boltor

Unfortunately it's my own car. I'm driving up to visit my folks for Thanksgiving and stopping into Boston along the way.

Thanks for your help.

general45

This is my favorite Marriott when I stay in Boston. If you have status, you will have access to one of the best concierge lounges around. Legal Seafood, Chart House restaurant located a few hundred feet from hotel. You have access to the subway onsite.The Big Dig construction has been removed, so you do not have to battle traffic when crossing Atlantic Ave to gain access to the sites of Boston. The North End, Beacon Hill, Filenes and Macy's shopping, and China Town are all 10-25 minute walks from the hotel. Whale watch tours and evening cruises leave across the street at the harbor. Access to the hotel is a lot easier now that all the barricades have come down. I believe parking is $36.00/day. Hope this helps.

GoCubs

Does anyone know if the concierge lounge is open on weekends???

thanks!!!

Just Passing Thru

This is our fave property, too. As noted, a short walk to the North End, and there's also a water taxi stop by the hotel's rear entrance. The Big Dig really isn't an issue, though we did notice pedestrian and street routes changing almost daily in the area. I recommend having an extra cup of joe before heading out in the morning so you'll be awake and alert for whatever signage changes happened overnight.

The one gripe we do have is (as others have said) that parking is a bear and that there really aren't any good alternatives. I recommend swallowing the bitter pill and paying the freight on the hotel's parking.

The concierge lounge was open on weekends during our last stay, but I recommend calling the hotel directly for the latest scoop.

general45

The concierge lounge is open on weekends, even when I have visited during the slow months. But as has been previously mentioned, it is best to call hotel and check to make sure. By the way, the lounge overlooks and has a great view of Boston Harbor. Another thing I forgot to mention is that all the city tours(Old Town Trolley, Duck Tours, Ghost Tours) leave from across the street. The Boston Aquarium is also located next to hotel so you are never at a loss for things to do.

pwrshift

Having experienced six other Category 7 Marriotts, it is beyond me how this Boston hotel qualifies as I just don't find it in the same league. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Brian

cnolan

I agree, this should be a cat 5 or 6. But then again, all the properties in the Boston area are over-rated. Most likely due to the cost of the city center. Let me put it this way, the JW Ilhilani resort on Oahu is a Cat 6. There is no comparison. Oh well...

boltor

It's all a matter of supply and demand. If enough people are willing to burn points at that level on award stays, the hotel has no incentive to drop levels.

choptliva

Just completed a stay here. Very very happy with the hotel and the people.
It's an old apartment building that's been totally renovated. But many of the old architectural details have been kept: high ceilings, large bay windows that are basically floor to ceiling, exterior, solid floors (never heard anyone walking upstairs), good soundproofing (never heard my neighbors' TVs or conversation). This is NOT your typical Courtyard. Bathrooms are NOT pre-fab! Even have the curved shower rod, and wood shutters! It's a smaller but more cheerful Westin! HSIA is free, and it's fast. Room is fair sized, though may be a little bit small for family of four. I was by myself, and had a large king room. Nice.
Service is very very good. Received email from "experience specialist" prior to arrival. What? This is a Courtyard!!! Everyone I encountered at the hotel is first class.
If you are in town, there is no reason to pay the higher prices at neighboring Marriott, Westin, Hilton, or Sheraton. Give this one a try! ^ ^

cnolan

I lived 1 block from that hotel. It was an old apartment building that they just turned into the courtyard. Very very good location. 1 block from Copley square, right next to green line stop,public library, 1 block to prudential center shops, 2 blocks to newbury street, 4 blocks to boston common, etc. It's right in the middle of everything you want in boston.

If I still lived in Boston I'd put my friends and family there instead of the marriott Copley, which is nice, but just a huge convention hotel.

sportswriter

I agree with most everything said here. I stayed over the summer and thought it was nice. Similar to many of downtown Courtyards that are rehabbed buildings. Not a cookie-cutter location, but still had everything you'd expect from a Courtyard.

Good location. There's a grocery on the corner and you can walk to almost anything from there.

I'm a bit of a CY guy more than a Marriott guy so I think it's worth staying there if you can save some cash from the regular Marriott.

freeupgrade

Does anyone know if this is open on the weekends?

Also, how is the food (especially desserts) there?

Finally, what floor is the Lounge on?

As a Platinum, has anyone not been given access to the Lounge?

SeaBuddy

The lounge is on the 28th floor, which is key access controlled. There is also a small stairway connecting this floor to the 29th floor. The lounge is not open on weekends, but it does open on Sunday evenings. Food is "OK", but not as good as I've seen at many other properties. Desserts last week were just cookies, nothing more. But, the lounge DOES have some awesome views looking out over Boston and the Charles River. And the location in Boston's Back Bay is tough to beat.

albatross

Stayed there last week. Was told at check-in that Concierge Lounge was closed for renovation, but handed coupons for free breakfast and free appetizers at lounge as compensation, for length of stay (I am MR gold).

Excellent location. Swimming pool was popular with my kids, as was Aquarium, Children's Museum.

Previous posters mentioned Chart House and Legal Seafoods. Quincy market is 2 blocks away, and America Joes is across the park from the hotel, great burgers and chowder, great family restaurant.

obscure2k

A wonderful location but a mediocre hotel. (at best).