Liberty Hotel Boston [Master Thread]
Mar 28, 2017, 10:13 pm
#91
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 698
I had a stay a few weeks ago, and feel almost exactly the same. My first stay here was perfect and I was really looking forward to coming back, but after my experience with the front desk and management on my last trip I'm not sure I'll be back.
Long story, but I convinced my company to move our group to this hotel for an annual event we have in Boston. Nothing huge, I think we had 7 rooms. The rates were prepaid, but because of the snow storm only two of us were able to make it in. My coworker arrived before me and explained the situation. They wouldn't refund the rooms (which is understandable since they were prepaid) so I told my coworker not to cancel them if they wouldn't refund them and then at least maybe we could get some connecting rooms to have more room to work and then we'd also at least get some points and night credits out of them. I arrived a couple hours later and tried to check into the other rooms and I was told they were all cancelled and there was nothing they could do to reinstate them even though they still had rooms available at that time. I said they were cancelled by mistake and since they were prepaid I would like to reinstate them. There wasn't a manager on duty so I said I'd check back. I came back that night and was then told they couldn't reinstate the rooms because they were now completely sold out. I followed up with a pretty nice e-mail laying out the facts, and requesting that they refund the rooms that were resold. I received a response that they would refund one room as a one-time courtesy. Not the end of the world, but based on the rates I saw that afternoon, they probably made at least an extra $2,000 by reselling those rooms so I couldn't help but feeling like they took advantage of us and a snowstorm to earn an extra buck.
Long story, but I convinced my company to move our group to this hotel for an annual event we have in Boston. Nothing huge, I think we had 7 rooms. The rates were prepaid, but because of the snow storm only two of us were able to make it in. My coworker arrived before me and explained the situation. They wouldn't refund the rooms (which is understandable since they were prepaid) so I told my coworker not to cancel them if they wouldn't refund them and then at least maybe we could get some connecting rooms to have more room to work and then we'd also at least get some points and night credits out of them. I arrived a couple hours later and tried to check into the other rooms and I was told they were all cancelled and there was nothing they could do to reinstate them even though they still had rooms available at that time. I said they were cancelled by mistake and since they were prepaid I would like to reinstate them. There wasn't a manager on duty so I said I'd check back. I came back that night and was then told they couldn't reinstate the rooms because they were now completely sold out. I followed up with a pretty nice e-mail laying out the facts, and requesting that they refund the rooms that were resold. I received a response that they would refund one room as a one-time courtesy. Not the end of the world, but based on the rates I saw that afternoon, they probably made at least an extra $2,000 by reselling those rooms so I couldn't help but feeling like they took advantage of us and a snowstorm to earn an extra buck.
Mar 28, 2017, 10:23 pm
#92
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,211
I am confused why the whole stay should be comped ... some issues but why should everything be free? ... and it is fairly par for the course for staff to say GM not available (they should say that rather than outright lie) but the GM should not be called to fix every little problem. That is what other staff members are for.
I personally have found when you start demanding/ asking for free things hotels are less likely to help. They consider those freebie wanters to be troublesome guests and not worth the time.
I personally have found when you start demanding/ asking for free things hotels are less likely to help. They consider those freebie wanters to be troublesome guests and not worth the time.
Mar 29, 2017, 2:08 am
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,777
I had a stay a few weeks ago, and feel almost exactly the same. My first stay here was perfect and I was really looking forward to coming back, but after my experience with the front desk and management on my last trip I'm not sure I'll be back.
Long story, but I convinced my company to move our group to this hotel for an annual event we have in Boston. Nothing huge, I think we had 7 rooms. The rates were prepaid, but because of the snow storm only two of us were able to make it in. My coworker arrived before me and explained the situation. They wouldn't refund the rooms (which is understandable since they were prepaid) so I told my coworker not to cancel them if they wouldn't refund them and then at least maybe we could get some connecting rooms to have more room to work and then we'd also at least get some points and night credits out of them. I arrived a couple hours later and tried to check into the other rooms and I was told they were all cancelled and there was nothing they could do to reinstate them even though they still had rooms available at that time. I said they were cancelled by mistake and since they were prepaid I would like to reinstate them. There wasn't a manager on duty so I said I'd check back. I came back that night and was then told they couldn't reinstate the rooms because they were now completely sold out. I followed up with a pretty nice e-mail laying out the facts, and requesting that they refund the rooms that were resold. I received a response that they would refund one room as a one-time courtesy. Not the end of the world, but based on the rates I saw that afternoon, they probably made at least an extra $2,000 by reselling those rooms so I couldn't help but feeling like they took advantage of us and a snowstorm to earn an extra buck.
