Yes sir, the place is truly a dump. If you're in the area again and plan on staying in the Boston suburbs, try the Sheraton Needham or Sheraton Braintree or Framingham (Braintree & Framingham are former 'Tara' hotels. Not great, but much better than Newton). My personal favorite Boston area hotel (excluding Westin Copley Place and Sheraton Boston, which are in Boston proper) is the Westin Waltham-Boston.
Oh yea...and stay away from the Four Points Logan Airport. It is nowhere near the airport and leaves much to be desired.