Hotel AKA Boston Common

Rebecca is friendly and helpful with information about Boston. Awesome old fashion and french 75! Look forward to coming and talking with her.

I was surprised about this hotel. I reviewed several places and choose this one based on that. Our room did not meet expectations. Our room was very roughly used, scratches everywhere, walls, floors and even ceiling. Beyond the quality of the room, the toilet handle was broken, the toilet ran all night and the sink was clogged. The bathroom had severe water damage, holes in ceiling, peeling and cracked doors and tub surround. I did mention to front desk that the quality was poor, and was told I could be moved to a smaller room, but the price would be the same, not adjusted. We choose to just stay in our room as we had settled in. When we checked out I mentioned these things again to front desk and was simply told that is for letting us know. Location was great, but quality of hotel was not. Our experience was of a very used and abused room. I would not recommend or book here again.

I travel to Boston regularly for work, and over time I’ve stayed at a lot of the hotels here that market themselves as luxe or high-end. Some of them are fine, but a lot of them have that same thing you notice the moment you open the door — small room, stale carpet smell, and a general sense that the space has been “refreshed” many times without ever being reset. I live in New York City, and I’m particular about how a room feels — the overall atmosphere, the cleanliness, the light, the air, the sense of space. I’m not someone who uses the gym or spa or restaurant in the hotel. What matters to me is the room itself and whether I feel good being there for a few nights. This room was genuinely large, which immediately stood out. Not just “slightly bigger” — a full, open room where there is actual space to move around, set things down, organize your work, and not feel confined. The air felt clean the moment I walked in — no heaviness, no old carpet scent, no lingering humidity. The lighting is warm and well-placed, not harsh overhead lighting or dim lamps that make the room feel cave-like. The bathroom is in great condition: bright, clean, strong water pressure, modern fixtures, and none of the worn grout or “quick renovation” look that is really common in Boston hotels. Everything in the room worked as it should — the smart TV connected easily, the outlets were placed where they actually make sense, the temperature stayed consistent without loud fan noise, and the bed was very comfortable. It felt like a room that had genuinely been cared for, not just maintained. A big part of why I’m writing this is the staff. Nate and James at the front desk were genuinely thoughtful and attentive. Not in an exaggerated hospitality-script way — just real, grounded, and considerate. They checked me in quickly, answered questions clearly, and made sure I had what I needed without making it feel formal or transactional. Their approach gives the whole stay a warmer tone, and it stood out in a very real way. The location is also excellent — central and walkable, close to the Public Garden and Back Bay, but without the noise or crowded feel that some nearby hotels deal with. It’s easy to get to meetings and easy to step out and walk around at the end of the day. This hotel has a strong reputation, and here, the experience actually matches it. The room size, the cleanliness, the atmosphere, and the level of service all came together in a way that felt comfortable and reliable. I felt good staying here — which is ultimately the entire point. I’ll be staying here again. — David B

The front desk representative named James was very helpful, professional and very knowledgeable of the area. We were very pleased with the service that we received from him. We look forward to returning to visit Boston again in the nearby future!

So, the rooms seem like they make sense when first arriving, BUT,… there is a very strange hole in the shower door which seems to be for getting to the faucet when drawing a bath, however, you must get into the tub to pull the drain shut! There are not side tables on both sides the the beds! Had to move the furniture around. There are 2 pieces of art, small, above one bed and nothing else on the walls, also, the lighting is odd. Not enought in places and too much in others. The Casting TV viewing for streaming our own channels simply didnt work, and we are pretty tech savvy. That was a waste of a decent TV. Wouldnt stay again.