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Fairmont Copley Plaza

A legacy in Boston

our Story

Fairmont Copley Plaza has been a Boston landmark since it first opened its doors in 1912. Nestled in the heart of Back Bay, this grand hotel has long been a gathering place for distinguished guests—from presidents and dignitaries to renowned artists. Steeped in history and timeless elegance, it continues to be a cornerstone of Boston's cultural and social scene.

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1876 – 1909

Fairmont Copley Plaza was built on the original site of the Museum of Fine Arts, which was in Copley Square from 1876 until 1909 when the museum moved into its existing building on Huntington Avenue.

1910

The “E” shaped building is a city block large and strongly supported by wooden pilings driven to the depth of 70 feet below street level.

1912

A Boston icon, The Copley Plaza opened on August 19, 1912, with a grand reception hosted by Mayor John F. "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, President Kennedy’s grandfather. Over 1,000 prominent guests attended, with rooms booked 16 months in advance.

1930

During Prohibition, the Oak Bar was known as the Merry-Go-Round Bar, a lively gathering place. Patrons celebrated the end of Prohibition in 1933 at The Copley Plaza’s famous Merry-Go-Round Bar, which featured a working merry-go-round.

Between 1939 – 1945

During World War II, the hotel’s elevator “boys” had to be over 65, so younger men were free for military service.

Historical Moments at the Copley Plaza

A Boston icon since 1912, Fairmont Copley Plaza has welcomed generations of guests with its unmatched grandeur and historic charm. As a witness to the city’s evolving story, the hotel continues to be a living landmark of timeless luxury.

Innovator from the start

Fairmont Copley Plaza is known for these industry firsts: first completely air-conditioned hotel in Boston, first hotel with international reservations system, first hotel anywhere to accept credit cards, and first to offer direct telephone dialing.

Awards

Fairmont Copley Plaza is honored to have been recognized as one of the best luxury resorts in Boston by many respected organizations, industry groups and publications around the world.

  • 1994-2025 AAA Four Diamond Award

  • 2018-2025 Recommended by Forbes Travel Guide

  • 2019-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels - Gold Rank

  • 2020-2025 The Knot Best of Weddings – Venues

  • 2022-2024 OpenTable Diners' Choice Winner

our commitmentto the future

We believe that the notion of hospitality is inseparable from the notion of responsibility: not only welcoming people, but also taking care of people, the communities and the world around us.

Sustainable Responsibility

Fairmont was the world’s first luxury hotel brand worldwide to embrace environmental stewardship and we have been a pioneering force in the hospitality industry ever since. Today, sustainability remains central to who we are at Fairmont Copley Plaza.