With the recent elevation of Boston's Four Seasons from four to five stars in the Mobil firmament, I thought I might weigh in with my experiences there.

The Building

Architecturally, the Four Seasons was not much of a betterment to the row of old town houses and small commercial buildings lining the south side of the Public Garden. These were all swept away and replaced with the bland, red brick Four Seasons and its attendant condominium tower, pretentiously called the Residences at the Four Seasons. Former manager Robin Brown deserves credit for whipping the hotel into shape in record time.

Lobby

Carefully decorated in light reddish cherry paneling and a rich marble floor, the lobby is handsome. If one is familiar with the design work of Frank Nicholson, however, one quickly sees that the design of the lobby and public spaces here quickly made its way to just about every other Four Seasons hotel around the globe, save a few notable exceptions.

The design relies heavily upon rich marble, paneling, a few antique pieces and a few pseudo-antique horrors. The clock to the right of the desk is fairly good, but some of the pieces here do not bear close inspection. They are counting on the fact that you won't. most people are so impressed with the marble and the service that they forget where they are. it is easy to do here.

As for the service at the reception desk, it was flawless, if slightly stiff.

Rooms

My room was, admittedly, not one of the best ones, though it was considered a junior suite. How they arrived at this distinction, I do not know because it was really just a room. The corner location overlooking busy Charles Street South was not particularly conducive to sleep. The furniture was good enough. The dark, somber federal reproduction pieces seemed right at home in Boston, as did the heavy draperies and soft green and cream color scheme.

The bed was so comfortable that I quickly forgot the outside noise and fell to sleep. Nice touches here like laying out your slippers on a cloth by your bedside.

While everything about the room worked well, there was very little sense of place. Were it not for a couple of maritime prints, I might as well have been in Cleveland.

Everything worked well. The desk had plenty of light and the closet was huge. Plenty of hangers in here. I wish the prices in the mini-bar had been as small as the bottles.

Bath

Nothing wrong here. Richly fitted out in brown marble, the bath had everything you could possibly need as far as comfort was concerned. The tub was large, and there were plenty of bath amenities. As for towels, there were piles of them. Two thick bathrobes were hung on the door as well.

Dining

One of Boston's most famously expensive restaurants, Aujourd'hui is on the second floor, overlooking Boylston Street and the beautiful Public Garden. prices are punishingly high, but the location alone makes it almost worth the extravagance. Breakfast here is a true joy on a sunny morning. One can gaze out into the green canopy of trees and sip the excellent coffee for hours. Everything else is excellent at breakfast too. The rolls are piping hot and the egg dishes arrive at your table perfectly done, something that does not always happen.

As for other meals, I have enjoyed them, but have not come away with the same feeling of general satisfaction as I have enjoyed after breakfast here. The French-Asian menu is creative, but one sometimes feels that they are trying too hard to be different. No real flaws, but the prices are quite simply too high for there to be any flaws. The service is almost aloof in the evenings.

If you are fond of good wine, their cellars are well known.

The Bristol Lounge downstairs may not have a great menu or really interesting food, but it's all part of being there. This comfortable room also faces the Public Garden but the menu is geared toward simpler food and considerably lower prices than its sister upstairs. This is a great place to come for a light lunch or afternoon tea. Drinks in the evening are de rigeur for certain elements of the Boston social set.

This is probably my favorite part of the hotel, a lovely room with great views, pleasant service, comfortable chairs and a generally more democratic air than its counterpart upstairs.

Pool and Recreation

Even the indoor pool has a great view! Perched above the garden on the tenth floor, the pool and health club are soothing places to relax after a long day. Really only suitable for laps, the narrow pool is quite attractive. Potted greraniums and ficus trees brighten the space.

The health club has about everything you could possibly want or need in a health club.

Service

The service here is nearly flawless. If so, then why do I not give this hotel the highest overall rating? In part, because I feel that the hotel is too coldly measured. The service is gracious, if not especially genuine. There is a lack of real tradition here, which explains its instant popularity with those who disliked the old Ritz-Carlton which will be re-opening in October.

For all of the near perfection, something is missing here. Somehow, in spite of all the antiques, Aubusson rugs and gobs of amenities, something is not here.

Rates

The published rates are $465.00-$605.00. When I called recently, I was quoted a rate of over $700.00.



The Four Seasons Boston

200 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116


Tel. 617-423-0154

Toll-free 800-332-3442


Recommended: Yes