Hotel History

Located in historic Back Bay, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston stands alongside the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and Hancock Tower, as the architectural landmarks of Copley Square. Since its opening in 1912, the elegant hotel has stood as a symbol of Boston's rich tradition of culture, history and hospitality.

Constructed on the original site of The Museum of Fine Arts, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed The Plaza in New York and The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The hotel's Oval Room, considered one of the most beautiful rooms in Boston, features a realistic sky and cloud ceiling mural. Legend has it that, when John Singer Sargent was painting the murals at the Boston Public Library, he would often come to the hotel and watch the artisans paint the Oval Room's mural as he enjoyed his lunch. The artisans asked Sargent to add his touch to the mural. Sargent mounted the scaffolding and painted an angel. Sargent's angel graced the ceiling for over 30 years until the mural was painted over during renovations in the 40s. Today, Sargent's angel is the invisible guardian of the Oval Room.

Nearly every U.S. President since Taft has stayed at The Fairmont Copley Plaza. Many foreign dignitaries, royalty and countless celebrities have also graced the Boston hotel. In addition, The Fairmont Copley Plaza has been featured in several major motion pictures including The Firm and Blown Away.

Today, The Fairmont Copley Plaza celebrates the completion of a $34 million renovation and restoration, which included all of the guestrooms and suites, meeting space and the addition of Fairmont Gold.

As part of the renovation, The Fairmont Copley Plaza has added eight suites themed around Boston's rich culture and history. The cultural partners for this project are the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Science, the Boston Pops, the Freedom Trail and the Sports Museum. Working with curators and archivists from these organizations, the suites feature artwork and memorabilia designed to give guests an authentic Boston experience.