Fairmont Copley Plaza

Sadly can't give more than 3stars to this hotel...the room was big and perfectly cleaned everyday, the location excellent! Sadly due the reservation process was not specified the breakfast situation at all (we included them for the whole staying and pre-paid in advance); it was not specified that the breakfast is only American style and from a fixed menu. The type of food is more a brunch/lunch type: not being able to eat steak and potatoes at 8am, on the 1st morning we requested a simple bowl of cereal and a glass of white milk and we were refused. Second issue is, still during the reservation process, that you have a daily budget of $40 pp; you might think this will be sufficient but considering that they charge $8 for a 100ml coffee (so you need 2-3 to make a normal americano size), $7 for a juice and $23 for a sandwich, you will easily go over the fixed budget. We ended up not using the service paid for most of the staying and used the coffee shop at the next corner. Huge disappointment. We were not impressed by the service at the front desk either as the lady that assisted us sounded very confused (maybe she was new, not sure). Definitely not going back next time we will be in town.

The Copley Plaza is a jewel-- right next to the Boston Public Library, walking distance to Newbury Street with its shops and restaurants, and close to the Public Garden and Commons. The lobby is beautiful, with neoclassical designs, Corinthian columns and mosaics in the hallways leading to the front desk. Experienced and attentive staff, beautiful rooms with views of Copley Square, and the terrific Oak Bar for breakfast and drinks later. They no longer build veautiful hotles like the Copley.

Really excellent service from the moment we walked in the door to the moment we left. Great Gold lounge. Bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping was very good.

When we arrived, we had booked a suite with a buy 2 nights, get 1 free deal, or else I would have selected a regular room. The suite was a small sitting room, small bathroom, and a bedroom. The only challenge was that the doors to the bedroom and bathroom wouldn't close. No big deal, except when we went to sleep, we realized that a bright light in the "courtyard" (the HVAC on the room) was shining into the bathroom and then flooding the bedroom with light. I was also struggling with unpacking because the furniture under our TV was just an empty cabinet with no drawers, and I had a bunch of things that don't go on hangers easily. I mentioned it in tne morning and they kindly offered to swap me to another room. A bellman helped us move and we found ourselves in an enormous suite. I had no expectation of this, and was amazed by how large and lovely it was. We had a huge armoire now, a bathroom with a nice counter, and doors that closed. The next night, they sent up wine and a fruit/nut/cheese platter with an apology note- totally unnecessary but really great. Our last night we had turndown arrive a little afater 9p so we were already asleep as we are early risers, then alarms went off for a fire overnight. In the morning I asked if it was a false alarm or if they figured it out, and they said they were investigating and apologized. I said it was no big deal, safety first, but later that day they emailed to comp our food and beverage during the trip. I am just blown away by how far they go to make up for minor inconveniences. I also love the Le Labo products (Rose in our first room, Santal 33 in our second room.) The beds and pillows were comfortable, too, and you get daily water on the house. The hotel is very pretty. We missed out on meeting Cori as she was home for the weekend, so we will have to go back again to meet her next time!

The architecture of this building is amazing - and the room seemed to hold the integrity of the structure.