History, modernized
In Boston, runners rule the road. Whether in packs, in pairs or solo, they sprint past centuries-old landmarks, gliding along the waterfront and breezing through The Seaport’s glassy new developments. Whether or not you share their love for high-intensity cardio, there’s no denying the city’s pulse. It hums with purpose, history and that particular brand of New England confidence that makes you want to lace up your sneakers (or at least grab a coffee and cheer from the sidelines).
I recently returned to the city I knew as a kid and saw it through entirely new eyes, thanks to Marriott’s Meet with Momentum activation. This time, Boston wasn’t just a backdrop of brick and cobblestone; it was a living, breathing meeting destination. I left with a renewed appreciation for just how much this city delivers for planners.
Spaces That Spark Inspiration
My home base was the newly reimagined Sheraton Boston, fresh from a $100 million renovation that transformed it into a modern, light-filled hub for business travelers and meeting pros. The property offers 68,646 sq. ft. of meeting space and 689 guest rooms, all redesigned under Sheraton’s new vision of being “The World’s Gathering Place.”
It’s more than a tagline; it shows up in clever, community-minded details such as signature Community Tables, where impromptu brainstorming happens over coffee, and The Booths, cozy soundproof nooks ideal for quick private meetings or quiet calls. The Studios offer another flexible option, with modular rooms that can morph from creative breakout space to strategy session in minutes. Lounge seating, board games and even complimentary Boston-themed books for your flight home all give the hotel an approachable, human touch that sets it apart.
Of course, Marriott’s portfolio gives planners a wide variety of options across the city, from Boston Marriott Copley Place and The Westin Copley Place, Boston to The Westin Boston Seaport District. The Seaport itself has become one of Boston’s most dynamic neighborhoods, with shiny new architecture and a full menu of fine-dining establishments.
A Walk Through History
Boston is one of those cities where history isn’t just preserved—it’s part of daily life. The best way to experience it? Lace up (or rent a scooter, I won’t judge) and follow The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red-brick path winding through the heart of the city. It passes Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), the Massachusetts State House with its golden dome and Granary Burying Ground, final resting place of patriots like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. You’ll also pass Old South Meeting House, where a little gathering helped spark the American Revolution—no small meeting, that one.
If you’re short on time but long on curiosity, a few more can’t-miss stops include the stately Boston Public Library (with its own incredible meeting spaces), charming Beacon Hill (home to gaslit streets and federal-style row houses that practically beg to be photographed) and Harvard Yard across the river in Cambridge, where history and innovation meet under leafy trees.
And then, of course, there’s Fenway Park, a living legend in its own right and a surprising favorite among event planners. I was lucky enough to step onto the field and even take a few swings from home base. (Let’s just say my batting skills need as much renovation as the Sheraton recently got.)
This article appears in the November/December 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
