The Omni Parker House first opened its doors in 1855 under the name “Parker House,” making it the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States. Located at 60 School Street in downtown Boston, at the intersection of Tremont and School Street, the hotel stands just steps away from significant historical landmarks and is positioned along the famous Freedom Trail. Over the decades, Omni Parker House has witnessed—and in many ways participated in—American history, hosting presidents, writers, political figures, and countless travelers.
What makes Omni Parker House truly exceptional is how it manages to preserve its deep historical roots while offering modern comforts. The current building dates back to 1927, replacing the original 19th-century structure, yet the hotel retains its legacy through careful preservation, design cues, and storied past. Inside, guests are greeted by an ambience that evokes classic elegance — marble flooring, refined décor, and touches that respect the hotel’s heritage even as they integrate updated amenities after recent renovations.
The accommodations at Omni Parker House reflect a blend of historic charm and contemporary convenience. The hotel offers 551 guestrooms and suites, each equipped with modern furnishings, comfort features, and amenities typical of a first-class hotel, while still nodding to a storied past. For guests, this means experiencing a sense of continuity with history without sacrificing comfort — from crisp linens and modern technology to elegant bathrooms and thoughtful room design.
Beyond lodging, Omni Parker House is celebrated for its culinary heritage. It is famously the birthplace of the now-iconic Boston Cream Pie and the buttery, soft Parker House roll — both of which originated in the hotel’s kitchen decades ago and remain served in its restaurant to this day. The hotel’s restaurant and dining venues have long attracted both guests and residents of Boston seeking classic New England flavors in a historic setting.
For visitors planning meetings, events, or conferences, Omni Parker House offers substantial facilities: around 23,000 square feet of event space, including a notable rooftop ballroom, multiple meeting rooms, and services tailored to modern needs. Meanwhile, for leisure travelers, its location places them within walking distance of cultural and historic Boston attractions — from the Freedom Trail to green spaces, historic neighborhoods, museums, and vibrant marketplaces.
Over the years, Omni Parker House has not only served as accommodation, but also as a gathering place for thinkers, writers, politicians, and artists. In the mid-19th century it hosted the gatherings of the literary group Saturday Club, whose members included prominent writers and intellectuals. The hotel’s legacy is therefore not only architectural, but cultural — a living institution embedded in American history.
In sum, Omni Parker House stands as a remarkable synthesis of past and present. It is at once a historic landmark — bearing witness to nearly two centuries of American history — and a modern luxury hotel that meets the expectations of contemporary travelers. Whether one comes for its storied halls, its culinary heritage, its prime location, or its modern comforts, staying at Omni Parker House offers more than just lodging: it offers an experience steeped in history, comfort, and a deep sense of continuity with the past.