This is great news for the Downtown area after having to deal with the unsightly hole for the last three years since property owner, Vornado Realty Trust of New York, halted construction.

Now it will be Ritz Carlton Hotel developers, Millennium Partners, to take over the site and  join Vornado Realty Trust of New York. As for the terms of the deal, they have yet to be disclosed, but this deal has been some of the most exciting news for the real estate world in Boston. The project outlines are broad, but people can expect roughly a 39-story building with retail stores and restaurants filling out the base.

For more information about the latest news on the new tower project in Downtown Crossing shopping district, please read the Boston Globe article, Deal set for a tower on gaping Filene’s site.

The Back Bay neighborhood is one of the most popular areas to live in if you are looking for a combination of culture and luxury. The area is full of authentic Victorian brownstones, many of which have been renovated to contain some of the best examples of luxury Boston real estate. The area offers unrivaled shopping opportunities in Prudential Center and Copley Place. Many businesses have located their offices to this district, making your commute much shorter if your employer is among them.

North End is the city’s oldest residential district and is home to award winning real estate like Lincoln Wharf. Also known as Little Italy, this neighborhood is small but packed with cozy restaurants, charming parks and friendly residents. Historical sites like the home of Paul Revere live side by side with high end boutiques and cafes serving authentic Italian gelato. Numerous street fairs and festivals give you a good chance to mingle with your neighbors during the spring and summer.

Walk to the Boston Public Gardens or admire the Federal-style architecture from your new luxury condo in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. As the home of the Massachusetts State House, this area is full of both historical sites and cultural hot spots. You can have both sweeping views of the city and peace of mind by choosing the quiet and protected borough of Beacon Hill. It is considered the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, having been the home of John Hancock, Anne Sexton and Uma Thurman.

While the area surrounding the shopping district of Newbury Drive may be a nice place to visit, you may find it may it is even nicer to live there. With many Boston realtors ready to serve you, Boston relocation may be possible. Whether you are looking to buy a south end condo or are looking at downtown Boston apartments the in the Newbury Street district are a great selling point. After all, when you’ve spent an afternoon browsing at Martin Lawrence Galleries, shopping at Alex & Ani, and getting pampered at Emerge Spa and Salon wouldn’t it be great to head home to your luxury Boston condo or apartment?

360 Newbury Street, is one place that will keep you in the middle of all the shopping on Newbury Street, during the holidays and beyond. Here you can choose from gorgeous Boston loft style rentals or condos depending on your needs. There are also several other luxury Boston condos in nearby places such as battery wharf or even Cambridge apartments right across the bay.

Whether you are a student in one of Boston’s prestigious universities looking to make your time in the city memorable, or are laying down long term roots living somewhere luxurious like Brookline apartments will definitely have a marked effect on your stay, and allow you plenty of opportunity for shopping on Newbury street.

With the wide variety of Boston luxury apartments available in downtown Boston, South end, Cambridge, and more contacting a Boston realtor at Warren Residential Group can help work with your budget to find a Boston Condominium or apartment that is affordable but still gives you the Newbury Street style pampering you deserve.

Whether you are traveling in Boston, already live in the area, or just know you’re going to want to spend a lot of time doing exciting and relaxing things like holiday shopping on Newbury street, checking out the real estate in the area is definitely worth your time. With great floor plans, top notch amenities, and access to breathtaking views of the harbor and Boston Skyline you’ll see that living a little above Newbury Street can make a real impact on your lifestyle.

If you do decide to take that leap and live in style in a luxurious Back Bay loft or other premiere residence you’ll be comforted to know that being able to furnish and decorate your new surroundings with all the great purchases you can make on Newbury Street is practically right around the corner. You can pamper your living space while you pamper your life and make an impression your friends and business associates will remember just like you remember holiday shopping on Newbury Street.

What are you waiting for? Make the call to start seeing Back Bay luxury apartments and condos, and take the first step to living the high end life you’ve always wanted.

