[First Impressions and Pics] Encore Boston Harbor Casino

Encore Boston Harbor Harbor Shuttle View From Dock

Revisting EBH in 2025

Since this article was first published shortly after the grand opening in 2019 (this article was originally published July 2, 2019), it is about time we revisited it.

I have had quite a few visits since 2019, and Encore Boston Harbor remains an incredible luxury casino resort. Upon reflection, it’s important to point out that this was the final Roger Thomas Design at a Wynn Resort. You honestly can tell, and I absolutely enjoy this generation of Wynn Design.

Encore Boston Harbor with Luxury Perks – TravelZork Travel
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A few things to mention about EBH in 2025 versus 2019: Sinatra is gone, and has been recently replaced by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Schlow’s Seamark Seafood & Cocktails. This venue also features Old Wives’ Tale, an intimate speakeasy with sublime cocktails created by renowned mixologist Francesco Lafranconi. There is no longer a buffet, which The Sportsbook replaced. As many recall, sports wagering had not been approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission at the time of the property’s opening.

EBH now has a (top-tier) Black Tier Lounge, which was formerly a bar on the mezzanine level.

It’s also almost impossible to find a $50 or lower 3/2 blackjack game on the main casino floor. I recall on a visit just a few years ago, they had both 3/2 and 6/5 blackjack at the $50 level, with blackjack below $50 all at 6/5. You now have to “step up” to at least a $100 blackjack game for “good odds.”

Way back in 2018, we published an article: [Initial Observations – The Rules] Massachusetts Casino Table Games at MGM Springfield that discussed the new gaming regulations in Massachusetts.

As I mentioned back in 2018:

“Further, we can be sure that there will be some amount of 6 to 5 blackjack, unfortunately. Was hoping that this would not have allowed in the regulations, but I also do realize that was a long shot. With any luck, 6 to 5 blackjack will be limited to only a few “low limit” tables.”

I guess, no such luck for EBH and “good” low(er) limit blackjack. I totally blame the MGC (MGC: MA Gaming Commission) for this; if they had codified ONLY 3/2 blackjack, then the properties would have had no choice. But alas, does anyone “really” care about players?

Squeeze baccarat limits have also increased; you won’t find a squeeze game below $200, whereas there were many $100 games for the first few years. I guess business is good.

As I mentioned on the recent podcast, EBH is extremely fair with comps for Wynn Rewards Players who currently get comp rooms in Las Vegas. So, do not fear, even if you are not getting EBH comp offers, you should still consider connecting with an EBH host if you are well taken care of in Vegas and/or discuss with your Las Vegas Casino Host.

Overall, I absolutely adore this property. It’s stylish, well-run, and has a considerable number of bougie foodie specials and promotions. Heck, you can even use your Wynn Rewards Points to get your car detailed while playing baccarat.

Be sure to comment on the video, or share your thoughts and reflections at the TravelZork Facebook Group, and let us know what you like or dislike about Encore Boston Harbor.

September 2025 – Encore Boston Harbor – Virgin Slot Jackpot Mo Mummy – $1.50 Costco Hotdogs – Yo-11 Podcast (S7156)

Impressions of Encore Boston Harbor
Photograph ©2019 Michael Trager | Encore Boston Harbor – Lobby Area and Carousel 

First Impressions of Encore Boston Harbor

Wow, basically sums up my first impressions of Encore Boston Harbor. The 2.6 billion dollar casino resort seeks to redefine the casino resort experience in New England and also along the entire east coast. Fundamentally, Encore Boston Harbor Casino is the first true five star casino hotel resort that is within the confines of a major city in the United States.

“Bold. Breathtaking. Perfectly Boston.”

Nothing sums up these first impressions of Encore Boston Harbor quite as accurately as the tag lines on their website “Bold. Breathtaking. Perfectly Boston.” TravelZork was thrilled to join in the excitement of opening week at Encore Boston Harbor, much like we enjoyed the opening of Wynn Palace in Macau back in 2016.

Popeye Encore Boston Harbor
Photograph ©2019 Michael Trager | Encore Boston Harbor – Popeye

Some of the features of the resort include:

  • The largest standard hotel room product in Boston, as well as the largest in New England. (650-square feet)
  • Premium Harbor Shuttles, three European-style low profile motor yachts. 41-foot, state-of-the-art vessels that accommodate 40 passengers.
  • A 210,000 square-foot casino on two floors that exceeds the combined casino floor space at both Wynn and Encore Las Vegas.
  • 15 dining and lounge venues, including a 24 hour Dunkin Donuts that is 21+ (due to the location on the casino floor).
  • 50,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
  • An ultra premium spa. (Though, it’s important to take note that there is no indoor or outdoor swimming pool.)
  • Six-acre Harborwalk that includes pedestrian and bike paths, picnic park, gazebo, waterfront dining and magnificent floral displays.
  • Fratelli, a casual Italian restaurant from Boston North End restaurant veterans Frank DePasquale and Nick Varano. (Note: 21+ due to the location of the venue off the casino floor.)
  • Memoire, a nightlife fantasy by Boston’s Big Night Entertainment Group.
  • Encore Boston Harbor even has impact on the local sports scene with private box suites at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium and TD Garden. These suites are designed to mimic the opulence for the resort and elevate the guest experience into the city and beyond.

Picture Tour – Impressions of Encore Boston Harbor

Since there is so much amazing visual, we decided to first publish this Impressions of Encore Boston Harbor article to give an overview of some of the content we will be sharing over the next few days. This will include content curated by Robin of NETimeGambling as well as some featured articles on Las Vegas Advisor Travel.

Some of our upcoming coverage of Encore Boston Harbor includes:

  • Casino Overview, including table games and video poker (with a brief overview of some of the best low denomination video poker at Encore Boston Harbor Casino).
  • A comprehensive Encore Boston Harbor hotel room review.
  • Encore Boston Harbor Red Card Details, and how the casino loyalty program operates.
  • Details about the Encore Boston Harbor Premium Harbor Shuttle, and how to visit Encore Boston Harbor Casino.

Encore Boston Harbor – Hotel Resort Area Pics

Encore Boston Harbor Casino Pics

Encore Boston Harbor Premium Harbor Shuttle

Encore Boston Harbor with Luxury Perks – TravelZork Travel
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TravelZork Travel – Preferred Platinum Luxury Program

Note: Updated for TZ 2.0 June 2025 by the TravelZork editorial staff. This article was originally published in July 2019

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Michael is a travel enthusiast who is passionate about food and casino adventures and is very detail-oriented when it comes to travel, especially when it comes to the entire flight and airport experience. Before returning to the USA, he resided in Europe (Amsterdam and London) from 2013 to 2020. Current passion projects include TravelZork, the creation of ZorkFest (The Preeminent Consumer-Focused Travel Loyalty (Miles+Points) and Casino Loyalty Conference), and ZorkCast Podcast. In addition, Michael is passionate about the history of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, as well as baccarat, and enjoys cooking and experiencing food around the globe.