The Revamped Revere Hotel Is Bold, Sleek, and Steeped in History

A $28 million renovation transformed the 356-room hotel into a modern interpretation of Paul Revere's Ride.

Photo by Eric Leven Photography

Thanks to a remarkable renovation, the Revere Hotel now lives up to its name. It’s been completely transformed in honor of Boston’s own Paul Revere, right down to the throw pillows.

The new look is bold, sleek, and steeped in history. Dreamed up by Dawson Design Associates, the hotel takes on a modern, abstracted interpretation of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, Paul Revere’s Ride, by incorporating references to the patriot’s midnight mission to Lexington, as well as other elements of Revere’s personality and the American Revolution as a whole.

“We wanted to create a truly Boston venue. One that would capture and reflect the city’s rebellious spirit and independent attitude while speaking to its very relevant dissenting political past,” said Andrea Sheehan, principal and art director at Dawson Design Associates, in a statement.”It is an artistic interpretation of Longfellow’s iconic poem with a very modern-day aesthetic and slant.”

The $28 million redesign, which transformed all of the hotel’s 356 rooms, suites, and common areas, amazes guests immediately as they set foot in the lobby. Anchored by an oversized print of Paul Revere’s 1770 engraving of the Boston Massacre, the lobby feels like a modern-day Colonial tavern. It boasts an up-cycled sculpture of Paul Revere atop his horse, and beyond it, there are stained glass panels inspired by those in the Old North Church.

In the central seating area, there are “Join or Die” throw pillows, a not-so-subtle Revolutionary detail nodding to Ben Franklin’s political cartoon representing a union of the colonies. The entire space is topped off with a steampunk light sculpture over the front desk, created from Colonial-style lanterns by local artist Bruce Rosenbaum.

The rooms, too, have no shortage of throwback-themed decor. Guests can relax beside an abstract print of a Revolutionary soldier, and marvel at rustic, metallic finishes that reference Paul Revere’s legacy as a silversmith and craftsman.

The region’s history buffs and design lovers, it seems, have found their ideal getaway.

Photo by Natasha Moustache