When speaking with your Warren Residential realtor, ask about the shops, restaurants and bars located close to the condos you will be looking at. If you know that you will not be spending a lot of time in the kitchen of downtown Boston apartments, this may be more important information than whether the stove is gas or electric. Although, many residents who love to entertain, will want to make sure the kitchen looks high end. You will definitely find granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances that will impress the most ambitious chef. Since many of the restaurants also provide catering to the local area, you will want a large comfortable dining room in your Boston luxury condo where you can easily entertain large groups of family and friends. You will also find hardwood floors throughout the Boston apartments and large rooms for large furniture. Once you have finished your night on the town, come back to a peaceful and serene master retreat.

Another important aspect to look for when choosing the location of your new Boston waterfront condo is the proximity to your employment. If you plan to use the public transit system, make sure there is a location close by. If you are planning to drive your own vehicle, look for a condo that provides parking. Some of the luxury buildings also provide transportation for residents close to the down town area. All of these are important when considering which condo to purchase. Since you do not want to spend all of your time commuting to and from work – you need to find a centrally located unit that will give you the luxury you are looking for and the convenience you require.

Finally, discuss the amenities offered with Boston condominiums. You will be able to choose from a trendy loft to a three or four bedroom unit that gives you the space you need for guests and your home office. If you want a luxury master bath with a jacuzzi tub, these will be items to include on your must have list. After a long day at work or a weekend shopping, relaxing in a hot bath with relieve all of your stress. One of the best amenities of many of the Boston apartments is the dry cleaning service available for a monthly charge. If you do not have the time or patience to deal with these types of chores, find a building that offers this great service.

Once you have found the perfect condo in downtown Boston, begin enjoying all the city has to offer. Whether you are entertaining friends in your loft apartment or stopping by one of the night clubs or cafes, you will be glad you live in the Battery Wharf area.

Find winter fun on the slopes of New England ski getaways

Stoweflake
Stoweflake is a luxury, family run resort at the base of Mount Mansfield. It has won a both Condé Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List and Foder’s Choice Top 10 Destination Spas in the U.S awards. The resort has a pub serving Vermont style cuisine and a Bistro using seasonal ingredients. The spa offers 120 different treatments, sanctuary lounges, beauty salon, mineral soaking pool, fitness center, a sauna and Jacuzzi. Guest rooms have comfortable furnishings and New England charm, some are even dog friendly. All guest rooms have gas fireplaces.

If you live in a Boston condo, be it downtown, Beacon Hill or Battery Wharf, you can reach Stoweflake in three and a half hours.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
1746 Mountain Road (Route 108)
Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-253-2232
www.stoweflake.com

Mountain View Grand
Nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains the Mountain View Grand prides itself on providing personal service, a romantic setting and over 100-years of history. The main dining room has views of the surrounding mountains, fine dining and an extensive wine cellar. Its Tavern serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. Guest rooms have mahogany furnishings, luxury bed linens, mountain or garden views, a walk-in closet, free Internet, and a turn down service.

Situated at the top of the hotel is the luxury spa offering treatment packages for both men and woman, a beauty salon, nine different facials, and hydrotherapy.

If you’ve just bought some Boston real estate and are looking for the best ski areas within easy reach of the city, Mountain View can be reached in three hours.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa
101 Mount View Road
Whitefield, NH 03598
866-484-3843
www.mountainviewgrand.com

Omni Mount Washington
The Omni Mount Washington oozes majestic, old fashioned charm, modeled in Spanish Renaissance style and built in 1902. Since it opened its doors it has been a popular getaway for the rich and famous, Babe Ruth and Thomas Edison among them. The hotel has retained its historic features, which add even more to its atmosphere. The ski slopes provide night skiing and snow making for those days when mother nature isn’t providing any. Facilities include, a luxury spa, indoor pool, a grand formal dining room, cocktail lounge, live entertainment and casual bar.

You can reach the Omni Mount Washington Resort from your Boston loft or Cambridge apartment in just under three hours.

Omni Mount Washington Resort
310 Mt Washington Hotel Road
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
603-278-1000
www.omnihotels.com

The Balsams
Another historic grand resort, The Balsam, nestles between the mountains on 8,000 acres of pristine forest in the far north of New Hampshire. The hotel is famous for being the location where the first votes in a Presidential election are made. Accommodation consists of both traditional and modern styles. Facilities and services include a hair salon, flower ordering, fitness center, laundry and transportation. You can eat in one of four different locations in the hotel and either enjoy fine or casual dining

One of the furthest New England ski resorts from your luxury Boston condo, it takes just over four hours to reach The Balsams. However, the trip is well worth it.

