Being in the rental game for as long as I’ve been, it’s not easy to truly impress me. The Benjamin in the Seaport District managed to do just that and it’s because of one simple and fundamental thing that is lacking in a market where buildings are popping up at an alarming rate- attention to detail.
Walking into the Benjamin you’re hit with a smell that’s enchanting. Sounds silly to some but it’s very reminiscent of luxury resorts in Vegas, Miami, etc. where you know you’ve arrived once you enter the building. It’s captivating. After entering the building I was warmly welcomed by Isaac, the concierge. He was the only concierge who made an impact on me during my day of visiting 6 different buildings- not only because he was the most welcoming with a warm smile and attentive eye contact- but after the building tour with the leasing agent, he bid me farewell by name which no other staff member at any of the other buildings did.
The front lobby feels luxe but not overdone, tones of greys and taupe’s with a resort type sense to it. The leasing agent was friendly and knowledgeable and answered every question I threw at her down to the minor details. The units themselves are quite nicely appointed but nothing terribly unique- open style living featuring kitchen islands with caesarstone tops, GE stainless appliances, bosch washer and dryers and good amounts of closet space. Units are offered in two different styles- one with lighter tones and one with darker tones which is purely a matter of personal taste. Nevertheless, it is nice to see that there is more than one option.
Apartments start on the 5th floor, with retail occupying floors 1-3 and amenities on the 4th floor. Floors 5-16 are your standard variety units with floors 17-22 being the “premium” layouts with better views which obviously equates to higher rates.
Amenities are plentiful and inviting starting with a free espresso bar in the lounge aside the pool table and sizable kitchen (available for rent at $375/4hrs). There’s a very large terrace with 3 built in gas grills and multiple group seating areas. The pool is excellent, seems to get great sun exposure and looks like to be one of the better places in Boston to relax on a gorgeous summer day. Exceptional fitness facilities equipped with new equipment and an adjacent yoga/spin/on demand fitness studio. Lastly, there is a locker-style area for packages in the lobby, full time (and friendly!) concierge and door man during popular times of the day.
Parking is shared with the Via next door and is $425/mo. Unless you’d like to be closer to the elevator which is offered with a $50 premium. *cue eyeroll*
Snapshot:
Location: Seaport Neighborhood, Boston
Year Built: 2017
# of Units: 354
Rent Range: $3300-$9700/mo.
Pet Policy: Pets welcome- $45/mo. per cat, $80/mo. per dog (breed restrictions apply)
Amenities: Indoor and outdoor lounge, billiard table, pool, conference room, fitness room
Parking: $425-$475/mo.
Move-in costs: $600 initial deposit ($100-key, $500- first month’s rent), $750 security deposit
The Wrap: The Benjamin is the Gold Standard in luxury apartment living in Boston offering an exceptional and easy living experience in the bustling and ever changing Seaport neighborhood.