Long story, but I convinced my company to move our group to this hotel for an annual event we have in Boston. Nothing huge, I think we had 7 rooms. The rates were prepaid, but because of the snow storm only two of us were able to make it in. My coworker arrived before me and explained the situation. They wouldn't refund the rooms (which is understandable since they were prepaid) so I told my coworker not to cancel them if they wouldn't refund them and then at least maybe we could get some connecting rooms to have more room to work and then we'd also at least get some points and night credits out of them. I arrived a couple hours later and tried to check into the other rooms and I was told they were all cancelled and there was nothing they could do to reinstate them even though they still had rooms available at that time. I said they were cancelled by mistake and since they were prepaid I would like to reinstate them. There wasn't a manager on duty so I said I'd check back. I came back that night and was then told they couldn't reinstate the rooms because they were now completely sold out. I followed up with a pretty nice e-mail laying out the facts, and requesting that they refund the rooms that were resold. I received a response that they would refund one room as a one-time courtesy. Not the end of the world, but based on the rates I saw that afternoon, they probably made at least an extra $2,000 by reselling those rooms so I couldn't help but feeling like they took advantage of us and a snowstorm to earn an extra buck.
Apr 20, 2017, 6:28 am
#94
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
Just noticed that this hotel charges resort.. no wait, 'facility' fees to the tune of $20 + 17% tax per day...
Apparently this charge is mandatory because of the following things you get:
◦Wireless Internet Access
◦24-Hour Fitness Facility with Chilled Towels and Fresh Apples
◦Sparkling Wine Welcome Beverage at Check In
◦Morning Coffee Station in Lobby
◦Two Bottles of Water Replenished Daily
◦Priority Access to Guest-Only Catwalk lounge, and Alibi Bar
◦Daily Newspapers in Lobby
◦Fresh Apples in Lobby
◦Bicycle Rental (seasonal)
◦Kayak Rental (seasonal)
◦Shoe Shine Service
not a fan of these 'hidden' costs that you only get to find out about right at the end before you click "confirm reservation". whether or not it's considered "fair", there's no doubt that it's inconvenient to have to go through those extra clicks to find out the true cost of a night's stay...
Apparently this charge is mandatory because of the following things you get:
◦Wireless Internet Access
◦24-Hour Fitness Facility with Chilled Towels and Fresh Apples
◦Sparkling Wine Welcome Beverage at Check In
◦Morning Coffee Station in Lobby
◦Two Bottles of Water Replenished Daily
◦Priority Access to Guest-Only Catwalk lounge, and Alibi Bar
◦Daily Newspapers in Lobby
◦Fresh Apples in Lobby
◦Bicycle Rental (seasonal)
◦Kayak Rental (seasonal)
◦Shoe Shine Service
not a fan of these 'hidden' costs that you only get to find out about right at the end before you click "confirm reservation". whether or not it's considered "fair", there's no doubt that it's inconvenient to have to go through those extra clicks to find out the true cost of a night's stay...
Last edited by jaejaez; Apr 20, 2017 at 6:38 am
Apr 21, 2017, 5:16 pm
#95
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Programs: Bonvoy LTT, Hyatt Exp, AA 1MM, UA Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 970
Just noticed that this hotel charges resort.. no wait, 'facility' fees to the tune of $20 + 17% tax per day...
Apparently this charge is mandatory because of the following things you get:
◦Wireless Internet Access
◦24-Hour Fitness Facility with Chilled Towels and Fresh Apples
◦Sparkling Wine Welcome Beverage at Check In
◦Morning Coffee Station in Lobby
◦Two Bottles of Water Replenished Daily
◦Priority Access to Guest-Only Catwalk lounge, and Alibi Bar
◦Daily Newspapers in Lobby
◦Fresh Apples in Lobby
◦Bicycle Rental (seasonal)
◦Kayak Rental (seasonal)
◦Shoe Shine Service
not a fan of these 'hidden' costs that you only get to find out about right at the end before you click "confirm reservation". whether or not it's considered "fair", there's no doubt that it's inconvenient to have to go through those extra clicks to find out the true cost of a night's stay...
