With 116 rooms, The Hotel Boston Buckminster is a mid-size, two-and-a-half-pearl property in an ideal spot in the heart of Kenmore Square -- close to Fenway Park, Boston University, and the House of Blues. Its retro character might appeal to history buffs or sports fans, but the shabby furniture and outdated amenities may be otherwise off-putting to guests expecting a modern hotel. Standard Rooms are particularly run down, but the suites were formerly college apartments and are in significantly better condition (some have full-size fridges and spacious living rooms) -- so it might be worth requesting an upgrade. If not, the similarly priced Verb Hotel is just as close to Fenway Park and has free breakfast and a trendier feel.
With 116 rooms, The Hotel Boston Buckminster is a mid-size, two-and-a-half-pearl property in an ideal spot in the heart of Kenmore Square -- close to Fenway Park, Boston University, and the House of Blues. Its retro character might appeal to history buffs or sports fans, but the shabby furniture and outdated amenities may be otherwise off-putting to guests expecting a modern hotel. Standard Rooms are particularly run down, but the suites were formerly college apartments and are in significantly better condition (some have full-size fridges and spacious living rooms) -- so it might be worth requesting an upgrade. If not, the similarly priced Verb Hotel is just as close to Fenway Park and has free breakfast and a trendier feel.
This high-design property exudes sophistication. Period details -- the building, Boston's first skyscraper, dates back to 1889 -- are juxtaposed against sleek David Rockwell design. Rooms are gorgeous, with a black and white motif, comfortable beds, and modern technology. Bathrooms are similarly stylish, with Malin + Goetz toiletries and rain showerheads. The fitness center is small, but well-equipped, a continental breakfast is served daily, and meeting spaces are pleasant. There aren't many features besides the restaurant, but the service is solid and the location near Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill is great. It's a first-rate choice for business travelers, trendy singles, and couples.
This high-design property exudes sophistication. Period details -- the building, Boston's first skyscraper, dates back to 1889 -- are juxtaposed against sleek David Rockwell design. Rooms are gorgeous, with a black and white motif, comfortable beds, and modern technology. Bathrooms are similarly stylish, with Malin + Goetz toiletries and rain showerheads. The fitness center is small, but well-equipped, a continental breakfast is served daily, and meeting spaces are pleasant. There aren't many features besides the restaurant, but the service is solid and the location near Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill is great. It's a first-rate choice for business travelers, trendy singles, and couples.
The budget Boston Common Hotel and Conference Center -- within a five-minute walk of the T at Back Bay and Copley Square, and within a 10-minute walk to the Boston Common, the Hynes Convention Center, and Newbury Street -- is one of the lowest-priced hotel options in Boston's historic Back Bay. Its public areas are traditional with chandeliers and seating areas, and its conference center can accommodate up to 500 people. But this no-frills hotel with no lounge, restaurant, or breakfast service looks dowdy, and its 64 rooms are small and dated, with worn carpeting. Many past guests have complained about subpar housekeeping and maintenance. As an alternative, budget travelers could check out with the Milner Hotel in the Theater District, which has comparable rates and better rooms.
The budget Boston Common Hotel and Conference Center -- within a five-minute walk of the T at Back Bay and Copley Square, and within a 10-minute walk to the Boston Common, the Hynes Convention Center, and Newbury Street -- is one of the lowest-priced hotel options in Boston's historic Back Bay. Its public areas are traditional with chandeliers and seating areas, and its conference center can accommodate up to 500 people. But this no-frills hotel with no lounge, restaurant, or breakfast service looks dowdy, and its 64 rooms are small and dated, with worn carpeting. Many past guests have complained about subpar housekeeping and maintenance. As an alternative, budget travelers could check out with the Milner Hotel in the Theater District, which has comparable rates and better rooms.
Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort at the Pavilion is a great pick for travelers who prize beach and boardwalk access over modern accommodations. The 241 guest rooms are arising from a 2017 makeover, but they still have a budget design and reports of cleanliness issues. The one area they do well is in-room amenities like microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Without a restaurant, gym, or a consistently-opened bar, the most popular aspect of the hotel are the five pools, lazy river, and hot tubs on-site. Travelers might want to consider Breakers Resort which offers free breakfast, water parks, a gym, and rooms with kitchenettes.
Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort at the Pavilion is a great pick for travelers who prize beach and boardwalk access over modern accommodations. The 241 guest rooms are arising from a 2017 makeover, but they still have a budget design and reports of cleanliness issues. The one area they do well is in-room amenities like microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Without a restaurant, gym, or a consistently-opened bar, the most popular aspect of the hotel are the five pools, lazy river, and hot tubs on-site. Travelers might want to consider Breakers Resort which offers free breakfast, water parks, a gym, and rooms with kitchenettes.
