Women’s History in the DNA of The Revolution Hotel, former home to the Nation’s first YWCA

40 Berkley Street in Boston, where The Revolution Hotel is located, has been shaking things up since 1884, when it opened as the first YWCA in the United States. It was the keystone in the 19th-century women’s movement that offered a “Training School for Domestics” with safe and affordable housing for working women and students.

Revolution Hotel Lobby
Revolution Hotel Lobby

Today the landmark building is home to The Revolution Hotel, set apart in Boston for its design as a stylish yet remarkably affordable boutique hotel. It celebrates the history and innovation of all things Boston through commissioned murals and other artworks, including its own revolutionary past.

The groundbreaking YWCA provided one of Boston’s first integrated housing facilities and offered support to immigrant women landing in Boston. The forward-thinking institution opened the first gymnasium at any YWCA in the country when providing for women’s health and fitness was a radical move.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, The Revolution Hotel offers Patriot Perks. The deal is as revolutionary as the month it commemorates: book direct and save as much as 10-20% on rates starting at $214 per room, per night.

Architecturally, The Revolution Hotel is a mid-century modern tower of variegated gray brick and horizontal bands of slate panels that were added to the original building, overlooking a walled courtyard garden. In 2018, it was developed by The Mount Vernon Company as The Revolution Hotel and given a radical makeover by PCA / Prellwitz Chilinski Associates architects who worked alongside Adam & Co. Design to bring the spirit of The Revolution Hotel to life. The renovation paired the building’s early history and mid-century modern bones with 21st-century upgrades, including bold contemporary art and graphics and a vibrant and energetic common space ideal for meetings, working, and socializing.

revolution loft double double add to lofts scaled
revolution loft double double add to lofts scaled

Revolutionary Savings

That spirit of radical innovation continues in this eclectic hotel aimed at value-driven travelers who don’t want to sacrifice style and quality for savings, that includes independent travelers, couples, families, and younger travelers. The price point is a key attraction in a city where the lodging options are some of the most expensive in the country.

Located in Boston’s vibrant South End, at the intersection of Berkeley and Appleton Streets, The Revolution Hotel is walking distance (or a quick ride on the “T”) from popular visitor spots such as The Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall, Copley Square, Newbury Street, and the Public Garden, while just a few blocks from the notable neighborhood restaurants that are treasured local favorites. The hotel is also within walking distance from the Back Bay Amtrak station and serves as the ideal basecamp for visiting blockbuster exhibitions at the SoWa Power Station.

Revolution King2
Revolution King2

The 177-room property offers a variety of affordable, beautifully designed room options, including Bath Down-The-Hall options for those who wish to save even more. Quad and Triple rooms feature integrated bunk beds, perfect for families or friends traveling together.  Bedrooms are adorned with lyrics from hit songs by Boston recording artists — think Aerosmith, Donna Summer, and The Cars, among others.

The hotel hosts Kohi Coffee Co., a walk-up coffee shop that originated in Provincetown, MA, and Cósmica, a Mexican restaurant serving dinner and weekend brunch. The hotel also has a community co-working space playfully named Conspire. The Revolution offers a 24-hour fitness center and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Dogs are welcome for a $25 fee per stay.

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