America's longest continuously operating hotel, open since 1855. Historic Parker House is the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls, and was a gathering place for Emerson, Hawthorne, Longfellow, and Dickens. Located steps from the Freedom Trail.
The Omni Parker House at 60 School Street in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, holds the distinction of being the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States, having welcomed guests without interruption since its founding by Harvey Parker in 1855. The hotel's School Street address in the heart of downtown places it steps from Old City Hall, the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and Boston Common. Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Parker House's Saturday Club gathered luminaries including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Charles Dickens, cementing its place in American literary and cultural history. The hotel also lays claim to two culinary inventions: the Parker House Roll, the soft dinner roll that bears its name, and the Boston Cream Pie, which was created in the hotel's kitchens in the 1850s and remains on the menu today. The current 551-room building incorporates the original 1927 renovation structure and a modernized interior reflecting the Omni brand's classic aesthetic. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with high-speed internet, updated furnishings, and city views from upper floors. Parker's Restaurant, the hotel's primary dining venue, continues to serve Boston Cream Pie and New England staples in a formal setting. Mahogany's Bar on the ground floor is a popular destination for locals and hotel guests alike. The hotel's Freedom Trail location and institutional reputation make it a natural choice for first-time visitors to Boston seeking a property rich in authentic Massachusetts history.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Fitness center
- Historic setting
- Downtown location
Location
60 School St, Boston, MA 02108
Highlights
- Historic significance
- birthplace of Boston Cream Pie
- Freedom Trail location
Tips for visiting
- Order the Boston Cream Pie at Parker's Restaurant — this is the hotel where it was invented and it remains a point of pride for the kitchen.
- The Freedom Trail runs directly past the hotel on School Street; join it here for a self-guided walking tour of downtown historic sites.
- Weekday rates are typically lower than weekend rates in this business-and-leisure hybrid area; plan accordingly for best value.
- The hotel's lobby and bar areas contain historic photographs and memorabilia — explore before checking out.
- Government Center and Downtown Crossing MBTA stops are within a five-minute walk, making the entire transit network accessible.
Accessibility
The Omni Parker House provides ADA-compliant accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers, visual fire alarms, and elevator access throughout the building. The historic School Street entrance has been modified to provide accessible entry. Guests requiring specific mobility accommodations should contact the hotel when booking to confirm room placement and access routes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Omni Parker House famous for?
The Omni Parker House is America's longest continuously operating hotel, open since 1855. It is credited as the birthplace of both the Boston Cream Pie and the Parker House Roll. Notable guests have included Dickens, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Longfellow. Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh both worked at the hotel in the early 20th century.
Where is the Omni Parker House relative to the Freedom Trail?
The hotel is directly on the Freedom Trail at 60 School Street, steps from Old City Hall and the King's Chapel Burial Ground. The full Freedom Trail route through downtown Boston can be joined immediately outside the hotel entrance.
Is parking available at the Omni Parker House?
The hotel offers valet parking at rates typical for downtown Boston. Government Center Garage and several other public garages are nearby. The hotel's central location makes it one of Boston's most transit-accessible properties.
What dining options are at the Omni Parker House?
Parker's Restaurant is the hotel's main dining room, known for Boston Cream Pie and classic New England cuisine. Mahogany's Bar provides a casual atmosphere for drinks and light meals. Dozens of additional restaurants in the Financial District and Downtown Crossing are within walking distance.