Apparently this charge is mandatory because of the following things you get:
◦Wireless Internet Access
◦24-Hour Fitness Facility with Chilled Towels and Fresh Apples
◦Sparkling Wine Welcome Beverage at Check In
◦Morning Coffee Station in Lobby
◦Two Bottles of Water Replenished Daily
◦Priority Access to Guest-Only Catwalk lounge, and Alibi Bar
◦Daily Newspapers in Lobby
◦Fresh Apples in Lobby
◦Bicycle Rental (seasonal)
◦Kayak Rental (seasonal)
◦Shoe Shine Service
not a fan of these 'hidden' costs that you only get to find out about right at the end before you click "confirm reservation". whether or not it's considered "fair", there's no doubt that it's inconvenient to have to go through those extra clicks to find out the true cost of a night's stay...
Apr 21, 2017, 8:03 pm
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,777
Just noticed that this hotel charges resort.. no wait, 'facility' fees to the tune of $20 + 17% tax per day...
Apparently this charge is mandatory because of the following things you get:
◦Wireless Internet Access
◦24-Hour Fitness Facility with Chilled Towels and Fresh Apples
◦Sparkling Wine Welcome Beverage at Check In
◦Morning Coffee Station in Lobby
◦Two Bottles of Water Replenished Daily
◦Priority Access to Guest-Only Catwalk lounge, and Alibi Bar
◦Daily Newspapers in Lobby
◦Fresh Apples in Lobby
◦Bicycle Rental (seasonal)
◦Kayak Rental (seasonal)
◦Shoe Shine Service
not a fan of these 'hidden' costs that you only get to find out about right at the end before you click "confirm reservation". whether or not it's considered "fair", there's no doubt that it's inconvenient to have to go through those extra clicks to find out the true cost of a night's stay...
Apparently this charge is mandatory because of the following things you get:
◦Wireless Internet Access
◦24-Hour Fitness Facility with Chilled Towels and Fresh Apples
◦Sparkling Wine Welcome Beverage at Check In
◦Morning Coffee Station in Lobby
◦Two Bottles of Water Replenished Daily
◦Priority Access to Guest-Only Catwalk lounge, and Alibi Bar
◦Daily Newspapers in Lobby
◦Fresh Apples in Lobby
◦Bicycle Rental (seasonal)
◦Kayak Rental (seasonal)
◦Shoe Shine Service
not a fan of these 'hidden' costs that you only get to find out about right at the end before you click "confirm reservation". whether or not it's considered "fair", there's no doubt that it's inconvenient to have to go through those extra clicks to find out the true cost of a night's stay...
May 9, 2017, 1:08 am
#97
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
This, combined with the lying incident upthread, removes this property from my list of options in Boston. Of course, I rarely have occasion to stay in a hotel in Boston, but I have had occasions on which to recommend hotels to friends/business associates who are visiting.
If for a similar rate (~20 bux difference) wouldn't it make more sense to stay at the Liberty over the likes of W or Sheraton? The Westin Copley place is actually more expensive than the Liberty for the dates I'm looking at (mid July)...
They really need more hotel rooms in Boston..
May 9, 2017, 6:06 pm
#98
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: Previously top-tier everything, now a happy free agent
Posts: 1,003
Anyone been here recently who can comment on the parking situation? The property looks like it wants $52 for overnight valet parking -- wondering if there are cheaper options nearby (ideally would love in/out privileges).
Will be there in 2 weeks. Have an SNA requested and there are 2 suites left, but not really counting on it since it's peak/graduation season.
Will be there in 2 weeks. Have an SNA requested and there are 2 suites left, but not really counting on it since it's peak/graduation season.
May 9, 2017, 6:33 pm
#99
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 698
Anyone been here recently who can comment on the parking situation? The property looks like it wants $52 for overnight valet parking -- wondering if there are cheaper options nearby (ideally would love in/out privileges).
