Copley Square Hotel re-opens on New Year's Eve

The Copley Square Hotel plans to unveil its new urban-chic look on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 after a $17 million facelift.

The historic hotel's initial re-launch date was postponed from Summer 2008 to Nov. 11 to New Year's Eve after mandatory city inspections held up the renovations kicking off more than one year ago on January 24, 2008.

At this contemporary boutique hotel, guests will enjoy top-tier accommodations at a lower rate all within walking distance of many of the Boston's more popular restaurants, nightspots, shopping and attractions

Also, the revamped hotel boasts a new martini bar, formerly Domani Bar & Trattoria, called Minibar. Inspired by lounges at the W Hotels and Miami's Delano, designer/architect Stephen Sousa's Minibar boasts modern design elements including a black-and-metallic color motif and gray-leather seating surrounding a minimalist U-shaped bar area.

Click here for the lowdown.

Copley Square Hotel's Minibar boasts chic design

The interior of Minibar, the soon-to-be-opened lobby lounge and U-shaped bar adjacent to the Copley Square Hotel, is emerging as a sleek example of modern chic.

Inspired by lounges at the W Hotels and Miami's Delano, designer/architect Stephen Sousa's Minibar boasts modern design elements including a black-and-metallic color motif and gray-leather seating surrounding a minimalist bar area.

After snooping outside of the Copley Square hot spot yesterday, it looks like the interior of the South End's Oishii coupled with the contemporary flair of Vintage Lounge in the Financial District as well as the stark modern design elements of the new Downtown Crossing Italian restaurant Bina Osteria (opening Monday, Nov. 17).

Of course, Sousa designed Gypsy Bar and nearby Saint so there are obvious design similarities.

But, when will Minibar open? According to initial press accounts here, the $17 million facelift to the historic Copley Square Hotel was scheduled to be unveiled in the fall with a reopening slotted for October '08.

Not quite. The hotel and bar are still under construction.

However, if the Copley Square haunt's reservation log here is any indication, expect a splashy grand opening sometime around Dec. 15, 2008.

Click here for more information about the Copley Square Hotel and Minibar.