The “shot heard ‘round the world”—a pivotal moment in the American Revolution—was fired just steps from the front door of the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Massachusetts. This April marks its 250th anniversary.
Today, despite two churches and an art gallery between the hotel and the Lexington Battle Green, the Inn at Hastings Park continues to infuse the spirit of America’s history into everything they do—from their intimate, cozy interiors and wraparound porch to the preservation of what was once a colonial-era private residence. Owner Trisha Pérez Kennealy opened the Boston area’s only Relais & Châteaux property in 2014, hiring New England designers and craftsmen to complete the renovation from what was formerly an independent living residence for seniors. Ten years later, the inn received a Michelin Key—the equivalent of a Michelin Star for hotels.
The property is comprised of three historic buildings on Lexington’s Massachusetts Avenue, all dating from the 17th century. But once you step into any of Hastings Park’s 22 rooms, you’ll quickly realize the experience is far from that of a typical, stuffy New England inn.
The inn’s bistro, Town Meeting, serves up locally sourced seasonal fare with a focus on New England flavors.
Balancing classic and contemporary features, each room is flooded with natural light—a design hallmark of buildings constructed before the advent of electricity. The charming interiors prioritize New England craftsmanship, from the O&G Studio chairs handmade in Rhode Island, to the Massachusetts-made Matouk bed linens, to the Peter Fasano hand-printed wallpapers. Many rooms are outfitted with fireplaces, a few have soaking tubs, and all boast marble bathrooms.
The onsite Town Meeting bistro serves an elevated, seasonal menu highlighting New England fare like pan-seared fish, root vegetables, and locally made cheeses. Relying heavily on Massachusetts and New Hampshire purveyors, most of the kitchen’s fresh ingredients are sourced using sustainable methods to both benefit the community and be environmentally responsible. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant hosts an elegant high tea on Saturdays and a Champagne brunch buffet on Sundays. Daily breakfast is complimentary for inn guests. For those who want to cozy up and chill out, the inn offers morning coffee service, an in-house library, and a selection of games. Visitors with an adventurous spirit can take advantage of Relais & Châteaux’s complimentary Volvo test-drive program, where guests can sign out a car for a day. If two wheels are more your vibe, there are on-property bikes available as well. While the inn doesn’t have a fitness center or pool, its relationship with nearby facilities means it can offer guests gym access and the opportunity for swimming, golf, tennis, and yoga.
Lexington itself is brimming with history and fun places to visit—like the Concord Museum and Wilson Farm, which has been operating since 1884 and sells everything from locally made cheese and sweets from the onsite bakery to fresh-cut flowers. If you’re hitting the history circuit, don’t miss a trip to Orchard House, a 10-minute drive from the inn, where you’ll see the desk where Louisa May Alcott penned “Little Women.”
To be fully immersed in this year’s semi quincentennial celebrations, The Inn at Hastings Park is offering packages like “Footsteps of the Revolution,” which includes a private guided historical tour of the area. Starting at the inn, the tour takes a scenic drive via car through town, stopping at historic sites like the Hancock-Clarke House, Lexington Battle Green, Hartwell Tavern, the Old North Bridge, and the site where Revere was captured by the Redcoats. In fact, he rode right by where the inn is today—exactly 250 years ago. Rates begin at $366/night and are subject to change.
