This month our neighbor the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) brings the classic American opera Porgy and Bess back to its local roots. The opera made its world premiere at the Colonial Theatre in Boston in 1935. Now it’s been re-imagined as an energetic musical theater production. It’s still loaded with George Gershwin’s unforgettable jazz-influenced music (“Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “I Loves You, Porgy,”) but this version focuses on character and story, giving the show a more accessible feel for a contemporary audience.

Some of A.R.T.’s performers and creative teams stay right here at the Kendall Hotel during their onstage runs, so we couldn’t be more thrilled about all the great buzz this show is getting! The Boston Globe calls star Audra McDonald “a Bess for the ages.” The Harvard Crimson declares the new adaptation “shines.”

Porgy and Bess is set in the downtrodden Catfish Row section of Charleston, South Carolina, in the 1930s. Porgy, a disabled African-American beggar, falls in love with the beautiful but troubled Bess and tries to save her from Crown, her possessive and violent lover, and Sportin’ Life, the neighborhood drug dealer.

The original opera was occasionally criticized for taking too narrow a view of African-American culture, but the A.R.T. production has been brought up to date by Pulitzer Prize-winning African-American playwright Suzan Lori-Parks. The director is Diane Paulus, 2009 Tony award winner for Best Revival of a Musical (Hair). The cast is a mix of classically trained opera performers, gospel singers, and Broadway stars.

The reinterpretation of this iconic American opera is not to be missed! (And if you’re looking for an elegant and comfortable hotel to stay at while you’re in town, be sure and give us a call.)

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess runs through Sunday, Oct. 2 at the A.R.T.‘s Loeb Drama Center on Brattle Street in Cambridge. For tickets and information, visit the American Repertory Theater website or call 617-547-8300.

Boston played a key role in Independence and it still celebrates Independence Day like few other American cities.  From special events to fireworks and more, the Boston area comes alive for Fourth of July celebrations.

While enjoying the festivities enjoy our historic Cambridge hotel, located near a T-stop and all points

Boston and surrounding areas.  The Kendall Hotel is a wonderful landing place for your Boston visit with wonderful rooms, great service, the Black Sheep Restaurant and Bar, and more.

Looking for options this holiday weekend?  Check out July4th.org, Boston Harbor Fest, and the Boston City site for ideas!

A destination for many reasons the Boston area draws in even residents of Massachusetts and surrounding states for the rich cultural

and arts offerings.  Whether traditional or contemporary art, performance art, music, or any of numerous other options, the Boston area has much to offer.  There are also stops to engage the young and young at heart for many hours such as the Children’s Museum and the Boston Museum of Science.

The Kendall Hotel is a great landing place for weekends of arts exploration.  Family friendly, with on site parking, conveniently located near a T stop, and to all things Boston, come for the arts and stay at the Kendall!

Here are some places to check out for an upcoming visit:

• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
• Isabelia Stewart Gardner Museum
• American Repertory Theater
• Boston Center for the Arts
• Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Opera Boston
• Boston Lyric Opera
• Boston Children’s Museum
• Museum of Science, Boston
• New England Aquarium

The Kendall Hotel is pleased to add Hook & Ladder to our American wine offerings! A converted fire house and Hook and Ladder wines? Of course there’s synergy! And great taste.  Located in the Russian River Valley of

California, a well known area for grapes and wine, Hook & Ladder brings old world wine to our Boston area hotel.

You can find at the Kendall Hotel Hook & Ladder:

• 2008 Chardonnay
• 2008 Pinot Noir (90 points and editors choice selection in Wine Enthusiast)
• 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2007 Merlot
• 2007 The Tillerman

Re-engineered & re-designed, our web-site is re-do is DONE!

To celebrate the Kendall’s new website, we’re offering a special deal for the month of March: reserve online through our new website and receive a free

dinner entrée (up to $25.00) at the Black Sheep Restaurant, Monday through Saturday, or if you book for a Sunday night, get a $25 Legal Seafood Gift Certificate (located across the street from the Kendall Hotel).  Just type the promo code “FIRE” into the note field; valid on hotel’s online reservations only.

Extended stay in a luxury suite for the month of January just wasn’t enough — by popular demand, we’re extending our Boston Short-Term Housing Special through February 28th.  Book 15 consecutive nights in

February at the Kendall Hotel, and you can stay in one of our beautiful one-bedroom luxury suites, with HDTVs, a Jacuzzi tub, and a full kitchen — all starting at just $149 a night.

You’ll also receive a 20% off card good toward lunch or dinner at the Black Sheep Restaurant, included washing and folding (no pressing) of laundry by our housekeeping staff, and discounted parking for the duration of your stay.

How “suite” is that?

Email brenda@kendallhotel.com for more information and to book your stay. Rates are per night plus taxes (14.45%) plus a per night hotel usage fee $6.95 for the availability and use of the full American Breakfast Buffet; Internet access (wired and WiFi); local and toll free calls; and our hosted wine hour, Monday through Thursday evenings.

*Change in dates, or length of stay could change the rate quote.  Maximum of four people can occupy the suite.The Kendall Hotel is a totally non-smoking.

Something about us is…different.  If you can’t put your finger on it, you haven’t seen our new website — which is now every bit as stylish as our beloved hotel.  And we’re so pleased with our new look that we want to spread the good mood far and wide.

So, take a look at the new design (and please feel free to leave comments on our Facebook page), and while you’re here, take advantage of a special deal for the month of February.  Book a room on our website for any night, Monday through Saturday, in February and you’ll receive one free dinner entree at our Black Sheep Restaurant.  Known for innovative home-style American cooking — with organic and locally grown ingredients — the Black Sheep pairs outstanding food with a carefully chosen wine list and selection

of locally brewed beers.  It’s the perfect place to settle in and cozy up for an warm Boston evening on a cold winter night.

To participate, make your reservations online and enter “FIRE” in the comment field.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s high time to treat your loved one to a stay at the Kendall Hotel.  We’re here to make your romantic evening — away from the office, the kids, or

just the usual — an oasis of comfort and luxury, and with the Kendall’s Fire & Ice Valentine’s Package, the champagne and candlelight are on us.

Make your reservations now for any time in the month of February and you’ll enjoy a deluxe room for two with chilled champagne and a beautiful beaded candleholder (battery-operated) that you can take home with you to remember…to come back.

Make your reservations online today, or call us at (866) 566 1300 and ask for the Valentine’s Package!