A pitcher’s throw away from the home of the Boston Red Sox, the Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway strayed a bit from the typical Marriott brand standard and took a swing at incorporating some of that old Boston charm into their newly renovated suites. From the wall finishes and case goods down to the modern carpet motif, this stylish all-suite hotel is a love letter to Boston’s historic landmarks, beautiful scenery, and favorite pastime – baseball.

The designs and accents of the guestrooms were inspired by the rich Back Bay history and famous Boston landmarks only steps away. Soft leather sleeper sofas were included in guestrooms as a nod to the leather baseball gloves of the city’s home team and newly installed carpet with a geometric motif pulled in the iconic triangle of the Citgo sign that can be seen from guests’ windows. 

In January 2022 Continental was tasked with completing a total renovation of the hotel’s 175 all-suite guestrooms, 188 baths, and six two-bedroom suites, in just three months. “The project had to be completely done before Patriots’ Day, April 18, 2022, the day of the 126th Boston Marathon,” recalls Project Manager Kate Penn. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon according to the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) website, organizer of the Boston Marathon since the event’s inception in 1897. Not only is this prestigious race one of six World Marathon Majors, but it’s also a huge tourist draw for the city of Boston. This one, however, was extra special because it was also the first full return to the event since Covid caused the cancellation of the race in 2020 and the postponement of the 2021 race. 

Continental worked closely with hotel personnel, subcontractors, and suppliers to complete the all-suite renovation on a strict deadline, transforming the dated hotel into an upscale respite for visitors to the historic Back Bay. “Teamwork, camaraderie, and good collaboration are key on a project like this,” Penn said. “The biggest challenge was completing the renovation in a busy, urban setting with tight spaces. There is a lot of added difficulty with large truck deliveries, unloading, and traffic, to name a few. Fortunately, the hotel was very accommodating and helped in trying to make it go as smoothly as possible.”  

The revitalized, modern design of the rooms included refinished kitchen cabinets, new stone-top dining tables and TV stands. The bedrooms were updated with new carpet, wallcoverings, paint, upholstered headboards, upgraded light fixtures, and new case goods and artwork that tied in the thematic elements of the city. All bathrooms were equipped with new shelving and wallcoverings and updated vanities also included the installation of electric mirrors.

Continental pulled together to complete the whole project in three months, finishing three days ahead of the Boston Marathon and just one week after MLB Opening Day at Fenway Park. All in all, we’d say this project was a home run!