Pennyweight Hotel

Aiming to rebrand and refresh the former Kimpton Onyx Hotel into a Hilton Curio Collection destination, Boylston Properties tapped JCJ Architecture as the architect of record and interior designer for The Pennyweight Hotel Boston. Located at 155 Portland Street in Boston’s West End neighborhood, the hotel’s name is a clever nod to its address, as 1.55 grams is equivalent to a penny’s weight–signifying one of many moments of discovery for guests throughout their visit.

Completed in two phases, the Pennyweight Hotel houses 112 guestrooms, including four penthouse suites, across 12 stories. The design team renovated the existing hotel, working closely with Boylston Properties to transform the space to fit the Hilton Curio Collection brand. The project team was especially adept for the task, as Group One, a JCJ Architecture Studio served as the architect of record for the original venue, giving them a close familiarity with the building and how it could best meet the needs of its new tenant.

The Pennyweight Hotel’s design aesthetic evokes an urban sophistication with an eclectic and irresistible spirit. Many traditional details incorporated throughout the property draw inspiration from its Boston locality and storied past combined with modern styling reflective of the emerging neighborhood full of pioneers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. JCJ aimed to make the hotel feel at home in Boston, embracing traditional classic detailing with contemporary touches that nod to the city and its rich history.

Staying true to its moniker, the Pennyweight Hotel includes subtle design references to the penny throughout—including finishes, materiality, and colors that allude to the life cycle of a penny, from its fresh copper state to its oxidized green hue. Upon entry, a rare antique penny encased in glass and spotlighted welcomes guests by creating an unmistakable sense of place.

The ground floor lobby welcomes guests to socialize in a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere. Framed in a warm palette of autumn copper panel-painted walls with white oak flooring, the space creates a residential feel that blurs the lines between the grand foyer and living room. Collected soft, luxurious seating and cocktail clusters establish a vibrant, layered appeal that sets the stage for rich social experiences from a warm, mixed-living welcome to casual networking. Remixed to tell a new story through a refined artisan hand, aged copper details contrast black and white stones, blackened metal, and glass accents, creating a curated artful alchemy of modern industrial elegance that sets the tone for the site.

A bar-café with an outdoor terrace extends from the lobby, offering casual beverage and dining options while purposefully attuned to the social agenda as a mingling ground for all visitors. An arched copper-toned canopy extends over the wooden bar top, creating a counterpoint to the floor-to-ceiling window views of the bustling streetscape. An assortment of high to low seating options in an array of penny tones, from verdigris green to rose gold and pale umber, starkly contrasts the black and white floor and bar façade. A playful assortment of mixed media art pays homage to the city, drawing from the local history and enterprising spirit.

Intuitively leading to the guestrooms, corridors feature carpeting that depicts an aerial view of the historic Bulfinch Triangle, immersing guests in a sense of place at every opportunity. JCJ designed each guestroom to reflect Boston’s brownstones, embodying their timeless appeal through a fresh lens. A fireplace mantel adds to the traditional feel while acting as a backdrop for television entertainment. The design team forwent a typical in-room desk in favor of a movable laptop table and corner lounger, broadening the entry experience and providing guests with flexibility that meets their style.

An open closet with its straight lines, rose gold, copper, and wood finishes sits in comparison to the elegantly shaped upholstered headboard, its soft tubular blackened metal arches embodying an eclectic vibe. A collection of locally inspired art and mirrors of all shapes and sizes atop an amenity cabinet with curated offerings becomes a conversation corner. In the guest bath, the custom wallcoverings above a wainscot trim pay tribute to the neighborhood’s storied past with a collection of newsprints from The WestEnder—even featuring cheeky headlines alluding to the Pennyweight. A striking black quartz freestanding vanity with rose gold fittings sits next to an open shower with floor-to-ceiling black metal framed glass panels, modern black fixtures with dual shower controls, and modeled subway tile surround the design’s subtle urban sophistication.

The design team skillfully navigated challenges, including converting an existing loading zone into a vibrant restaurant space and adapting various guestroom types within the original layout. The result is a reimagined Pennyweight Hotel, now one of the city’s must-see destinations. With a purposefully localized feel and a fresh take on the hospitality experience, the property invites visitors and locals to explore, socialize, and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Design: JCJ Architecture
Contractor (Phase One): Continental Contracting Services
Contractor (Phase Two): Citywide Contractors
Photography: John Bellenis, Thomas John