From my discussion with management at last stay at the FS (fall '05), they said that they were not changing the layout...just sprucing up the fixtures, etc. So there are no seperate showers in the renovated suites...let alone regular rooms.

Update on the 4S: Just finished a two night stay there and as far as I am concerned this hotel is just getting better. I hadn't realized that their laundry and dry cleaning policy is that if you don't want "regular" (in by 9am, back by the afternoon), you can ask for overnight or rush (4 hours or just pressing in 1 hour) at no extra charge.

Last April I said this was my favorite Boston hotel. As of November, 2006, it still is. One additional bonus: Concierges are right on top of everything, they are very knowledgable and helpful.

Mini-update from a recent stay at the Ritz-Boston Common.

-Hotel was full and they took a while to find a room. They made an additional error at check-in and then made a fairly substantial gesture to make up for it. They gave me too much IMO, but I was not complaining about that . It is worth noting that I had to bring up the fact that they made the additional error...which is a pet-peeve of mine. If you make an obvious error, dont make the guest feel uncomfortable and go through the trouble of pointing it out. (I'd rather not say what it was as I would like to remain anonymous).

-Club Lounge was as good as usual. As a frequent Club guest at RCs I just can't say enough about how this feature is a real difference maker in favor of RCs. Though not up to the level of the top US RCs, the food presentations left no room for complaint.

-I've said it before...as great as it is, I am tired of paying $15 for SportsClub LA access.

-Valet and doormen were absolutely top-notch.

-The room and its furnishings have not shown any wear and tear as this hotel nears its 5th birthday, though I would give the edge in overall room quality to the new Intercontinental now. However, the Ritz still is far ahead of the FS and Taj (old Ritz) when it comes to room quality.

Overall...RC-BC is still the best in the city, but I'm looking fwd to the MO's opening.


A footnote about the FS:
Two different high-end event professionals in the area made seperate scathing comments about the FS to me. They both noted the lack of good service at the hotel and wont book there anymore at all. I like the FS-Boston (dont love it though). The service has never been a problem for me, the room quality is where they are lacking IMO (despite recent renos)...so I found their comments interesting and surprising.

This bonus you mentioned re dry cleaning- is available at most FS around the world. It is a wonderful benefit. The only thing better is ShangriLa with their FREE Dry Cleaning policy when you stay on their value rate....

Now the the old RC is now the Taj Boston and the newish Mandarin Oriental property is open, how would you guys classify the pecking order? Any of them truly 5-star?

A shame the FS closed its signature restaurant not too long ago.

pretty sure there are a number of more recent boston threads - i know there has been a lot of boston discussion since this thread..

Not so sure. It was my understanding that so many guests and visitors stayed in the Bristol Lounge that the signature restaurant couldn't survive.

The Bristol Lounge is terrific. So good, in fact, that I have found myself fighting with locals for bar space. The only other hotel that I have had that problem is in LA at the Hotel Bel Air.

As far as classification, I've stayed at the MO BOS and ended up walking down to the FS to eat. I would put the FS above the MO and doubt I would return to this MO with the FS just down the street. I've not stayed at the Taj, so I won't comment.

I'm a little confused about the restaurants at the MO. L'Espalier‎ was not yet open when I stayed at the MO BOS. The downstairs restaurant Asana was 'less-than-satisfactory'. Bad actually. The MO web page does not list L'Espalier‎. It is still there? What is going on?

L'Espalier is actually in the new "luxury" arcade that connects the MO with the Prudential Center. Not actually part of the MO hotel itself, but just a few steps down the hall.

Does the FS still have the combo shower/bath? Interesting about the Bristol Lounge. Hopefully guests and the residents of the hotel's condo get first dibs at the tables and the top ones next to windows overlooking the Common. I wonder if they will do something with the old restaurant space.

That's an important question. It's why I have continued to stay away from the FS Boston. It's rooms and low-level suites were simply sub-par.

The renovation it was going through when I last stayed there wasnt going to address it. I am hoping somehow that a subsequent renovation rectified the situation??

When did you stay?

It's a great hotel with a location (and views) that can't beat. It just seems to lack a few little details.

Yes on the combo shower/bath. I do agree that the bathrooms at FS BOS are very weak. My needs are low in that area so I am willing to cut them some slack. I must admit that the combo shower/bath gives this FS a Motel6 vibe.

As far as the Bristol Lounge -- the fight I constantly have is on the other side of the room at the bar.

Four Seasons Boston has always delivered the goods when I have stayed there and remains my favorite for downtown Boston. In Cambridge, we like the Charles.

Hopefully they fix the bathrooms sooner than later. Is it an issue or space or just a lack of not doing it? Maybe with the new hotels in the city, it will give the hotel the incentive to kick it up.

Can't beat the location or waking up to a view overlooking the Common.

@ FS BOS, its shower combo except in >
- senator suite (3)
- garden suite (4)
- ambassador suite (1)
- presidential suite (1)
(9 of 273)

Thanks for the info.