"Why book? Visitors to Boston are typically drawn to the more immediately charming neighborhoods of Back Bay, Beacon Hill or Fenway, but this recent retrofit has helped remind us that the financial district is, in fact, a desirable vantage point from which to experience Boston’s best.
Set the scene We’ll be honest: this neighborhood gets a lot of corporate types during the week, and can be pretty sleepy on weekends. Before the independent Dagny launched in August 2023, this building was previously occupied by a Hilton that largely catered to business travelers. You’ll still see plenty of expense accounters passing through, but this hotel now attracts a younger demo of leisure travelers, too.
The backstory Much like the rest of Boston, this building has history in spades: not only was it Boston’s tallest “skyscraper” (at 14 stories) when it was built in 1928, but it is also the site of a former weapons cache, where revolutionaries would hide cannons from the British. A 2023 renovation has, thankfully, brought this hotel into the 21st century.
The rooms Rooms are comfortable and decently-sized as far as city hotels go. The 2023 redesign pays homage to the building’s Art Deco past, and adds welcome updates such as floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms. If you book one of the higher-floor “Premier” category rooms, you’ll be treated to expansive views over downtown and the harbor. There are twenty-nine suites, which come with spacious living rooms with a sleeper sofa, workspace and a wet bar.
Food and drink The hotel has two third-party food outposts on-site: Fin Point, an elevated New England seafood spot with yummy pizza and raw bar; as well as Tradesman Coffee Shop & Lounge, the second location of popular Charlestown institution, known for their cheddar and chive biscuit breakfast sandwich and inventive croissants and other baked goods. In-room dining is available. The neighborhood/area The Dagny stands in a pocket of downtown that is conveniently located just a short walk to everything both business and leisure travelers would want to see on a first trip to Boston, including Faneuil Hall, the New England Aquarium, the Seaport District, as well as buzzy food hall High Street Place. It’s definitely a corporate neighborhood that buzzes with business types during the week and can feel a little sleepy on weekends, but a five-minute walk in any direction brings you everywhere you’ll want to be.
The service The hotels’ secret weapon is its concierge team, some of whom are certified by Les Clefs d’Or, the international gold-standard for encyclopedically smart concierges. If you’re traveling with kids, if you’re looking for a restaurant reservation for date night, or if you want to go to the latest hot spot before even the locals know it’s cool–this team has you covered.
For families Families will love the suites’ set-up, which includes plenty of space as well as a sleeper sofa in the living area so everyone can have their own space. The Dagny is just a short walk away from both the New England Aquarium and the Boston Children’s Museum.
Accessibility The hotel is ADA compliant, with wide doorways and elevator access on every floor.
Anything left to mention? The hotel excels at programming that helps enrich every guest’s visit–including complimentary yoga classes on Saturday and Tuesday mornings in the newly-expanded fitness center, as well as live music in the hotel’s lobby or library each Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 P.M., sometimes with a complimentary glass of bubbles included. It’s also worth pointing out that in a city known for it pricy hotels, The Dagny delivers serious value–in the colder months, some rooms start at just $179 a night." - Todd Plummer