The Balsams
1000 Cold Spring Road
Dixville Notch, NH 03576
1-800-255-0600
www.thebalsams.com

Rabbit Hill Inn
For a smaller, charming New England escape Rabbit Hill Inn may offer just what you want. Rabbit Hill is a luxury bed and breakfast inn near the White Mountain ski slopes. The inn’s history dates back to 1792 and it still has most of its original charm. Each guest room is unique and all are traditional, comfortable and have working fireplaces. Luxury rooms have a double spa tub, walk-in shower, and canopy bed. The atmosphere is romantic, even the hearty buffet breakfast is lit by candlelight.

Rabbit Hill Inn
48 Lower Waterford Road
Lower Waterford, VT 05848
802-748-5186
www.rabbithillinn.com

Harbor Towers - Luxury on the Waterfront

Whether you’re newly relocated to Beantown or have spent your entire life along the Clarendon Back Bay, Battery Wharf, and Fenway Park, it’s time to upgrade to a new, luxurious way of living. The Boston real estate industry is as diverse as the people who live within the doors of residences from South Boston apartments to the downtown Boston condos, and everything in between. When you’re ready to make a move, let your trained and dedicated Boston realtor take you through the doors of the Harbor Towers luxury residence.

Well-situated to all that Boston has to offer in terms of dining, entertainment, sports and socializing, these new Boston waterfront condos are true luxury real estate. Sit high in the sky as you take in the hot spots of North End and Faneuil Hall. Walk instead of trying to battle for a parking space. You may never want to leave your new condo when you spend time indulging in our outdoor pool, concierge service and breath-taking views of Charleston and Fort Point Channel.

Harbor Towers has something to suit each potential resident’s discerning taste. Our one bedroom, one bath upscale condominiums offer between 748 to 884 square feet. Want more room to spread out, cheer on the Sox on game day or unwind after a long day in the Financial District? Upgrade to our three bedroom, 3.5 bath residency, with a comfortable 2,510 square feet, and one of our lowest price-per-foot condos in all of Harbor Towers. Our largest accommodation includes 3,609 square feet of space, five bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

Every one of our luxury apartments includes a balcony, dishwasher, microwave, disposal, air conditioning and gas range. High quality hardwood floors and water views are also a part of your new living experience. The condos are all cable/satellite ready so you can plug in or unplug and unwind. These residences, which offer the utmost in quality, security and attention to detail through our always-on doorman and concierge, are move-in ready and just waiting to accommodate your every desire. We’ve recently remodeled our lobby and elevators, giving the Harbor Towers a brand new feel for less than you’d pay for new construction. You’ll also find our grounds immaculately landscaped for an enjoyable evening stroll or a couple of hours to soak up the sun with a book and a cocktail.

Life in Boston can be stressful, whether the Sox are in the Series or not. With such a fast pace, demands on your time and so many apartments available, you may find it difficult to choose or even devote enough quality attention to selecting where to live. But with Harbor Towers, your living starts here. We’ll arrange a tour on your schedule, when it’s convenient for you. We can work around your long hours at the office, hospital, clinic or golf course. We know Boston, and we know real estate. Our realtors will even help you choose whether renting a condo may be a better way to get your foot in the door. Pick Harbor Towers as your new address, and start living.

2011 Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting

Boston Common is a lively hub of activity for both city dwellers and visitors. This beautiful 5-acre park has a rich history. Many famous speakers and historic events are associated with this area of Boston, including its designation as the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Every year, around the beginning of December, the park goes through a magical metamorphosis as thousands of tiny lights come to life with the annual Christmas tree lighting.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the annual event. On Thursday, December 1, 2011, St. Nick and Mayor Menino will share the joy of flipping the switches to light the trees of Boston. Thousands of people are expected to join in the festivities. The tree lighting ceremony begins around 6:00PM and the lights will be illuminated just before 8:00PM.

This year there will be a spectacular skating program at Frog Pond in Boston Common. Pairs, couple dancing routines and other programs will delight and entertain young and old. The two-hour show will feature local skaters and national champions. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:00PM.

