My husband and I planned to stay at the Bostonian for 4 nights during Christmas. We booked this hotel based on their website photos and after reading some reviews. Most of the reviews were favorable so we went ahead and booked the hotel. Since we were flying into Boston during winter, I called ahead to the hotel and let them know that we would be coming in late. Our flight was delayed and we arrived at 3 am at the hotel. We were greeted by a friendly valet but the front desk person was rude and stated that he was not expecting anyone to check in althought we had a guaranteed reservation and had called ahead to let them know of our late arrival. We were finally checked in after some "discussion" and our "superior room" was on the second floor looking down into the common areas (loung and hallways). The room was small and very outdated with worn, dirty carpets. When I called to ask about another room, I was told that this was one of their better rooms. After two days, my husband and I checked out and moved to the Hyatt at Boston Common. Although the Bostonian is in a great location, there are much better hotels in downtown and Boston is small enough that everything is within a 15 minute walk. So don't bother with the Bostonian for its location.

My husband and I wanted to get away for a night to shake off cabin-fever. At the last minute, I cruised the web and found that the Millenium had a room that night for $130! The hotel is right across the street from Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall and just a short walk to the North End (Italian area). We could even see Haymarket, where vendors of vegies, fruits, assorted cheeses and such, gather outside Friday-Sunday. The prices are a steal for you bargain hunters. Pomegranates for 50 cents!

The hotel is hard to find from the outside, a pretty non-descript brick building. You drive into an enclosed rotary at the main entrance to check in and to valet your car if you want. We did. This convenience costs $40 for overnight parking till 2PM the following day. We ended up leaving the car till about 5PM the next day for an extra $12. We just didn't want to deal with parking. But, if you want to save some money, you can try other parking nearby. It will not be cheap, by any means, but it will be less expensive than leaving your car with the hotel. Or you can take the train to the hotel and ditch the car altogether. Boston, especially this area, is a walking city.

The lobby was very tasteful and mellow, the four star rating showed. There was a concierge immediately available. The front desk was a place you could sit at, very nice. The employees, including the valets, were very courteous and friendly. They really added to the stay. There's a nice bar, with a special martini of the week. We peeked into the restaurant but didn't eat there. The North End called to us.

I have read that the rooms vary a lot. Ours showed its age, particularly in the rug, but the furniture, drapes and such were of good quality and everything worked. There was a large floor to ceiling window. Ours was a handicapped room by chance. So there was the occasional mark on the wall from a wheel chair, nothing more. The bed was low, nice to see since it amazes me how many handicapped rooms have beds so high that it would be very difficult for a person in a wheel chair to get into bed. Everything a traveler needs was there, an easy outlet for your laptop, a safe, an extra pillow, a robe. Most surprising was that the tap water was delicious! We never drink hotel water, but always try it. This water was great! It was ice cold and nicely aerated, really a treat. Free, drinkable water!

In the bath, there was a walk-in shower, a heat lamp, good brand toiletries, and very absorbent towels. I have long hair so I notice the towels. I didn't have to use the hairdryer.

In the bedroom, there was a love seat with a coffee table, a desk, an entertainment center with drawers and a mini bar with snacks and drinks. The bed was just okay comfortable, but the sheets didn't set off my allergies, nice for a change. They must have been rinsed well. There were only two things I would change. The television was too old to have a video jack to plug our iPOD Touch into to watch movies. I know I am being picky, but we were looking forward to using the Touch, a Christmas present. The mini bar snacks were boring. Mostly just stuff that you could pick up at a convenience store. If there had been more upscale chocolate, like Godiva or Maine Cottage Foods, I would have sprung for the $4, but for Hersheys and M&M's, no way. A four star hotel with 1 star mini bar.

In the end, we are really happy to have found this hotel. Just for the chance to stay in a great location at this price in Boston is excellent. The hotel appointments and wonderful staff make it a steal. We will be going back when cabin fever strikes again, would recommend it to friends, and will probably try one of the better rooms if they are available.

My wife and I stayed there on 12/29 - 12/31. The staff was excellent, the place clean, great location directly across from Faneuil Hall. Took the T into Haymarket station (just around the corner) rather than pay the $40 /night parking. Would stay again.

Thought this hotel would be a little nicer than it was. Very noisy from bar area and upstairs function room. Thought it could be a bit cleaner. The greatest location to Quincy Market. Overpriced parking and overpriced beverages in the bar. Probably would not stay there again.