Boston Hotel Tips by tojoh

I was very excited managing to book two nights at the Colonnade hotel at www.hotels.com for less than $150 a night. Described as an elegant business class hotel situated in the Back Bay area with a gourmet restaurant and a rooftop pool.

Our room at the 3rd floor, was a good-sized room with two large beds, a desk and two comfortable chairs. There were also one decent sized closet.

The bathroom had terracotta coloured stone floors and tiles, and a bathtub with shower. Being situated close to heavy traffic the hotel had invested in isolated windows, and we slept in silence in the middle of the city.

So far so good - but! In a strange way we did not feel like living in a luxury hotel. The small details saw to that. A phone out of order. Cracks in the stones by the bathroom sink, wallpaper in the bathroom starting to peel off close to the ceiling. We were two, but there were only one bathrobe in the closet and the supplies of towels were low - for one. These are details, I know, but to stay in the market as a first class hotel, these small details are important.

Unique Qualities: Arriving at the main entrance, we were impressed by the huge flower arrangement under a large chandelier, soft sofas, stone floors, oriental rugs, deep comfortable sofas......

Finding out that one of the hotels main attractions, the pool, had been closed for the season. Well, I know that we travelled out of season, i.e. after labour day. But still the temperature outside was over 80F and were to stay at that level for the rest of the weekend. SO - what a disappointment for us!

We enjoyed the wonderful gym with a large range of training equipment both mornings. I walked 3 miles - before we had even started to go shopping!

Would I stay there again? Maybe - but I would have expected more - definitely yes!! So we´ll see whether there will be a next time.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 120 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Directions: Still the most faboulous thing about the hotel is the location. Situated behind the Prudential tower, close to the large mall and with the Arlington T-station just outside the door it was dead conveniant for us.
Website: http://tojoh.blogspot.com/2006/09/staying-at-collonnade-hotel-ultimate.html

The best thing with this hotel is the staff and their wonderful service. During the whole stay you feel extremely well taken care of as a guest. They have done their homework. They are, through their hotel computer system, well informed that you are a returning guest. Porters and receptionists welcome you back, and even “remember” details from previous visits.

And sometimes it pays off returning. The last time we stayed there, I had ordered a Cambridge view room, but was informed that I had been upgraded to a Charles River view. The picture gives you the spectacular view one late summer morning, but you can sit enjoying the American feeling by watching all the lights from the highrise buildings of downtown Boston during the night.

And they provide you with excellent service during your stay and the are very helpful if you need information on what to do in the Boston area.

The rooms are very spacious, and delicately decorated, in beige, and cream. The double rooms you get two, very large and very comfortable beds, so much room for one, and even for two to dream the night away. So even so much space that we have, at one occation even have stayed three.

You have a television, concealed in an elegant TV-cabinet, radio alarmclock and a hot water bottle so you can make coffee and tea in the morning. And if you want something stronger you can use the hotel minibar.

The bathroom have a bathtub and shower, all beautifully decorated. And there are small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and bath foam.

And all the rooms are immaculately clean and very well maintained.

From a budget point of view, the Royal Sonesta is not the best deal in Boston. The best price, with a cambridge view in february (low season) is $139 + tax. Still you get much for your money, the service, the comfort, and the experience of discreet luxury

A very good place to stay, and for those of you that want a romantic weekend, Royal Sonesta is a very good deal.

Unique Qualities: And if you want to stay in the hotel, there are plenty to do.

You can visit the Dante Restaurant, bar and patio where you can get food, and during the hot season you can sit outside enjoying the river view sipping to a Gin and Tonic, or a Long Island Iced Tea.

If you want to stay fit you can visit the Health Club and their wonderful swimming pool, that even have a retractable roof so you can swim outside during hot days. Or you can be pampered in the Spa department.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Address: 5 Cambridge Parkway
Directions: The hotel is located by the Charles River, close to Lechmere, the end station of the green lines. The hotel is situated with a magnificent view at the river and downtown Boston with Beacon Hill, the Charles Bridge and the Back Bay Area.
Website: http://www.sonesta.com/boston/
Other Contact: http://tojoh.blogspot.com

I recently visited Cambridge, Massachusetts for the first time. I spent an excellent day in the beautiful, historic area around Harvard.

If, like me, you travel a lot, you appreciate really good accommodation. I spent two nights at Irving Guest House, which I can recommend without reservations.

There is a free wireless network throughout the building and a computer available in the lounge by the lobby. The rooms are cozy and very clean. And there are books in all the rooms, which I particularly liked. All of this made me feel right at home and I hope to be back at Irving House soon.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Pension/Guesthouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 1-877-547-4600
Address: 24 Irving street, Cambridge MA 02138
Directions: Irving House (in the photo) is bed & Breakfast situated in a lovely old house on a quiet street five minute's walk from Harvard Square. The people who work there are all friendly and helpful and the interior is charming.
Website: http://www.cambridgeinns.com/irving/