MSPeconomist

Careful what you wish for. In early January, the hotel will be filled with economists for a big convention.

Flews

Fortunately I will be at WDW in early January.

Cheers,

megalab

Had a nice stay last week. Much of what is described in the most recent posts is still true. The recent renovations are holding up, as our room and the hotel in general are in good shape for being so old. (There was a display marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the South Tower.) The staff was uniformly friendly, patient and helpful, and full Plat recognition was delivered without prompting.

Originally booked a 1K Traditional+SNA for 1 nt. The SNA cleared for a 1K 1 BR at T-5d. Plans changed and needed a 2-bed room for 2 nts. The hotel was sold out the 2nd night I needed, but were offering 3 nt stays overlapping that date. Called the Plat line which called the hotel and they booked a 2 nt stay for me with no fuss. None of their nine 2-bed suites are in the SNA pool so I didn’t reapply. At check in they offered a 1K+sofa bed 1 BR suite, but I needed two real beds so they put me in a 2D Club room in the North Tower. While the room was on the small side, the express elevators to the Club levels were very fast and always available (again, despite being sold out) which boosted our satisfaction. Not sure the beds were Sweet Sleepers because they seemed too hard, and just not as comfortable as the Candlewood Suites bed I slept in later on this trip.

The Lounge is a bit small for the size of the hotel, though it wasn’t as packed as I feared; we and most everyone else found a seat. The food and drink were the standard fare as previously mentioned (good oatmeal and fixin’s, stale pastries, fresh fruit and veggies, spectacular desserts). The attendants were very friendly and kept the Lounge in fine condition despite the crowds.

While I agree the pool is not ideal for speed workouts, it’s about as good as one could expect in a hotel, more than acceptable for basic lap swimming (better than the Westin Copley Place pool). There is a small locker room (though only one locker had a working key) on the other side of the gym with an accessible shower. It was too cold to open the pool area cover or use the outdoor deck, though those would be nice touches on a warmer day.

Valet was $51/day and the self-park option was I think $40/day. The valet attendants were very friendly, helpful and prompt, and one refused to take a tip after bringing up a bag I forgot in my car.

Overall this stay was as satisfying as the Westin Copley Place and I'd stay again if in the area.

Erasmus

Stayed here several times over the years, never received an upgrade of note. Hit the jackpot on my most recent stay, and received a "presidential suite." Not sure the room is quite worth that description, but it was a one-bedroom suite that took up the entire eastern edge of the North Tower, with views of Cambridge, the river, Fenway, and South End. The lounge remains underwhelming, but the view was the best I've ever had in Boston.

stevengodfrey1

Staying here this week and got a Junior Suite as a Plat, first non-Suite Night upgrade I've had in a long time. 17th floor overlooking the Charles, Back Bay and Fenway! I really like this hotel and it's connected to the Pru Center and Copley so you can get around indoors quite a bit.

I think the Lounge is pretty good. 29th floor with great views. Breakfast selection is Continental plus Quiche plus a fantastic selection of fruit (Strawberries, Melon, Pineapple, lots of Raspberries). Evening is great cheese plates, couple of hot hors d'oeuvres and dessert tarts. Friendly staff as well.

It's a bit of a pain if you're not staying on the 29th (or 26th and above) and some of the elevators don't go all the way up. If you're on 26 and above there are "private" elevators that only serve 26-29.

I also like the Westin Copley and the new lounge there should be interesting, but the Sheraton is very good.

yvr76

Unfortunately this is another property where all incoming packages are handled by your friendly neighbourhood Fedex Shipping Centre, anywhere from $2 to $25 if you pick them up.

Waived Fedex package receiving fees would be a great Platinum perk

stc

It's not a real FedEx Shipping Center. It is a Business Center that happens to handle FedEx.

controller1

Actually it IS a real FedEx Office Print & Ship Center. You do not need to be a guest of the hotel to utilize the same services that are available at most FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers, including returning merchandise to a vendor (per experience).

It's open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday-Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday; Closed on Monday.

stc

You're Right. For some reason I thought it was a Penfield's (probably confusing with the Westin Waterfront) and my brief search on FedEx.com missed it. But I have now found it on FedEx.com.

Flying Machine

If I recall its a low usage facility. Its in the hallway when going from the hotel to the Mall if I'm not mistaken.

stc

Yes, that is where it is. On the right-hand side when going to the mall (opposite the back bay ballroom).

tlott

Hello,

Does anyone know if the Sheraton Boston is considered a convention center hotel?

I'm aware that the SPG terms state:
I was told at check in that management does not want to grant a late check out beyond 1 pm. Late check out is partially why I booked here.

Before I push back tomorrow morning, I want to be certain that SPG Platinums should receive guaranteed 4 pm checkout here.

Thanks for any wisdom FT can offer!

MSPeconomist

If you find the big FAQ thread on the late checkout benefit, it should have a link (perhaps in a wiki) to a list of convention properties posted by one of our Starwood Lurkers.

You could also call Plat Concierge several times to ask, but do not let them tell you that late checkouts are subject to availability in all Starwood properties.

FWIW, a couple years ago I got (a nice upgrade and) a late checkout to 4 pm here without a fight.

tlott

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. This is indeed a convention center hotel.

For anyone else with this issue, a list can be found at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18920557-post809.html

Out of my Element

It is attached to the Hynes Convention Center so that doesn't surprise me. There are a few convention/resort categorized properties that do surprise me.