Planning the annual tree lighting is a yearlong process. For the past forty years, the trees that have adorned Boston Common have come from Nova Scotia. This year’s tree will arrive on November 18th and take its place in history. As the truck delivering the tree makes its way to Boston Common, it will wind through the city. Occupants living along the path will be able to watch the tree as it travels past luxury Boston condos, down Cambridge and Boylston Street, and finally past One Charles Street, before it turns onto Tremont for the final leg of the long journey.

The tree will stand at 139 Tremont Street, near the Boston Visitor Center. Local schoolchildren will be on location to watch the tree arrive and visit with Santa. Residents living at Tremont on the Common, have a bird’s eye view of all the activities from their luxury condos.

Boston is a beautiful city filled with history and romance around every turn. The magical transformation of the city during the holiday season must be experienced up close. If you are visiting the area as part of a Boston relocation package, consider renting a handsome cab for the afternoon and evening before the ceremony.

Touring the city, meandering through the Back Bay condo districts and exploring the North End waterfront communities on Battery Wharf from a carriage lets you hear and feel the essence of the city. It will give you a chance to see some of the most luxurious and exquisitely designed properties available in Boston. If you are near Battery Wharf during lunchtime, you can enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the fine dining establishments.

If you are looking for a luxury apartment Boston style, working with a Boston real estate agent is recommended. Luxury apartments and condos are scattered throughout the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Tell your Warren Residential real estate agent about the properties and neighborhoods you liked most. Real estate agents have the inside scoop about new properties under construction and recent renovations in the inner city, too. It is impossible to see everything in a day or two on your own, working with a professional will help narrow down your search.

The lighting of Boston Common is a magical experience, steeped in tradition. This time of year is filled with wonder, hope, joy and anticipation.

Join us for an evening of family fun, Boston style. For more information call 617-635-4505 or visit www.massconvention.com/bcg.html for parking information.

The Boston W Hotel still has 71 luxury condo units available.

Earlier this week, W Boston Hotel and Residences developers won in court to exit bankruptcy, but under the condition to sell 71 unsold condos in the Boston luxury building to cover its debts.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Joan Feeney approved SW Boston Hotel Venture’s plan for reorganization amidst protest from top creditor Prudential Insurance, which shelled out more than $181 million for the project.

With the ruling, SW Boston Hotel Venture will be given the opportunity to pay creditors in full.

The W Boston Hotel is a 235-room hotel and 123-unit luxury condo tower that was built in October of 2009, but found itself bankrupt by April 2010 after unsuccessfully selling condos to keep revenue flowing into the Theater District project.

Efforts by Prudential to foreclose the building were rejected as well as the company’s objections to the plan for reorganization.

SW Boston plans to pay back the $52 million it owes to Prudential through the cash earned from condo sales over the next three years, then repay $10 million to the city of Boston in a loan they owe, and move on to the lesser amounts to other creditors.

Currently 52 units have already been sold with another eight under agreement.  There are still many more Boston luxury condo units available at the W Boston Hotel.  If you are interested in any of these properties and would like to know more, please contact our Warren Residential offices today and let our expert real agents help you!

Atlantic Fish Co.
761 Boylston Street
617-267-4000

Known as a landmark for seafood in Boston, Atlantic Fish Co. has been open since 1978. It prints a new menu daily, which showcases the freshest and highest quality seafood that is available that day. Specialties include their New England clam chowder, Maine lobster pot pie and a swordfish chop. The restaurant, designed to mirror a cruising vessel and show appreciation to the sea, also has an outdoor patio for diners as well.

Neptune Oyster
63 Salem Street
617-742-3474

For an experience totally unique to Boston, Neptune Oyster is the seafood restaurant to try. This tiny restaurant is made up of an 18-seat raw oyster bar and 26-seat dining room. It features a variety of oysters and wines designed to go perfectly with this seafood delight. In addition, it features other items on the menu including swordfish, sturgeon and scallops. It is sure to delight the palate of any seafood lover who lives in a Boston loft.

