Agree with your comments, Kat. I put my mother up at the Newbury back in May for 3 nights and it was just fine. I liked the room decor but agree that it lacked character and was small. Lobby was non-existent and I love having a lobby. Service was fine, not great (concierge, F&B). After now dining at Contessa, the talk of the town around here, three times now, I can conclude that it is just not very good. The ground floor bar, on the other hand, is excellent.

Would probably not return - too many other good options in Bosto.