XV Beacon

I loved this hotel, but it kind of let me down. The rooms are impeccable -- wonderful design, beautiful fire places, excellent housekeeping, and a tremendous (though expensive) house restaurant. During my first few nights, I was telling everyone I came in contact with how remarkable this hotel was. Eventually, though, the wonder wore off a bit. Most of the issues, minor as they were, were service related. Across 4 days, I called down 4 times total, and not once did my calls amount to anything. The first time, I called room service to place an order, and no one picked up. After 5 minutes of waiting, I called concierge, and no one picked up there either. No food for me. Another night, I called housekeeping for bath salts, admittedly at 10 PM, but no one picked up despite staying on the line for at least 5 minutes. A fourth time, I called down for a very minor request, which they said they would grant immediately, and nearly an hour later I had to call back to ask what was going on. I tried to utilize the hotel's amenities 4 times, and was rebuffed each time -- likely some combination of bad luck and life at a small hotel, but still a disappointment given the room rate and my expectations for my stay. In addition, I could not locate any outlets near the bed, which was a slight inconvenience. In total, I felt a bit let down by this hotel. After my first few days, I thought this was one of the 2 or 3 best hotels I had ever stayed in. Eventually, though, quite a few issues presented themselves, and the stay only ended up being "good" instead of "incredible."

This is a very sophisticated and stylish hotel. The staff and concierge were really helpful with restaurant and bar suggestions/reservations. We used the car service a few times which was very handy. The location is great for the park and Beacon Hill area, though a little noisy whilst we were there owing to roadworks outside the hotel but it didn't bother us too much and is to be expected in a big city. The breakfasts were insanely good, very pricey but delicious and enormous portions.

This hotel would have gotten my highest recommendation but for being awakened at 4:30 am by garbage trucks emptying dumpsters outside my window. When I called down to the front desk, the person feigned ignorance of any noise, claiming I was the first person to complain about the noise. After further questioning, it turned out I was the first one to complain "that night." The hotel is well aware of this problem yet has apparently chosen not to install double-paned windows, or done anything else to mitigate the noise. If you do stay here, choose the Beacon Street side of the hotel (the garbage is collected in the alleyway behind the hotel. Leaving aside the horrendous early morning racket, this is a nice hotel. The rooms feel homey and are very comfortable. If you decide to take advantage of the hotel car, be sure to book well in advance as it is frequently in use. The attached restaurant (Moo) is also excellent for dinner.

If you're looking for extravagance, the XV Beacon Hotel certainly can oblige. Established in 1999, it is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Boston. It is rated No. 1 among Best Boston Hotels and No. 1 among Best Massachusetts Hotels. Located at 15 Beacon Street, near the Old State House and the Massachusetts State House in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, four blocks north of Boston Common, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also is a member of Historic Hotels of America. The 63-room hotel is situated in a turn-of-the-century landmark Beaux Arts building with modern furnishings counterbalanced by a grand staircase of marble, vibrant red accents, mahogany paneling, antique accents, luxurious linens, gas fireplaces, 49-inch flat screen TVs and an original caged glass elevator. It is a great jumping-off place for history lovers, within walking distance of Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Back Bay and North End. My wife and I are historians and since this was our first visit to Boston we wanted to take enough time to do it right. And stay at the most luxurious hotel in town with one of the best restaurants in town. XV Beacon offers seven room types with seven guest rooms to a floor. We chose a Beacon Hill Studio, a 485-square-foot space with a luxurious sitting area in front of the fireplace, a love seat, large wooden desk, Smart TV, imported marble bathroom with rainforest shower and whirlpool tub, a Queen-sized bed and views of Beacon Street. You'd be pressed to find a more accommodating and efficient and friendly staff...front desk, concierge, bellmen, room service, housekeeping, driver, valet. With all of his, why did the British leave town?

My wife and I just spend three nights here at The Beacon Hotel, Boston. Smaller hotel in the Beacon Hills area, great service, very clean and attentive. Restaurant service along with food qualities was outstanding.