This upper-middle-range property is located inside a planned urban village on the site of a former air force base, within walking distance of many shops and eateries. It has 81 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and studios with contemporary decor, fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryer combos, and balconies. But there is no maid service and the property lacks a fitness center and pool. Also, you’ll have to drive to the beach and to any major attractions.
This upper-middle-range property is located inside a planned urban village on the site of a former air force base, within walking distance of many shops and eateries. It has 81 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and studios with contemporary decor, fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryer combos, and balconies. But there is no maid service and the property lacks a fitness center and pool. Also, you’ll have to drive to the beach and to any major attractions.
The three-pearl Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue/Loop offers an attractive package of spacious suites, good rates, and a great location that attracts a diverse mix of travelers. Its Loop location near the Chicago River is well serviced by public transportation and within walking distance to many attractions. Suites feature full kitchens and washer/dryer combos. Two-bedroom suites even offer a second bathroom, and some suites have private balconies. A free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi enhance the hotel's appeal. Bathrooms are on the small side, however, and like many other hotels downtown, parking is expensive and off-site. But it’s a package that’s hard to beat and with only 119 units, it sells out often. A reasonable, mid-range alternative inside the Loop is the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District, though rooms lack kitchens.
The three-pearl Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue/Loop offers an attractive package of spacious suites, good rates, and a great location that attracts a diverse mix of travelers. Its Loop location near the Chicago River is well serviced by public transportation and within walking distance to many attractions. Suites feature full kitchens and washer/dryer combos. Two-bedroom suites even offer a second bathroom, and some suites have private balconies. A free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi enhance the hotel's appeal. Bathrooms are on the small side, however, and like many other hotels downtown, parking is expensive and off-site. But it’s a package that’s hard to beat and with only 119 units, it sells out often. A reasonable, mid-range alternative inside the Loop is the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District, though rooms lack kitchens.
The lower-middle-range DeWitt Place Hotel & Suites offers an appealing combination of spacious, apartment-style suites, budget rates, and a great location. The former residential complex built in 1924 on Chicago’s Gold Coast is on a quiet street, only a five-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile. Amenities are sparse, but they include a guest laundry room and fitness center with a sauna and steam room. The 82 units are spacious and have fully equipped kitchens, but their decor looks tired, and the bathrooms are cramped and need updating. Given its central location, rates are hard to beat. For a more modern alternative nearby with more amenities, consider the mid-range Hotel Indigo Chicago Downtown Gold Coast, but expect to pay more.
The lower-middle-range DeWitt Place Hotel & Suites offers an appealing combination of spacious, apartment-style suites, budget rates, and a great location. The former residential complex built in 1924 on Chicago’s Gold Coast is on a quiet street, only a five-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile. Amenities are sparse, but they include a guest laundry room and fitness center with a sauna and steam room. The 82 units are spacious and have fully equipped kitchens, but their decor looks tired, and the bathrooms are cramped and need updating. Given its central location, rates are hard to beat. For a more modern alternative nearby with more amenities, consider the mid-range Hotel Indigo Chicago Downtown Gold Coast, but expect to pay more.
Located half a block from the famed Magnificent Mile, luxury boutique hotel MileNorth strives to give guests a modern, home-away-from-home experience that contrasts with the ornate, Gilded-Age sensibility of many other area hotels. With a cozy, living-room-style lobby whose cafe serves Starbucks, as well as a rooftop lounge with sweeping views of the city, the MileNorth can be both relaxed and trendy at the same time. The rooms are spacious for the neighborhood and price, with a unique bi-level configuration and all the requisite modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. There is in-room Wi-Fi and a well-stocked 24-hour gym, both of which are covered by a daily resort fee that is automatically tacked on to your rate. Still, this modern hotel is a good deal in a prime location.
Located half a block from the famed Magnificent Mile, luxury boutique hotel MileNorth strives to give guests a modern, home-away-from-home experience that contrasts with the ornate, Gilded-Age sensibility of many other area hotels. With a cozy, living-room-style lobby whose cafe serves Starbucks, as well as a rooftop lounge with sweeping views of the city, the MileNorth can be both relaxed and trendy at the same time. The rooms are spacious for the neighborhood and price, with a unique bi-level configuration and all the requisite modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. There is in-room Wi-Fi and a well-stocked 24-hour gym, both of which are covered by a daily resort fee that is automatically tacked on to your rate. Still, this modern hotel is a good deal in a prime location.