Our start here was not auspicious. The rooms are relatively small for the money (we had an odd numbered room on the tenth floor) and at breakfast the first morning with two parties in the spacious dining room comprising a total of three people, the two of us burdened with business equipment and two newspapers were shown "with attitude" to a table the size of a handkerchief. Breakfast service was slow. The croissants were delivered with orange marmalade which was represented to be "the condiment of the day." A request for raspberry preserves was met with doubt as to the ability to provide. After a long delay we received the requested preserves. In fairness, the manager went out and bought the jam locally and comped us the breakfast, but it's hard to believe a city hotel of this category doesn't have a selection to begin with. At breakfast the dining room is dark as a cave and it is very difficult to comfortably read a newspaper. That's pretty much the end of the negative aspects from our trip in June, 2003.

The hotel has significant art, both in the guest rooms and in the public spaces. The hotel was full when we arrived, yet we almost never saw another guest. The lobby is small, yet big enough for a small group to gather.

Highest plaudits for inspired design integrity throughout the hotel: it was elegant with high-end accessories. The fireplaces in the rooms are nice and the HVAC has enough power to provide good ventilation throughout the room. The "classic" rooms are the lowest priced and have ONLY a walk-in shower, but it's a very good shower with a large English showerhead and an integral tile bench. The water flow through the showerhead was about as strong as you will ever get in a hotel. The bathroom itself is petite (sample-sized, we say), but the amenities are of a very high quality and worth taking home. High speed internet is complimentary and works well. The room lighting is subtle and dramatic, but reading and working can be difficult because the room is dark. (Again, we had an odd-numbered room and the even-numbered rooms appeared to have more light.) You are offered an apparently unlimited choice of morning newspapers from a reasonable list of general interest and business newspapers for delivery to your room early each morning in a delightful linen bag. Complimentary shoe shines at night, a disappearing service, are offered. Apples for snacks are stacked inside your door in a vertical glass tube with special lighting for effect. There is an electronic display outside each guestroom door to reflect requests for privacy, service, etc. The appropriate service light is set by turning one knob from inside the room. On arrival you are provided printed personalized business cards with a direct inward dial telephone number and private fax number as well as an indication of how long you will be "in residence." The rooms have an array of electronic appliances including CD player, all controlled from bedside.

We noted the warm esprit de corps among drivers, doormen, bellmen and the concierge. The drivers were well-informed and superb, friendly and courteous. The car scheduling was totally reliable and the cars are new, "S" class Mercedes. Sali, the concierge, is what one doesn't find often enough in concierges: cheerful, facilitative, efficient and very well informed. She is a professional.

An added bonus to the hotel location is the restaurant Number 9 Park just a hundred yards away. This outstanding restaurant with a renowned chef and superb waitstaff is a highlight on the Boston dining scene.



Recommended: Yes