The Boston Marathon bombings on Monday caused one hotel near the explosions to be temporarily evacuated while another was on heightened security.
The two explosions, which occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on the north side of Boylston Street, caused three deaths and over 180 injuries. Although the explosions were initially reported as having occurred inside a hotel in the immediate aftermath, it was later revealed that the explosions occurred on the street as the bombs were placed in garbage bins.
While some surrounding businesses sustained building damage, the two hotels nearest to the explosions, the 214-room The Lenox Hotel and the 383-room The Fairmont Copley Plaza were not physically damaged but saw their operations affected.
The Lenox Hotel was evacuated on Monday shortly after the explosions, which were across the street from it. The hotel issued this statement — “Despite the events that occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, we will be operating at full capacity tonight to welcome guests to Boston. Our entire area is under high security from local and federal agencies. Boylston Street is closed, however the hotel is accessible via Exeter Street. Current guests who need to retrieve belongings from their rooms can begin to do so at 9 a.m. this morning. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected by this tragedy.”
However, the hotel updated its status later in the day, saying that it is closed until further notice and unable to welcome arrivals Wednesday and Thursday.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza, located on the other side of Copley Plaza from the finish line, was on heightened security and restricted access to the hotel to guests and their colleagues after the bombing. About 24 hours later the hotel was reopened to the public. The hotel issued a statement — “An explosion was reported at the finish line of The Boston Marathon, two blocks away from the hotel. All hotel colleagues are safe and our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident. Cancellation fees have been waived for the next three days as individuals adjust their travel plans in the wake of this tragedy.”
Marriott International, Bethesda, Maryland, also issued a statement in regards to its Boston hotels.
“As a member of the Boston community, with eight Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in the immediate vicinity, we are saddened by the tragedy caused by the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible incident. At this time, we are unaware of any injuries to our hotel guests or employees, and our properties in the area have not reported any damage. We are monitoring the situation closely and, out of an abundance of caution, have enhanced security measures at our nearby hotels. We are complying with requests from the local authorities and are prepared to assist further if called upon. Cancellation fees will be waived for area hotels today, Monday, April 15. The policy will be reviewed as the situation unfolds in the Boston area,” said Marriott.