BOSTON— While open less than a year, the recently constructed $72- million Hotel Commonwealth here looks more old than new— a result of its grand architecture and eclectic interiors fitting of its Commonwealth Avenue address. The exterior of the 150-room upscale hotel, which unofficially opened in May 2003, was designed to sit comfortably amongst its 19th century neighboring Back Bay structures, with bow windows and ornate turrets. Inside, the hotel unfolds to its guests slowly, much like a friend’s home, with understated drama through the use of rich colors, a unique combination of collectible furnishings and a few small surprises. Owned by a partnership comprised of Dennis Callaghan, Terry Guiney, and Frank Keefe, the hotel resonates with residential character thanks to the expertise of Kevin Schopfer, architect and interior designer of the property. “We really went with the notion of creating a hotel strong in residential character, which we came up with after surveying the area and looking at who our clientele would be,” said Callaghan of the Hotel Commonwealth. Located near Boston University, Longwood Medical area, and Fenway Park, the hotel serves a mix of baby boomers successful in business, and younger professionals. Situated on the site of a former IHOP, the hotel ingratiates modern travelers with its high-tech amenities, including wireless Internet, which are gracefully and subtly weaved into its contemporary European atmosphere. “There really wasn’t a property of this type to call on in this area,” said Callaghan of the hotel, which he describes as a “bridge between a Ritz-Carlton and a W Hotel.” The upscale property is the only Small Luxury Hotel member in Boston. Schopfer decidedly selected custom furnishings for each space in the building, including the lobby and oversized, 500-plus square-foot guestrooms in order to create the look of a well thought out home. Upon entering the hotel from the bustling street of Kenmore Square, guests are welcomed into a dramatic round room with scarlet carpet under foot and walls covered in rich tone-on-tone gold drapes, except for one spot where a piece of contemporary artwork is showcased on the wall. The striking entry, 40-feet in diameter serves as a unique transition space to the lobby, or salon, located above street level. “We decided to create some drama right when you come in off of the street, which quiets down as you move towards the guestrooms,” said Schopfer. “There is quite a bit of use of fabric in the hotel, which signals that the owners have come at this with a bit of a different perspective.” Up the stairs is the living room-like lobby, which continues on with the rich color scheme. Dark woods accent the elaborate plasterwork ceiling reminiscent of late 19th century décor. In the center of the room sits a large ottoman covered in an ornate tapestry, while a long, armless banquette lines the wall underneath an arched window, adding a bit of Art Deco flair. Four tall “cardinal chairs” outfitted in dark red velvet and elegantly framed mirrors hark back to old world European styling. Corridors were purposely toned down with clean simple lines, said Schopfer, setting the tone for what is to come in the guestrooms. No patterned wall coverings were used in the halls, only celery painted walls like those you might find in a friend’s home. The lavish rooms are divided into three types: cozy Kenmore rooms facing the celebrated Kenmore square, vibrant Fenway rooms overlooking the famous Fenway Park, and the spacious Commonwealth rooms with separate sitting areas and windows facing the historic Commonwealth Avenue. Commonwealth guestrooms immediately set a home-like tone with a foyer accented with a pillar and vase with flowers, giving the space a formal entrance. “It really creates a visual distinction from the utilitarianism of the guestroom, making it more cozy,” said Callaghan. “You don’t see things like the closet right away.” Custom wood furnishi
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