Another perspective on this property
I'm in the midst of a stay here this weekend into early next week and I have to say I'm pleasantly surpised given all of the negative reviews. I have stayed at the Westin Copley (as well as the Sheraton nearby) on previous stays and the Hyatt is far nicer in my opinion than the Starwood properties.
The Hyatt renovation may not be top notch but it's nice enough, I mean this is a Regency branded property afterall. I think the rooms are a bit small, the bathrooms especially so. But overall the decor is modern and clean and this ranks around where I would put many of the other "nice" Regency properties. I can't say it is elegant, deluxe or 5 star, but I wouldnt say that about any Regency property. Sure I like to stay in Starwood's W properties and Park Hyatts, but in Boston I made do with what these chains have (I eagerly await the opening of the new Westin in Boston). I have a corporate rate of $145 a night, so if I were paying more my review might be different. Overall, I am quite happy with the Hyatt and would stay here again, I definitely will pick it over the Westin.
We got free breakfast in recognition of diamond status (we got 2 coupons for continental breakfast but were allowed to have the buffet or order omlets from the menu). No room upgrade other than putting us on the Club floor (which is closed on the weekends), but the hotel is full so I'm not surprised. They did have our room ready for us at noon on the day we arrived as we had requested (which was nice given that they were so full and others were being told they had to wait until 3pm). The front desk was very pleasant and accomodating to any requests we had. I am also SPG Plt and the Westin Copley has never treated me all that well, not having room ready early when hotel is full and never gotten any kind of upgrade without making a fuss even when the hotel was far from fully booked.
We also really like the location of the Hyatt. Chinatown is a block away so you can find some great asian food for dinner. Lots of great shopping right down the street and it's a quick cab ride or nice walk to many neighboring areas and attractions.
The hassle right now is getting in and out of here to/from the airport, with all the construction in this part of the city it takes a while to zig zag in here from the highway. We are staying at the Harborside property tommorrow night to make it easier to catch our early flight out the next morning.