How European hotel chain citizenM is redefining ‘affordable luxury’ – as it celebrates the opening of its 16th US location in Boston
In an industry where bigger often seems to mean better, citizenM hotels prove that luxury doesn’t have to come in large volumes.
The Netherlands-based hotel and lifestyle brand continues to grow rapidly in the US, opening its 16th location in the country this month.
citizenM Boston Back Bay, the city’s second hotel, opened its doors on September 3. An official opening party was held last week for local media, businesses and hotel guests.
At 15 stories, the Boston Back Bay hotel is the brand’s largest hotel to date, with 399 rooms and a rooftop bar promising stunning city views, opening in early 2025.
Located in the heart of the historic Back Bay neighborhood, just steps from iconic Boston landmarks and popular tourist attractions such as Fenway Park and Newbury Street.
This latest addition is part of citizenM’s continued expansion in the US and goal to double its portfolio by 2030.
A room at citizenM’s new location in Boston Back Bay
The Netherlands-based hotel chain and lifestyle brand continues to expand in the US, with 16 locations in the country to date. Pictured: citizenM Boston Back Bay
And it looks like the company is on track to do just that. This year alone, it has opened hotels in Austin and Miami. Its first hotel in Washington, D.C., is currently in development.
The rapid expansion of citizenM, however ambitious, seems to be a testament to the brand’s success and its unique, streamlined design and concept.
The hotel chain was founded in Amsterdam in 2008 with one goal: to “disrupt the traditional, stale hotel industry” by redefining “affordable luxury,” the company said.
It started with founder Rattan Chadha’s vision to create a hotel equipped with ‘everything travelers need, and nothing they don’t.’
The same philosophy was applied during citizenM’s US launch in 2014 and is now reflected in each of the compact yet comfortable guestrooms, demonstrating the hotel’s commitment to innovative design and high-tech amenities.
The concept has even simplified the hotel booking process by eliminating the overwhelming array of options and ‘unnecessary extras’ and instead providing every guest with the same, streamlined, yet comfortable experience.
Each room is 14 square meters and features a wall-to-wall king-size bed with luxury linens.
Within the property, guests have access to stylish amenities, including a cozy living room that is perfect for vacationers who want to catch up on their emails
General views of the ‘living space’ of the citizenM Boston Back Bay hotel
Guests can enjoy amenities such as a cozy living room for business travelers, the 24/7 canteenM (pictured) for snacks and drinks
All rooms also feature a 4K widescreen TV with streaming options via complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, so guests can enjoy their own content.
The en-suite bathroom, while cramped, makes up for its size with a powerful rain shower with large shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and large fluffy towels.
The atmosphere in the room is completely controlled via an iPad in the room: the blinds, the climate, the TV and even the lighting with changing colours. You can also control it via the award-winning citizenM app.
The hotel also offers unique amenities outside of the guest rooms, such as a cozy “living room” for business travelers and a 24/7 “canteenM” for snacks and drinks.
The new Boston hotel, which opens five years after the first citizenM location opened in North Station in the West End, has also given Back Bay a more picturesque, modern setting and new views of the city.
The building was built as part of the multifunctional Lyrik project, designed by concrete Amsterdam, citizenM’s permanent architectural partner, on the site of a once dilapidated bus stop overlooking the Massachusetts Turnpike.
“We are proud to open our largest hotel to date in such a creative city,” said Robin Chadha, Chief Brand Officer.
‘citizenM Boston Back Bay will not only showcase local art, but also become a vibrant hub for travelers seeking luxury and affordability.’
The hotel brand is also unique for its commitment to involvement in the local community of the host city.
As part of the opening in Boston Back Bay, citizenM launched a photo exhibition celebrating eight local “citizens” who represent Boston’s rich cultural diversity across a range of fields, including culinary arts, music and design.
As of August 2024, citizenM’s portfolio consisted of 36 hotels in 21 cities of interest: London, Glasgow, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Rome, Zurich, Geneva, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Menlo Park, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.