Will be there in 2 weeks. Have an SNA requested and there are 2 suites left, but not really counting on it since it's peak/graduation season.
Will be there in 2 weeks. Have an SNA requested and there are 2 suites left, but not really counting on it since it's peak/graduation season.
May 9, 2017, 7:11 pm
#100
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,465
Anyone been here recently who can comment on the parking situation? The property looks like it wants $52 for overnight valet parking -- wondering if there are cheaper options nearby (ideally would love in/out privileges).
Will be there in 2 weeks. Have an SNA requested and there are 2 suites left, but not really counting on it since it's peak/graduation season.
Will be there in 2 weeks. Have an SNA requested and there are 2 suites left, but not really counting on it since it's peak/graduation season.
May 10, 2017, 6:26 am
#101
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,939
In/Out privileges are rare at Boston hotels. We had it at the Boston Harbor hotel a few years back, but it wouldn't surprise me if that is no longer true.
try boston.bestparking.com or Spothero to find nearby alternatives at a better price.
try boston.bestparking.com or Spothero to find nearby alternatives at a better price.
Jun 27, 2017, 8:35 am
#102
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas
Programs: UA GS, AA PLT LIFE, SPG Platinum, LHW LC, Fairmont PC
Posts: 128
Stayed at the Liberty last week and highly recommend. Had a wonderful stay, upgraded to a water view room, and breakfast room service arrived in under 15 min. Lots of historical details and loved the theme of the old jail, with safes as night stands, keys for wall decor, and "solitary" tags for the Do Not Disturb. The lobby can get busy and in these cases there was some slower service. Front desk was pleasant and helpful, CLINK restaurant personnel were friendly but not overly attentive, and bell/valet guys were super helpful - even getting me a hotel sedan for a trip to the burbs. And at a rate of $230/night, it was a steal as the W was asking $568! Would definitely stay at the Liberty again.
Jun 27, 2017, 9:55 am
#103
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
Stayed at the Liberty last week and highly recommend. Had a wonderful stay, upgraded to a water view room, and breakfast room service arrived in under 15 min. Lots of historical details and loved the theme of the old jail, with safes as night stands, keys for wall decor, and "solitary" tags for the Do Not Disturb. The lobby can get busy and in these cases there was some slower service. Front desk was pleasant and helpful, CLINK restaurant personnel were friendly but not overly attentive, and bell/valet guys were super helpful - even getting me a hotel sedan for a trip to the burbs. And at a rate of $230/night, it was a steal as the W was asking $568! Would definitely stay at the Liberty again.
Jun 27, 2017, 10:05 am
#104
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: Previously top-tier everything, now a happy free agent
Posts: 1,003
I didn't actually end up staying here as our SNA did not clear so we cancelled and moved to the Residence Inn Seaport (which we HIGHLY recommend... nicest RI I've ever stayed at, minus the standard Sysco breakfast which is to be expected at RIs).
On another note, we did a duck tour of Boston and the tour guide mentioned "Liberty Hotel blah blah used to be a jail blah blah rates start at $700 a night." I laughed hysterically and wondered where this fellow got his rates.
On another note, we did a duck tour of Boston and the tour guide mentioned "Liberty Hotel blah blah used to be a jail blah blah rates start at $700 a night." I laughed hysterically and wondered where this fellow got his rates.
Jun 27, 2017, 10:10 am
#105
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I didn't actually end up staying here as our SNA did not clear so we cancelled and moved to the Residence Inn Seaport (which we HIGHLY recommend... nicest RI I've ever stayed at, minus the standard Sysco breakfast which is to be expected at RIs).
On another note, we did a duck tour of Boston and the tour guide mentioned "Liberty Hotel blah blah used to be a jail blah blah rates start at $700 a night." I laughed hysterically and wondered where this fellow got his rates.
On another note, we did a duck tour of Boston and the tour guide mentioned "Liberty Hotel blah blah used to be a jail blah blah rates start at $700 a night." I laughed hysterically and wondered where this fellow got his rates.
Also, SNAs rarely will clear at The Liberty since there are so few suites overall.