Davis Square Alderman: Possible Hotel Would Be a 'Boutique' One

The Somerville Board of Aldermen approved a measure Thursday to create a "Davis Square Hotel Advisory Group," that would "lay out a public process so community members know where, when and how to engage in this conversation."

The move to create an advisory groups comes after the city, in late December, issued a request for proposals for a hotel at the site of the parking lot at Herbert and Day streets, where the Davis Square Farmers Market takes place.

In proposing the advisory group, Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, who represents Davis Square, said the hotel "is a big deal for Davis Square if it comes."

Gewirtz said any hotel built in Davis Square would be a boutique hotel. "I emphasize the word boutique," she said, saying there are "rumors going around" that it could be a large chain hotel.

Indeed, the request for proposals, which you can read here, says there's "a demand for Boutique Select Service, Branded Select Service, or Branded Limited Service hotel" in the area.

Such hotels are sometimes run by chains, though. The request for proposals says hotel groups that submit proposals should "indicate whether the hotel will be an independent hotel or part of [a] larger lodging system/chain."

Here's some more information on what "limited service" and "select service" means, including what hotel brands fit into those categories.

At-Large Alderman John Connolly said some people have expressed concerns about the size and dimensions of the possible hotel, and he said the advisory group would help such people get involved in the process.

More

City Seeks Davis Square Hotel Proposals by Feb. 4

Aldermen Support Plans for Hotel in Davis Square

Thoughts: Building a Hotel on Davis Square Parking Lot