I checked into this gorgeous stunner barely 5 days after it opened. It was across the street from my meetings so the convenience trumped any trepidation I might have had about staying at a new hotel. Check-in was smooth and efficient. The lobby is stunningly comtemporary. It seemed much more grand and modern than the lobby of the Ritz Carlton Boston Common. I was taken to my king bed room which was also beautifully decorated in a contemporary style. The view of Boston harbor was gorgeous. While sitting in the tub, you can raise the shade that separates the bath from the bedroom and cast your eyes on a lovely view of the harbor. Room service was quick (20 minutes) and breakfast was delicious. The scrambled eggs with truffles was a highlight. My NY Times and Wall Street Journals were delivered as promised. I worked out in the stunning 6,000 square foot spa. The high tech weight machines, tread mills and elipticals were great. There was a beautiful lap pool too. The work-out and pool areas have very high picture windows overlooking the still unfinished Rose Kennedy Greenway. Luckily there was little construction noise from that or from the remaining unfinished apartments in floors 17 through 21. The hotel itself occupies floors 1-13.

The location itself is great if you have meeting in the financial district or wish to soak up the sights at Fanuel Hall, the New England Aquarium. All are within walking distance. The taxi ride to Logan Airport took an amazing 10 minutes.

Service at the recently opened hotel was surprising good. Lunch at the Province themed restaurant "Miel" was delicious but service was a bit unsure. The "RumBa" bar was also beautiful and has a great selection of aged rums. The champagne room was opening later this month and it looked sexy and plush with red velvet lined walls.

The hotel is in a much better location than its chief rival, the Ritz Boston Common. The latter is a block away from seedy Washingtn Street and the huge movie theater that is part of the Ritz complex attracts unruly crowds. Oh, and did I mention that the supper crowded Sports Club LA is also at the Ritz? Other competitors are the nearby Boston Harbor Hotel and the Four Seasons in the Back Bay. The Boston Harbor hotel seems to have been decorated with the same fake antiques that the Four Seasons uses and the effect is tired and boring.


The Intercontinetal Boston has none of those negatives. It has to be the most beautiful Intercontinental hotel in the US. It's clear that Intercontinental wants to compete more directly with Ritz Carlton and the Four Seasons. This hotel is proof that Intercontinetal can beat those two at their game. Who would have thought that possible.

Recommended: Yes