Review of The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Boston

3 years ago

UPDATE:

UPDATE:
This will be my 3rd stay here and previously I stayed and gave this a two star review due to the rooms of which I was invited back to try again and see the new renovations. I have to say the rooms are definitely upgraded, and are nicer than the previous stays. I elected the Executive suite and it is stylish and looks a lot better. The suite is roomy and the bathroom is huge and this is more like what I would expect from a hotel of this class. The location is prime of course here since you are in the heart of downtown and across from the gardens and the common and walking distance to pretty much everything. I guess the one area they do need to improve here is the lobby and the bar and the check in process. The lobby is small and cramped and there is not much to it. For a grand classy hotel like this, I would expect a grand entrance and a nice bar area, which it is okay but not really much to rave about. Check in is odd since you are standing in line in the middle of the lobby and then sitting at a desk much like visiting a bank to take out a loan. Very weird and it holds up traffic in the cramped lobby. They should change this practice. Staff is pleasant enough and no other complaints.

Past Review:
I stayed here for just one night and I have to say I am very glad this room was a free night due to points from my Ritz Credit card otherwise I would of asked for a refund. The place sits in the Downtown Crossing section of Boston but previously was located at the Taj Hotel which was a much better location. This location is tightly situated and you would never even notice the property if it weren't for the Ritz flag outside. The lobby is also cramped and check in is really odd, sort of a corridor/hallway with two desks and people sitting at the desks probably because most check in online. The bar was the nicest part of the hotel which was in the middle of the lobby. I did not go into the Artisan Restaurant nor did I get room service but it did not look like it belonged in a Ritz Hotel. When I arrived at my room, I was appalled how small the room was and how dated the decor looked. Aside from a large bathroom which by itself was not that special, the room was nothing special and although the bed was comfortable, everything seemed like a chain hotel and nothing I would of paid over $500 a night for. I was traveling on business so I was alone but if I had arrived with another person here, I would of been embarrassed. The room I had two blocks away at the Godfrey Hotel was twice as large, updated and nicer and about $300 cheaper than this place. If you are looking to stay in style, rethink your decision to stay here unless you are fine with cramped quarters and not a great experience. This can't be a Ritz, it looks more like a Day's Inn or Marriott!