Disappointing Experience - August 2012
We chose the hotel based on the price and proximity to downtown Boston. There were 5 of us traveling three adults and two kids. On the plus side we were happy with the suite although it seemed a little smaller than is typical for this chain. The property is well kept with modern decor. The daily breakfast and pool were also hits. The shuttle service was only fair. We needed it to reach the train but the winding route to the airport and ferry stop made the trip several ties longer than simply waling. 
On the negative side, there was little evidence of a concierge except for the unmanned desk. The assistance available at the front desk was minimal and not entirely reliable. After asking for directions to the nearest drugstore we were told it was a few minutes walk from the hotel. Not true - it was nearer to 15 minutes walk and hardly the straight line the employee suggested. When we were leaving we asked the front desk to call a cab for 5 plus luggage. They assured us the company was 'reliable'. In reality the driver 'forgot' to start the meter - when we arrived at the station he called in for a 'flat rate' for us. The price quoted was VERY high which we new based on previous trips. When we questioned the rate, the driver was immediately defensive. The rate quoted was probably a third higher than it should have been. So much for a reliable cab company.
We stayed in suite 542. Housekeeping seemed to have an aversion to servicing this suite. On day two we found not all the beds were made, not all of the trash collected and no effort was put into resetting things like the small table or wet bar area. One day we had to go into the hall to request service after our room was skipped for no particular reason. The housekeeper then complained about having to replace sheets due to an accident by our 4 year old. Mind you, this after we stripped the bed to make the change easier. Not a pleasant experience. This person may be in the wrong line of work.
We also had a few maintenance issues with the room: The toilet was difficult to flush completely, you had to hold the handle for a long time to get the water to clear the bowl. The A/C unit never worked properly - adjusting the temperature control did nothing.
A few tips if you go with this property:
1) You can easily reach the Airport train station by crossing the small park near the hotel. There is a paved path directly across from the hotel entryway. Once inside the park head for the soccer field. You will find a path leading left - take it around the field. The station is on the other side.
2) There is another section of Porter street that has a small shopping plaza with a Marshall's, Shaw's grocery, and a few other stores. You can reach it on foot in about 15 minutes. Its in a residential area. You will have to pass a on ramp area for the highway but there is a safe pedestrian path to the shopping area. Not advisable to go at night because you need to see to navigate there. 
3) There are few restaurants in the immediate walking area. We had a fair meal at the Italian Express a couple of blocks from the hotel. 
4) There is a small bodega around the corner from the hotel. Out the front door and o the left. Cross the street and head about halfway down the street to Diana's.