Pleasantly Surprised
I was a little hesitant, given the mixed reviews, but this hotel was secured at a reduced conference rate, so I went for it. I stayed in room 1483, which I would highly recommend for 2-4 travelers. It's a room with very nice double beds, a lovely desk and sofa, and a small, but very clean bathroom w/excellent water pressure. The view out of the room was stunning -- a view to the condo gardens, with the treetops of the Boston Common in view, as well as a panoramic view of the river and T-lines. There's a very useful business center, an ATM, and an Au Bon Pain restaurant onsite. The staff were polite and helpful at all times. The only wrinkle was that the hotel safe kept malfunctioning, which the security folks were able to sort out twice, but was mildly inconvenient. On the whole, I truly enjoyed may stay, as did my friend. We are both seriously picky about hotels, and we had a blast.