I don't think there is any comparison here. The Four Seasons is by a wide margin the top hotel in Boston. It is the only hotel in town to get both 5 Diamonds from AAA and 5 stars from Mobil. The rooms, common areas, and most significantly the service far outshine the closest competitors - most notably the two Ritz Carltons and XV Beacon, as well as Boston Harbor Hotel. Having said that, I do enjoy staying at both Ritz Carltons. The comment about the Ritz- Boston Common being in a less desirable location is true, but you should note that it is literally one - two blocks from the Four Seasons. However, when you walk out your door at the Four Seasons you face the lovely public gardens, with Newbury Street one block away. When you come out your door at the Ritz Boston Common you are on a somehwat dark side street in what used to be called the "combat zone" and is now called the "ladder district" - the least desirable end of the Boston common is a block away, and Chinatown is a block away the other direction. The Four Seasons is about 1.5 blocks away - so the area changes quickly. At the "new Ritz" you have access - just an elevator ride away - to the 100,000 square foot Sports Club/LA, which is a big plus if you want to work out or swim. Club is open until 11pm weekdays and 8pm weekends. With corporate rates you can do much better at the two Ritz's than at the Four Seasons (in addition to the noted AMEX Platinum card rate, there are a variety of packages and special rates at the Ritz's). As for the Copley - it is old and boring. Stay there if you are taking your grandmother to town. Service cannot even begin to compare to the other hotels.