HOTEL: LOEWS BOSTON HOTEL, BOSTON, USA
THE HOTEL The hotel is housed in the former headquarters of the Boston Police Force in the Back Bay area of the city. It's just a five-minute walk from the railway station and a 15-minute drive from the international airport. Boston Common was a ten-minute walk away and two of Boston’s major malls and shops were also in close proximity. The stately limestone building has 222 guestrooms, two luxury suites and an expansive Presidential Suite.
THE CHECK-IN A friendly welcome was offered by the bellboys and front desk staff. Check-in was swift and after an explanation about hotel facilities I was handed my key and shown to the elevator. My bags arrived shortly after.
THE ROOM I stayed in a Deluxe King Room. As well as the king-size bed, the room had workspace, a reading chair and a flatscreen Smart TV. Amenities included a Nespresso coffee machine, iron and ironing board, laptop friendly safe and a mini-fridge. My bathroom had a bath and separate shower plus a range of toiletries. A nightly turn-down service was also offered.
THE BUSINESS The hotel has approximately 4,200 square feet of meeting space divided into six rooms, the largest having a capacity for 125 persons. The business centre offered 24-hour access and there was free wifi throughout the hotel. Premium wifi access with larger bandwidths was available for an additional cost.
THE FACILITIES The hotel lobby adjoins the Apothecary lounge area with plenty of seating for guests. The lounge has a media wall, complimentary tea and coffee are provided and there's plenty of space for casual meetings. The hotel’s restaurant is named Precinct after the hotel's former incarnation and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a range of American and international dishes within its open kitchen. The Precinct also doubles as a bar and is obviously a popular meeting point for after-work drinks. In warm weather the outdoor seating areas are most welcoming. The hotel’s free fitness centre was open 24 hours.
THE VERDICT The superb location was a definite plus point. I was travelling to New York after my stay so the proximity to Back Bay station was a bonus. Overall a very pleasant stay in a lovely hotel.
THE DETAILS Loews Boston Hotel, 154 Berkeley Street, Boston. Loews' lead-in price is $195 per night.