one block from TD Garden, the city’s renowned sports, arts and entertainment hub, and is also within walking distance to other area attractions including Faneuil Hall, Boston Public Market, the North End, Beacon Hill and more. Given its prime location, the Pennyweight is poised to be the ultimate destination for business and leisure travelers alike along with sports fans, foodies and explorers seeking social spaces to convene, dine, work and play.
Taking inspiration from Boston’s revolutionary beginnings and merchandising legacy, coupled with its address, 155 Portland Street, the hotel’s name and brand pay homage to the exact measurement of something precious: a pennyweight is 1.55 grams. In a city where tradition has long been the currency of choice, The Pennyweight trades in originality with exquisitely curated experiences in artful proportion. The Pennyweight draws the best and brightest of the city and hosts a community of uncommon appeal.
Featuring 112 well-appointed guest rooms and suites with modern amenities such as sumptuously curved upholstered headboards with soft tubular blackened metal arches; open closets with rose gold, copper and wood finishes; and working movable laptop tables and corner lounges, the Pennyweight offers an urban oasis in the heart of the city. The rooms are designed with a clean, minimalistic aesthetic that is reflective of the timeless appeal of Boston’s brownstones, paired with a fresh contemporary twist. Their soft palette of greens and neutral tones are juxtaposed by bold ensuite bathrooms that feature black-and-white newspaper printed wallpaper designs, striking black quartz freestanding vanities with rose gold fittings, open showers with floor-to-ceiling black metal framed glass panels, modern black fixtures with dual shower controls and modeled subway tile. The eye-catching bathroom wallpaper was created with a collection of repurposed print articles from the iconic West Ender newsletter along with Pennyweight brand emblems as a nod to the neighborhood’s storied past.
Designed by JCJ Architecture, the design and finishes evoke an urban sophistication with an eclectic and irresistible spirit. “We approached the Pennyweight Hotel’s design with a deep respect for Boston’s history, while also embracing the city’s character,” said Carrie Nielsen, Associate and Senior Project Designer at JCJ Architecture. “Situated in the heart of the West End, the hotel’s design layers elements of the neighborhood’s storied past with modern touches that speak to the innovative spirit shaping Boston today. From the vibrant lobby and its blend of rich materials to the eclectic guest rooms, every detail is crafted to offer guests a uniquely Bostonian experience—one that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. The result is an experience that invites discovery and sparks connection, a true reflection of the city’s past, present, and future.”
The Pennyweight’s elegant lobby boasts a collection of soft lush seating and gathering spaces, which set the stage for rich social experiences, community and collaboration. The lobby’s warm autumn copper panel painted walls are complemented by white oak flooring, a sleek marble front desk, and plush settees and chairs. Artisan crafted aged copper details are also blended with bold contrasting black and white stones, blackened metal and copper and glass accents to create a curated alchemy of modern industrial design.
Art Collection
The hotel’s public spaces are adorned with an eclectic collection of locally sourced artwork and artifacts that further illuminate the illustrious heritage and evolution of Boston through a playful assortment of custom prints, paintings and memorabilia. The Pennyweight’s purposeful art program, which is on display throughout the property, was curated by Boston-based art consultancy Alchemy Station.
“We curated a collection for the Pennyweight that embodies Boston: smart, historic, edgy, quirky, bold and beautiful,” said Suzi Hlavacek, Co-Founder, Alchemy Station. “The works by local artists ignite curiosity about the past while magnifying today’s cool creators. This collection is all about the vibrant energy of Bostonians, from the revolutionaries of yesterday to the rule breakers of today.”
Inspired by the rebels and revolutionaries that made Boston the cradle of the American Revolution and the West End’s industrial legacy, the art collection at the Pennyweight is brimming with custom-designed works from both local and national artists. Artworks in a multitude of media are showcased throughout the property, highlighting artists who innovate with seemingly ordinary materials and familiar imagery, transforming these elements into something new and unexpected. Just a few of the featured artworks include:
- A woodcut diptych by multimedia Boston-born artist and tattooist Duke Riley whose work is inspired by waterfront cultures and maritime folk art
- A modern take on Copley Square’s John Singleton Copley statue painted by local artist Andrew Fish, combining digital media with traditional painting and titled John Copley with Boombox
- Embroidered marine flag pennant banners with encouraging messages by local artist Andy Li
- A digital collage that pays homage to Boston’s many majestic lion sculptures by local artist Ari Hauben titled Keep Dreaming 1
- And an original 1652 oak tree shilling that Bostonians were minting almost 400 years ago to fund the growing pine harvest, an industry born to supply ship masts in this port city
- Photographs of Iconic stage moments in Boston, Like Donna Summer, the Boston-born “Queen of Disco”
Dining at 155 On Portland
The Pennyweight’s signature restaurant and bar concept, 155 On Portland, offers a modern culinary program that transitions from an espresso bar by day to a cocktail bar by night. Located on the ground floor, 155 On Portland opens as an extension of the Pennyweight lobby, serving breakfast, coffee drinks and on-the-go pastries and breakfast sandwiches in the morning followed by elevated American bar fare, shareable plates, craft cocktails and a curated selection of beer and wine in the evening. Notable menu items include the 155 Burger, Lobster Pasta alla Vodka and Warm Crab Dip. 155 On Portland also boasts an expansive outdoor patio space which features comfortable seating, mood lighting, seasonal activations and programming.
“We are thrilled to bring the Pennyweight to Boston’s topnotch hospitality community,” said Bill McQuillan, Founding Principal, Boylston Properties. “As native Bostonians, we are proud to invest in our great city and felt that there was a white space in the market when it comes to a boutique offering paired with the strength of Curio Collection by Hilton brand quality and execution, in the burgeoning West End.”
“The Pennyweight is the ultimate cultural nexus where ‘in the know’ spirit can be felt from the moment you step foot through the doors,” said Ed Wiles, General Manager, Pennyweight Hotel Boston. “Whether guests are traveling from out of town or locals are coming in from around the corner, the Pennyweight offers access to a different side of Boston where our team of experts delivers best in class service, curated recommendations, and immersive experiences. We are honored to contribute to the neighborhood with our food and beverage program, artful spaces, and so much more.”
The Pennyweight is owned by Boylston Properties, the award-winning New England based real estate development firm. The hotel is part of Curio Collection by Hilton, which is a global portfolio of bespoke hotels with distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage, and curated experiences.
The Pennyweight is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program with nearly 195 million members for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry- leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key. To join, visit HiltonHonors.com.
The Pennyweight offers a new space for culture and connection, inspired food and beverage, storied service, and curated experiences in Boston. The Pennyweight infuses a new breed of lifestyle hospitality to the city, making it an ideal destination for business travel, a weekend getaway, an urban escape, cultural exploration, and so much more.
For more information, please visit www.pennyweighthotel.com and follow along @pennyweightboston.
