Boston hotels,Hotels in Usa Boston accomodation and Reviews

The Parker House: I Can't Believe They Worked & Stayed Here!

I’ve never actually stayed here so I can’t honestly give an opinion on the quality of the hotel; however, I have heard it is a fantastic (but expensive) place to stay. My purpose in writing this tip was not to mention the quality of the hotel, but rather to inform all of you of the facility’s former guests & employees.

Having opened for business in 1855, the Parker House (currently functioning as the Omni Parker House) is the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States. It was here that the Boston Cream Pie, the Massachusetts State dessert, & the Parker House roll were invented by a French chef.

Due to its long history, the Parker House has long been a rendezvous point for politicians, literary dignitaries, as well as other famous people. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, & Ralph Waldo Emerson visited the hotel frequently, while JFK announced his candidacy for Congress in the hotel’s Press Room, proposed to Jackie Kennedy, & even held his bachelor party here.

Furthermore, Ho Chi Minh, a Vietnamese revolutionary & former leader of the North Vietnam forces during the Vietnam War, was both a baker & busboy for the hotel. Malcolm Little (Malcolm X) worked here as well as a waiter.

Moreover, the famed English author, Charles Dickens, stayed here during his visit to the U.S. in 1867. While lodging here, Charles Dickens rendered the first stateside reading of A Christmas Carol before a large crowd of people. Apparently, the passage on Tiny Tim's death caused a tremendous amount of sadness.

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* Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
* Related To: Food and Dining, Family Travel, Historical Travel
* Updated April 18, 2009