B&G Oysters
550 Tremont Street
617-423-0550

B&G Oysters is another unique oyster bar in Boston with a uniquely neighborhood feel. The restaurant describes itself as a “modern yet classic take” on the oyster bar. It specializes in seafood dishes that are paired expertly with the best wines, giving its diners a well-rounded restaurant experience. B&G Oysters is located in the city’s South End, and features a cozy dining room as well as an outdoor patio that is open during the summer months. It has been praised in a variety of publications, including Boston Magazine, Food & Wine and The Boston Globe.

Grill 23 and Bar
161 Berkeley Street
617-542-2255

With more than 20 years in business, Grill 23 and Bar has become known for its fine dining and elegant restaurant. Known as one of the best steakhouse and seafood grills in Boston, it prides itself on the creative yet delicious presentation of seafood dishes. Signature dishes include the Shetland Island Salmon which combines a delicious cut of salmon with noodletown marinade, toy sim greens, shady oaks oyster mushrooms and a miso mustard. In addition, diners can delight in the freshest catch of the day with the Dayboat Catch. Beyond its excellent selection of seafood dishes, Grill 23 and Bar has a wine list that cannot be topped.

Union Oyster House
41 Union Street
617-723-7940

If you want to dine at a truly New England restaurant, the Union Oyster House is the perfect choice. Known as the oldest restaurant in America and designated as a National Historic Landmark, this restaurant offers guests a variety of oyster creations. Guests can dine on unique oyster stews and chowders, or just eat the oysters out of the half shell. If oyster’s aren’t your thing, the restaurant also highlights a variety of seafood dishes that include lobster, scallops and halibut. It’s an easy choice when it comes to famed Boston dining.

Whether you are already living in a Boston waterfront condo, or are just looking into Boston luxury real estate, you are sure to find plenty of delicious seafood restaurants in the Boston area. These are some of the best the city has to offer, you won’t go wrong if you dine at one of these Boston restaurants

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Family Art Cart at the Museum of Fine Arts
The Family Art Cart is a fun and education event for children four years and older held at Boston’s Museum of Fine Art. The event includes opportunities for children and adults to actively participate in art projects, historical mysteries and mythical tales. Family Art Cart is held every Saturday and Sunday during November, at 10:00am to 4:00pm in the Shapiro Family Courtyard. The MFA is conveniently located off Fenway near Boston’s Back Bay, making it a “must do” if you’re staying in a Back Bay condo or Back Bay apartment.

Experience the Boston Symphony

Family Concert at Boston Symphony Hall
What could be more enjoyable than an evening at the symphony with your entire family? The Boston Symphony Orchestra makes it possible with their Family Concert on Saturday, November 12 at 12:00pm. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is considered one of the five best American orchestras. Bringing your family to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra may become one of your favorite holiday traditions.

Now Performing at the Boston City Hall Plaza

Peter Pan at Boston City Hall Plaza
Peter Pan is a wonder-filled family play that’s been enjoyed for generations. Do you remember when you still believed in the power of pixie dust? Performances run Tuesday through Friday at 7:00pm and include three scheduled matinees on the weekends. This November, introduce your children to this classic fantasy at the Boston City Hall Plaza, located in the heart of downtown Boston. For a selection of available downtown Boston condos and downtown Boston apartments situated near the City Hall Plaza, contact your Warren Residential Boston real estate agent who specializes in vacation property.

Explore with Whale Tours

Boston Harbor Whale Watch Cruise
Don’t let the weather prevent your family from experiencing one of the most exciting events happening in Boston — sighting an endangered humpback whale. With the Boston Harbor Whale Watch Cruise you can enjoy the comfort of a climate-controlled cabin while listening to informative and entertaining narration from a naturalist. The cruise lasts three hours and leaves from Long Wharf. There are several departure times to choose from including 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:30pm.

Enjoy a traditional NE Thanksgiving Dinner

A Bostonian Family Thanksgiving

There are dozens of options for enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with your family in Boston this November. Many fine dining establishments, casual family restaurants and historic eateries offer a turkey feast with all of the delicious trimmings you’d expect. However, if you’re staying in one of the luxury Boston rentals available during this time of year you might choose to prepare Thanksgiving dinner with your family or have the holiday meal catered by one of Boston’s premiere home chef’s.

Whether relaxing in one of the classic Beacon Hill apartments or a living it up in a modern Boston loft fits your family’s needs, this November, make the trip to Bean Town and celebrate the holiday in historic style.