I'm sitting here at the Intercontinental Boston trying to unwind on a Sunday evening. Outside the window, I am greeted by calm winds brushing over the Boston harbour. It's quite nice and calming. I look up, there it is, staring at me with it's bold white letters that spelled out WESTIN. Boy do I wish I was there.

After a fantastic stay at the Sheraton Boston (who has previously upgraded to their Fenway Presidential Suite on my last visit), I called a cab to take me to the waterfront area, where I would check in at Intercontinental Boston. After hearing so many good things about IC and having been recently gifted their Ambassador membership, I decided to give them a try. I arrived at the rather quiet lobby at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. I went up to the front desk and was immediately greeted by a bunch of cold and stuffy agents who looked too busy to help me Finally, one agent looked up to check me in. Unlike the usual warmth and ethusiasm I see at Starwood, the agent made no mention of my ambassador status. He mentioned that they had upgraded me from a deluxe room to a harbour view room. Not too bad, except over at the Sheraton, I was upgraded yet again to a fabulous 900 sq ft club suite on the 27th floor overlooking fenway and Charles River. I took my key and headed up the elevators to find my room.

The room was decent. It was furnished with modern amenities including a chaise lounge, LCD TV, a nice bathroom with separate shower and tub. I then sat on the bed. Jesus! What a cheap mattress!! I have been so spoiled by W/Westin/Sheraton/Luxury Collection beds that I forget there are actually hotels out there who use inferior beds! This would have been okay at a regular hotel, but I was not impressed with a hotel who claims to be a 5 star all service hotel who charges a nightly rate of $400!

I looked around the room for my welcome amenity (fruit basket with water, and a gift) and could not locate it. I figured the amenity would come with turn down. I went to the Barking Crab restaurant across the "harbour" for some crabs ^and upon returning, my bed was turned down, but the amenity was still nowhere to be found. I finally called down front desk, who promised me that they would contact room service and send me some fruit and water immediately. Five minutes later, I heard the door knocking and went to answer it. A room service staff looked at me and said "did they move you from 10XX to this room?" Uhmm NO?! "So there's no water and fruit in your room then?" Uhmm NO?! "Interesting...well, let me go get them"

This is the type of service and attitude at a 5 star hotel????

Sheraton Boston, on the other hand, where I had paid 1/2 the rate of Intercontinental, provided way superior service! Upon arrival, even though there was a convention going on with hotel almost reaching capacity, they still:

1. upgraded me to a wonderful suite
2. made me feel very welcomed by saying hello and hi in the hallway with a smile
3. sent up yet another fruit and cheese platter
4. received a call shortly after getting to my suite asking if everything was to my satisfaction ^

Now, I know Starwood had its hiccups in the last few weeks that I had stayed with them, but I really wish I were over there at the Westin Boston Waterfront!

I know I can't really come to a conclusion with only one stay at Intercontinental, but based on this experience, I am going back to Starwood! I'd say that Intercontinental Boston is at the same level as some Westins, if not less! There is absolutely NO comparison between IC and W or Luxury Collection or St. Regis, the latter three blow IC away!

I miss you Starwood